JHB;133826 wrote: On the plus side, there's a lot to be said for the infrastructure the PTA provides in terms of training, reference material, organizational support, discounts, and communication.

But if there are reasons the PTA structure isn't working for you and a PTO would be a better fit, then use those to convince the others the change is worthwhile.

WHERE does this exist??

NancyRae;133819 wrote: ...I also received hostility from a parent on the board. She didn't give me much of a chance to give my point of view, just went off about why we shouldn't change. I just don't understand why a parent would not want more money to go towards her child's school!

Any thoughts on how I could convince her?

WHY are you wanting to change? That's the key in convincing anyone. Personally, I've never thought avoiding PTA dues being reason enough if that's the only factor. If you wanted to convince me to do away with an existing organization in favor of starting a new one, you'd need far more compelling reasons than that.

I've started a PTO from the ground up, joined an existing PTO, and joined an existing PTA chapter - so I've no pre-defined inclination. Both types have their merits.

If I was working with a small group that wanted to be informal and stay below the $5000 gross receipts threshold, then I'd definitely go with PTO. But beyond that - switching (either way) is a case by case situation.

On the plus side, there's a lot to be said for the infrastructure the PTA provides in terms of training, reference material, organizational support, discounts, and communication. What I found in creating a 501(c)(3) PTO was that just because I was willing to put in time to understand the business side of things, didn't mean subsequent officers were. There is a price for that independence. It can be a nice security blanket to be part of a larger organization that has defined processes that don't get lost just because officers change.

If your problems are the typical ones of parent apathy, lack of volunteers, low interest, not enough teacher support, etc. - those transcend the organization type. Changing from one to the other is no magic bullet.

But if there are reasons the PTA structure isn't working for you and a PTO would be a better fit, then use those to convince the others the change is worthwhile.

It's interesting that I keep reading about encountering hostility. I was really shocked that I also received hostility from a parent on the board. She didn't give me much of a chance to give my point of view, just went off about why we shouldn't change. I just don't understand why a parent would not want more money to go towards her child's school!

Any thoughts on how I could convince her?

Mike john;133057 wrote: Hi I am new to this forum, but I have been reading this for some time as well as others in our group. We have recently changed from a PTSA to a PTO. We feel like we can now move forward and breath.

Congrats. Man, it really kills me to hear that kind of experience, even though I know it's very real. Dozens and dozens (maybe more) of volunteers chewed up by a process of trying to simply change a acronym. It simply doesn't need to be that agita-inducing.

To tell you some history about our school. We are a No. Calif. high school in a HS district with 5 other high schools. We were the last to change from a PTA. the reason for this is our history tied to pta on up to the state pta. In a sense we were the springboard. We were a unit for over 46 years and a membership of 700. We produced over $210,000.00 in fundraising this year.

You also likely spent somewhere in the neighborhood of $2500 per year in council, state and national dues.

For us we had many budget meetings trying to spend all the money, but we finally did it at our final meeting. We had to wait till the last meeting to make sure all the final programs were taken care of. And it is true the main thing is to make sure you have a zero account before you disband. They will take your money and will not give it back.

I have no doubt you heard this, but -- I'm curious -- did you run across any examples of that actually happening? Those dollars would have been in your account, under your control -- still haven't eard of an actual example of state PTA getting those funds, though I agree that spending dow the $$ is the path of least resistance.

Remember that the current pta board is still part of the pta, so you can not discuss any pto business at your meetings.

Just so the record is straight -- this is not true. Again, I have no doubt you heard it, but it's a classic example of PTA scare tactics. Your PTA board -- any PTA board -- can absolutely discuss a PTO. Anytime they want. It would the technical equivalent of discussing the AARP or the local United Way or the Cub Scouts.

The great thing about this process was, we had the backing of our administration, teachers, staff, parents, and students.
Now we can go forward. Thank you for all your help.

Sounds like you do amazing work. Good luck!

Tim

Hi I am new to this forum, but I have been reading this for some time as well as others in our group. We have recently changed from a PTSA to a PTO. We feel like we can now move forward and breath.
To tell you some history about our school. We are a No. Calif. high school in a HS district with 5 other high schools. We were the last to change from a PTA. the reason for this is our history tied to pta on up to the state pta. In a sense we were the springboard. We were a unit for over 46 years and a membership of 700. We produced over $210,000.00 in fundraising this year.
Our process was long. We started in October and tried to go by the rules set by the toolbook. With no mention of a 2/3 vote. Who was to know there was an advance toolbook that only the district pta has.
For us we had many budget meetings trying to spend all the money, but we finally did it at our final meeting. We had to wait till the last meeting to make sure all the final programs were taken care of. And it is true the main thing is to make sure you have a zero account before you disband. They will take your money and will not give it back.
Other helpful tips is to have your pto started with all the paper work done, so as when the vote to disband, you already have a new one ready to go. Remember that the current pta board is still part of the pta, so you can not discuss any pto business at your meetings.
The presentation for the pros of each organization before the vote. should be done with a power point demonstration and be well organized. At our debate and vote we had a presentation from the high ups from our state pta. The best thing about this was it validated our decision to disband. We had a 84% to disband. The great thing about this process was, we had the backing of our administration, teachers, staff, parents, and students.
Now we can go forward. Thank you for all your help.

We are neither PTA/PTO. Our group decided after attending the PTO Today conference in Nashville,TN in 2005 that we could be whatever we choose and we don't have to pay anyone nothing

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we have since decided to have insurance something that None of the past members ever worried about.