PTO Today

Hmmmmm…. hate to see this one. The Connecticut Attorney General’s office has opened up an investigation of a local Catholic High School and QSP/Reader’s Digest (the fundraising guys) over a Casino Night fundraiser.  Looks like group was using real casino-like equipment that may have been provided by QSP.  I’m betting that there’s more to this story and that perhaps the casino wheel was part of the reward at the end of a successful magazine drive, but we’ll see. 

Raffle/gambling rules are different in every state and often very hard to figure out.  Usually, good-faith efforts by good causes get a pass.  Clearly, though, groups can push it too far and wind up with some ’splainin’ to do. 

So I was interviewed for this embezzle story from an Arkansas paper. Reporter did a good job of capturing most of the basics (PTA dues structure, PTA membership decline), but missed one really key element of the story. Arkansas state PTA leaders make the really bold claim that being a PTA would have prevented this PTO’s embezzle loss. All I suggested was that reporter do a google search on “PTA + Embezzle” and another on “PTO + Embezzle” The clear conclusion: embezzlement is an equal opportunity challenge for parent groups. No doubt. Related link: All of these stories make it more clear than ever that your PTO should get insurance.

Maryland feature takes look at why PTOs need insurance. Need more info? Here’s our feature on same topic. And details on the PTO Today insurance program for parent-teacher groups (with lower rates than ever before!).

Former PTO treasurer of now-closed (Katrina) school in Louisiana facing probe of very questionable actions. PayPal account in treasurer’s name (using PTO’s Tax ID #) is the smoking gun.

Wouldn’t wish this stuff on an enemy. Looks like former Baltimore County PTA Council head has issues. Charges filed (and restraining order issued) amidst ugly harrassment and threat charges, stemming back to a trip to national PTA convention.

Oft-overlooked insurance issues nearly take down impressive before- and after-school programs of this Garden State PTA. Is your group insured? Not sure? Get all your answers from our insurance partner by clicking here.

This Florida story has the kind of ending we like: convicted embezzler writes check for full restitution of more than $25,000 from local PTA. And here’s another from Massachusetts, where former PTO leader gets weekends and jail and restitution as sentence for embezzle conviction.

Eye-catching headline — and everyone’s reaction likely = same — but the reality is more gray. Florida feature looks at interesting wrinkle in parent rights versus safety concerns.

$50,000 missing from this Colorado PTO. Ugh.

With one guilty plea already on the books, this former treasurer now being investigated for loss at another school.