Charge PTOs for School Use? No Way!
June 18th, 2009 by Tim SullivanGrrrrr….. this goes in the same category as the recent discussion on restricting PTO fliers and categorizing them the same as fliers from outside community groups. This Pennsylvania district is considering charging outside groups for use of school facilities. I understands the budget pressures that lead to that conclusion.
But, ummmm, PTOs are not outside groups. Are they going to charge English teachers for use of the classrooms, too? The local sports league, the Girl Scouts — yup, those are outside groups. But an active, effective parent group focused on building parent involvement and community and supporting the school is a key part of a great school. It’s foundational, not extra… and certainly not “outside”. Double grrr.
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
In our county you are allowed 1 free night to use the school, after that they can require you to pay. cannot use anything, kitchen, etc without paying the staff ourselves. we even have to buy our own ice at our school…
June 25th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Our school also charges a fee during the week if the event is after the maintenance staff leaves for the day and for any weekend use. Their reasoning is that a member of the maintenance staff needs to be on site for clean up or if issues arise i.e. a clogged toilet. The district has to pay for this employee to be on site and it’s outside the districts budget.