I agree that this is a questionable practice. It complicates your bookkeeping, puts the PTO at financial risk (in case you don't get reimbursed), and might even be illegal if the teacher is claiming a tax deduction for money "donated" to the PTO. There's also an issue of precedent -- you're essentially loaning money to this teacher. Unless the PTO has a compelling reason to support these luncheons, you should stop doing this. And even if there is a reason to continue, you need a more straightforward way to handle the money.
- Craig
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