Hi Kim-
You've come to the right website for starting a parent group or increasing parent involvement! Here is a link to a Start-up Guide: PTO Start-Up Guide

The fact that you have families from 40 different school districts does present a challenge, but not one that cannot be overcome. Different schools who we hear from have various obstacles -- Here are a few articles about how they address their challenges that might be helpful. PTO Today Articles
Increase Parent Involvement with 2 Hour Power Volunteer Pledge Program | PTO Today
PTO Today Articles

Our experienced leaders will tell you start small. Also, because your population is spread out, if your parents have computers, take advantage of free tools like our Parent Express Newsletter to foster communication and build involvement.
Parent Express Email - The Free, Simple Email Solution for Parent Groups | PTO Today

Hope this gives you a place to start. Does anyone else have some ideas on how to get parents involved when the parents are spread out?

Let us know if you have other questions,
Lisa

Hello,

I am an administrator from a non profit special needs school that is funded through school district referrals. I would like to get more parent involvement but have specific challenges. We have a population of approximately 200 students with special needs that come from about 40 different school districts in a very large metropolitan area. I've been employed at this school going on 8 years now. We have never had a parent group. I want to get more parent involvement by starting a PTO group but I'm not sure how to start since everyone is so spread out. Any suggestions?