You can check with the IRS about 501(c)(3) status and with the agency in your state that handles incorporations about the other.
Not to put a damper on things, but I doubt your parent group is a 501(c)(3). It's possible - ANYTHING is possible with a parent group. However, with parochial schools, parent groups are often more like a specialized committee that falls under the church/parish umbrella. These groups often do much more fundraising to help with operational expenses, scholarships, etc. rather than merely supplementing the school with "extras" and enriching what's already in place. And they are frequently controlled pretty tightly by the church/school leadership.
That's not to say you don't have leverage. Your principal needs the support of the parents. You probably PAY to have your children attend there. And it sounds like there is a structure in place where she may not be the final level if you cannot work things out.
Can a group of you meet with her in a non-threatening way to find out more about her vision and where some common ground might be found? If your good-faith attempts to work with her fail, you may have seek support from the Superintendent.
I'm rather ignorant, sorry. Would a parochial school automatically fall into the category of a 501(c) organization? Would incorporation AND 501(c) 3 be filed separately? Aside from our school principal, who would be able to confirm incorporation and organizational status of which you mention? Would this sort of information be publicly accessible?
Any further info or guidance would be appreciated!
Happy Thanksgiving!
ym
If your PTO is incorporated (and recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization), then the principal can't unilaterally disband it. She can, of course, restrict your access to the school -- but only as far as other "community" groups, eg, if the Girl Scouts can request space in the building after school hours, the PTO should be able to, also.
I would think the PTO should continue to meet -- in other locations if necessary -- and invite the superintendent and/or your principal to come speak, or perhaps listen to the accomplishments of your PTO in the recent past. Could be that the new principal had a really bad experience at her last school.
Our new school Principal has just announced 3 months into the school year that our PTO is no longer and that she has instead formed an HSA in its place, effective immediately. No consideration or open vote was made. There have been no explanations as to why other than a misleading statement that the school superintendent supports this decision and it is only a name change.
A parent has brought to light, very recent documentation from the School Superintendent who clearly specifies support of all parent/teacher/school type groups--not in favor of one over another. Despite protests and reasonable concerns addressed by some parents, and PTO board members, we have been told it is our principal's final word, like a parent to a child. We have been made to feel disloyal to even question her authority. Further we have been told she does not condone emails, forums or blogs and controls the previous PTO suggestion box. Many respectful emails have been sent to her as followups to parental conferences that have ensued--No replies have been forthcoming. Further, there has been no sinister activity or history from our families, whatsoever, that would warrant her measures. In essence, parents are concerned, and our voices are being censored. Please reply promptly as to what recourse we might have and any advice. We would be so grateful. Thanks!
