Question: Role of principal with pto budget

Our principal suddenly wants to pre-approve all future pto expenses before the expenses are presented to the pto board to approve or disapprove. In the past we have always consulted the principal about the needs of the school and teachers. Can a principal literally take control like this? This defeats the purpose of having a pto board.

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
The principal is overstepping his bounds. He's also needlessly creating work for himself. If this is a change in policy, try to get to the bottom of the reason for the change. What specifically is it that has concerned him in the past, and how might you address it in a way that's more efficient than having him approve every single purchase? You might also point out to him that this is likely to be an involvement killer. By micromanaging in this way, he may be alienating some of the school's biggest supporters. Read the story Negotiating With the Principal for some tips on how best to approach him.