<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Susieq04: Thanks Tim--I did reread the PTA manuals and we cannot as a 501c3 organization endorse a candidate running for any type of office.<hr></blockquote>
Not a legal expert, but I believe that endorsing a political candidate and advocating for one side or another in the contract talks are completely different.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Under the NYS PTA manuals it states that taking sides in the discussions of employee contracts will in the long run de detreimental to the PTA goal established more than 100 years ago. <hr></blockquote>
That's a PTA position, not a requirement of all parent groups. There are actually some PTA critics who feel strongly that that very position is a mistake by the PTA, effectively taking the parent voice out of a very important school decision. I don't necessarily agree -- and that could be a long topic by itself -- but it's important to differentiate between NY state PTA policy and what's OK for groups, in general.
I forgot to mention and the Menzy Mom made me think of it-- it's not as bad as it was at the begining of the year but if I would go to the District Office for whatever reason and the gal at the desk reconized me from the school board meetings I may as well have been invisable.
Thanks Tim--I did reread the PTA manuals and we cannot as a 501c3 organization endorse a candidate running for any type of office. Under the NYS PTA manuals it states that taking sides in the discussions of employee contracts will in the long run de detreimental to the PTA goal established more than 100 years ago.
Much of school budget is now considered contingent expenses and teacher salaries are a non-discretionary expense. PTA members should provide information and assistance as part of school budget advisory committees, but relize that (at least in NYS) Education LAw gives the school board the authority adn responsibility to fund admisiter school dostricts. Ths schol board president is the chief fiscal officer for the district.
Out of curiosity, why would you do that? What possible all around good could come of it? If the teachers win, the district is mad at you. If the district wins, the district is mad at you. I don't know about you, but when it comes to scheduling stuff, I have to work within the district guidelines, and many times, need an OK from them for big events. Don't get me wrong, I would side with the teachers too, but I don't think I would sacrifice my organization to do so. Isn't there some other way to support them? A petition with parent signatures would be okay, but not under the direct heading of PTO.
Good Luck! :eek: :eek:
I'm not totally sure, Susie, but I think you're wrong on that last remark. There's certainly an argument to be made that a group *should not* get involved, but I don't think it's the case that the group *can not* get involved.
:eek: 
