I'm with Jewel on transparency ... and the IRS has regulations about how forms you file for them must be open for public inspection if you're a 501(c)(3).

Agendas should be public. Board minutes, maybe not, but I wouldn't recommend putting anything in those minutes that you don't want someone to read; some discussions don't need to be recorded. Membership ... if everyone in your school is a member (our by-laws say this), then just give the principal a directory!

On the other hand......the PTO is able to conduct business on school grounds to school parents for the benefit of those students at the pleasure of the school's principal.

Additionally, there is no valid reason why a PTO's activities should not be as transparent to both school administrators and to school parents as possible.

As I am PTA, we had this problem. I took it to county council; after we turned over our records. We as the board had nothing to hide.
I was told NO, NO, NO.
That the principal/school has no rights to the PTA finacial records. (audits)

We are an independant pto org. The principal is demanding to see all of our financial records and receipts, board mtg min. and agendas and memberships? Are we legally bound to give them to her? We can't find info on this subject matter? Can anyone help?