PTOs, Over-Reaction, Bad Policy, and the Backpack Express
May 19th, 2009 by tsullivanWhat was once a very minor annoyance is becoming a more common challenge for many PTOs and PTAs. We’ve tracked several communities where school parent-teacher groups (PTOs and PTAs) have been banned from using the backpack express to communicate with parents. I’ll explain below, but cutting to the chase — this is horrible policy that does harm to schools. And it doesn’t have to be this way. Nuance and a backbone are both wonderful things.
For background, here’s a post on our message boards about this topic. And here’s a story from Minnesota about one school board making this poor decision. And a follow-up from same paper on the after-effects to date.
The real failing here is equating the local school PTO with the local karate school or the Church down the street from the school. That’s hogwash.
What’s happening is that several fair lawsuits have been filed (it’s an organized effort from a church-based organization) demanding equal access at public schools to the Backpack Express for outside groups. The argument is (and I agree with it) that if the school sends home flyers for the Karate School or (more controversially) the local Prayer Club, then it also has to send home flyers for any other business in town and any Church function at all (say, for example, the national agnostic club).
In many cases, these lawsuits demanding equal access have worked. So what do local school boards do? They ban all “outside” organizations from using the backpack express in order to avoid the issue altogether. The real problem — and it’s ridiculous – is that these Boards don’t take the time or thought to see that PTOs and PTAs aren’t the same as the karate club or local Church. A well-working parent group is an essential part of a well-working school. Research and common sense both support this.
All it would take is a more nuanced policy statement like: “…school communication channels won’t be used, except by the school or organizations directly related to the school and the school’s work, like the school parent-teacher organization and the school athletics booster club.” Something like that.
Too often, School Boards think themselves above worrying about “little” things like the under-appreciated value of a well-working parent group. While they’re debating budgets and teacher contracts and new Superintendant hires, they forget that seemingly simple decisions can have far-reaching effects on the real everyday goings-on at their schools. I suspect that’s what’s happening in these cases. The policy is being set and hugely impacting parent groups without parent groups being consulted or considered.
These legal challenges to typical Backpack Express openness are going to continue. If they come to your town, very important that you make the case early and loudly that all “groups” in this discussion aren’t created equal. Your parent group is *part* of the school process. We have to get that message across.
End Rant.
On a calmer note, if your group is facing this challenge (and/or if you’re trying to save money and/or if you’re trying to save some trees), email is finally becoming a real viable communications solution for PTOs and PTAs. Our new Parent Express Email offering is free and makes managing your parent email list and sending customized, professional-looking emails simple. Check out our Parent Express Email solution here.
May 29th, 2009 at 12:35 am
I agree that schools need to reconsider this move, especially for elementary schools. But the issue gets much murkier for middle and high school. First, the sheer numbers of students is an issue. Second, there are an increasing number of school-related organizations once you get to that level. It’s mind-boggling. So the policy may not be the same for different levels.
More importantly, both sides have to recognize that PTO/PTAs are a special category. They need to be really careful about the claim of “independence”. These may indeed be separate 501(c)(3) organizations and independent in some ways. But they can’t claim that when it comes to reasonable oversight and rules and then claim “special” when they get treated like any other independent organizations. Both sides need to balance the true relationship.
June 8th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Hi Joy -
I agree on the “independence” issue. There is a fine line. We have seen groups try to take independence too far, and — you’re right — those groups likely will have little luck trying to get around these backpack express rulings.
However, the vast majority of groups — even if they get own 501c3 status, which many do not — still work in close corelation with school officials. And the “cause” of the groups is closely tied to the well-running of the school. That’s patently different than the church group pushing these lawsuits or even the local soccer league. There has to be a way to make that key difference meaningful. Even if it takes legislation or policy.
Tim