Comments on: PTOs, Over-Reaction, Bad Policy, and the Backpack Express http://www.ptotoday.com/ptoblog/parent-involvement/2009/05/19/ptos-over-reaction-bad-policy-and-the-backpack-express/ Ideas, news, opinions and tips about what's happening in the parent group world Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:45:29 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Tim Sullivan http://www.ptotoday.com/ptoblog/parent-involvement/2009/05/19/ptos-over-reaction-bad-policy-and-the-backpack-express/comment-page-1/#comment-3381 Tim Sullivan Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:40:25 +0000 http://www.ptotoday.com/ptoblog/?p=931#comment-3381 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 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

]]> By: Joy Hall Bryant http://www.ptotoday.com/ptoblog/parent-involvement/2009/05/19/ptos-over-reaction-bad-policy-and-the-backpack-express/comment-page-1/#comment-3370 Joy Hall Bryant Fri, 29 May 2009 04:35:43 +0000 http://www.ptotoday.com/ptoblog/?p=931#comment-3370 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. 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.

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