Parent groups often buy classroom supplies and special equipment for schools, but as districts across the country face severe budget cuts, some PTOs are shelling out thousands of dollars just to keep programs afloat.

The bailouts raise questions about what parent groups should pay for and what should come from schools. Then there’s the issue of equity: In a publicly funded school system, is it fair for one school to have extras others don’t because a PTO pays for them? Wherever you fall on the issue, it’s hard to argue with the efforts of the following groups!

Field Trips
When the Eau Claire (Wis.) Area School District cut field trip funding, the Eau Claire United PTA/PTO set a goal to raise $70,000 to pay for the outings. The group started its campaign in August 2009 and reached its goal the following June. The United PTA/PTO raised money through corporate sponsorships, a radio telethon, restaurant nights, and other fundraisers. The group has already started raising money to support field trips for this school year. Parents are continuing to lobby the school board to restore funding.

Learning Labs
Parents credit the technology and science programs at Fremont Elementary in Long Beach, Calif., with helping students achieve high test scores. They have been keeping the programs afloat since losing district funding in 2004. In June, the PTA announced that it had raised $60,000, to be matched by a local company whose owner has a grandchild at the school. The funds will keep the programs going this school year.