Question: Conflict of interest and financial chaos

My sons school PTO was about to end a yr and 1/2 ago until myself and a few other parents stepped up and kept it going. All of the PTO Officers were new to their positions and had not had any prior experience with PTO. So when the President decided to help the Treasurer get the bank accounts in order, nobody thought anything of it but here we are a year and 1/2 later and he has not turned over ANY of the banking info or forms to the Treasurer and has kept ALL paperwork. He no longer even attempts to give me (I am Secretary) a financial report at meetings and we have no idea what is up financially at all. We have a Treasurer,shouldn’t she be in charge of finances? And isn’t it a conflict of interest to be both President and Treasurer? Also, he makes decisions about activities and fundraisers without any board approval. Often we find out about them when the students do, is that considered acceptable?

Asked by cyrisez

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Rockne writes:
Hi cyrisez -- You're definitely correct to be concerned. At the very least, what your describing is not optimal at all, especially when you have volunteers like your treasurer ready to play that role. Solid checks and balances involve good group decision-making and different folks running the checking account and "checking" the checking account. Good luck in your efforts to make change. Tim

Community Advice

AGourdine writes:
You are right on point and should be very concerned! I did have a the same issue last year as I was also new to the PTA. Our President has served on the PTA for many, many years. No one will question her actions or motives because they feel she is probably right but that is not always the case! It should be the Treasurer's responsibility to handle most of the financial affairs for the PTA/PTO. It is also the responsibility of every member on that PTO Board to know what financial decisions and outcomes are on a MONTHLY basis! My suggestion to you is to have an Executive Board Meeting to address this issue as soon as possible. It may be necessary to bring it to the attention of the Principal or your School District Leader if the situation does not improve or change.