An update - went to the Superitendent again. He promised to have us a number (amount of money that was in the old account) before our first meeting Tuesday or next week. He also said we WOULD have access to this money to use as start-up funds for our new PTO.
Looking forward to get that information, so we'll know how much we need to raise in order to incorporate, apply for 501c3 status, get insurance, etc.

I don't have any answers, but this is almost identical to my situation; although it was a PTO, and has been run after problems by the school secretary. Will be watching for input and feedback!

First of all, thank you all for your insight and for PTO Today for offering this resource! I have been reading for days to gather information to start a PTO at our local school.

We have an odd situation - long story, but I'll try to make it short.

- Evidently had a PTA in 2006/2007, as a parent, I paid dues, but nothing ever happened. However, I called the state PTA president and found out we had a "really big group" during that time, but that no actual bylaws were ever sent into the state PTA. I don't recall even getting anything about having a meeting.
- Now, my job has changed, so I have more free time. I feel the need to do something to better our school.
- There are many issues/needs that need to be addressed.
- I am a grant writer, have been for the past six years, and through my desire to help get funds for those needs, I have begun the process of beginning a PTO. I have ran a nonprofit for the past 4+ years, so I'm very familiar with that aspect of it, should we decide to go that route.
- When I approached the superintendent about old records, funds, etc, I got the "we have them somewhere, I'll have to see if we can find them" speech. In regards to funds, I was told he (the superintendent) had closed out the account himself because there was a monthly fee and he didn't want to see the money dwindle down to nothing. Evidently those funds are now under the control of the superintendent. While I can understand this thinking, I do have a serious problem with the legalities of it.

So, I got put on the agenda for the school board meeting and spoke to them earlier this week. I know I didn't need their approval, but I wanted their blessing and support because we are all in this together, for the same reason - to help our school and our kids. It could not have gone better - they and all three principals were all very supportive!

My questions:
1. How do I handle this issue with the old PTA funds? I did bring this up during the school board meeting, so the board is aware of what happened.
2. If the old PTA never filed bylaws with the state (but did send in dues), do we have to dissolve the old PTA first? (It was set up for the elementary school, but we're planning on doing a PTO for the entire school - elem, middle and high school.)

Would greatly appreciate any advice!