Just don't be on the committee that decides what to do for a fund raiser. And just as a rule, "someone" is always going to talk - no matter what you do. Be up front, don't be offended if they don't go with your husband's company, and take the nomination.

We are all volunteers here.

...it could STILL be a 'problem' becuase as neutral as you try to be, there will ALWAYS be poeple saying ohhhh, THAT fundraiser company was chosen becuase the spouse is on the board,,,etc etc etc ie therefore SHE got preferential treatment/pick.

it really boils down to how much of the (potential) idle chatter you can ignore, or stomach, depending on the politics of your group and if its one with an active grapevine or one that doesnt have a grapvine (if that exists, i have yet to find one) and treats people in the adult mode and fairly (in which case, NO, it really wouldnt be a problem).

IMO it boils down to a judgement call these boards cant make becuas only YOU know the lay of the land there the best, and the parent group and if it COULD become a problem, perception-wise and chatter-wise.

DOn't be involved when it comes to selection process of fundraiser vendors
Have a neutral party be witness to any money transactions or calculations taking place so there is no cause for concern.
Otherwise, there shouldn't be a problem

Does your group have a Fundraising Coordinator. If so then, IMO, it would their responsibility to review the various fundaraising possibilities and present the best options to the committee. A Treasurer's responsibilities should not interefre (again, based on your Bylaws) with anything regarding fundraising, other than taking the money and depositing it.

If your group does not have a Fundraising Coordinator, I would recommend talking with your president to have one set up/elected. If not then I would have to guess that it would be the responsibility of the president to take on this role, which would again keep you out of the decision and would prevent any conflict of interest.

Good luck, PresidentJim

I'm not in that position, but I would have to personally avoid being the board member - especially the treasurer. No matter how open, no matter how many disclosures, no matter the intent, *someone* will take issue with it - and probably not to your face. Being a board member is tough enough with all of the questions and concerns surrounding business practices, and if you tack on even one possible conflict, it could turn ugly, fast.
Of course a lot depends on school, the PTO relationship as a whole and of that with the school. However, I think at some point we have all had "issues" with our fundraising companies in some form or fashion - whether it be delivery, or products, or payment, or... Do you really want to be in the middle?
I think it would also depend on how long you plan to be involved. If your child is in k-1, and if something, heaven forbid, goes wrong, whether it's within your husband's power or not, it's that much longer you'll have to deal with it. However, if your child's in 4th or 5th, then this may just be a great opportunity.
Our school is just this year switching to a fundraising rep that happens to be one of our parents, and I'm very excited at what she has to offer. However, I'm cautious by nature and although I know the truth because I'm on the board, if that parent were on the board, as a layperson, I would immediately think that the contract was obtained because of the relationship.
If you're a small (<200) tight knit school, it may not be an issue, but I would be afraid with anything larger, that you will absolutely have those parents that don't attend meetings and only have half of the details, that can ruin in for the rest.

it reaaly depends on the bond that you have with your school, I had a similar situation and the person was just my friend. All of a sudden I was accused of getting a kick back and so on. It was very heart breaking after rasiing over 200,000 dollar over a few years

my advice is stay clear sometimes your best friend will become your best enemy
maybe just volunteer for a committee

good luck