Question: Does the pto have any legal rights?

Our school board removed the PTO from the school last year.. we have completed all thier requirements to get back into running our program from the the school and they kep voting no. However they have allowed one memeber to put on her christmas shop this year in the school. As new officers we need to know if there is anything we can do. The majority of this is personal betwwen the SB President and 2 former PTO members. we are currently functioning outside the schoold but nnot even allowed to send things home with the students even thought other groups are. Is this not discrimination?

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
I'd suggest gathering together all of the information you can find on the important of parent involvement in education to present to the school board. Hundreds of scientifically conducted research studies show that when parents get involved in their children's education many good things happen: grades go up, test scores go up, discipline problems go down, and schools as a whole perform better. The article Involvement Matters: What To Tell Parents summarizes some of the research. Successful parent groups create the connection that helps more parents get connected to the school and then involved in their children's education. Let the school board know that you will be focusing on helping the school build involvement and creating the kind of supportive community where students and teachers alike can do their best work. I would also suggest speaking privately with the president of the school board to see how you can address his specific concerns. It may be as simple as guaranteeing that the two former members won't take officer positions. But until you address the issue directly, it's unlikely that you will be able to move forward. Good luck! Political situations like this are difficult, and I commend you for sticking with it.