Question: Principal's Role in PTO

We have a PTO that is a 501(c)(3). We are dissolving the PTO at the end of the school year. We as a PTO have presented ideas to the Members of the PTO how we could spend the funds to make a memorable year for our students. We are getting push back from the Principal about what we want to present to the Members of the PTO in order to exhaust the funds. What level of authority does the Principal have over the PTO, if any? Can't we present ideas and have them voted on without the "consent" of the principal?

Asked by elaine12570

Answers:

Community Advice

CherylB writes:
Hi elaine1570,

We always suggest to try to get along with the administration at your school. You may want to sit down and see why the Principal is giving you push back on how you spend the PTO's funds. He/She may have good ideas on what the funds may be better spent on.

Best of luck!

Cheryl
Leader Support

Community Advice

elaine12570 writes:
We do meet with him he is not being transparent. Our question is what's permissible of a principal over a PTO? Can we offer a vote to the members of the PTO without clearing it with him first is the question. We want to know our rights as a PTO.

Community Advice

CherylB writes:
It all depends how your group is set up, you will need to look at your bylaws to see. Here is a great article that spells it out https://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/167-whose-rules-school-or-pto.

Cheryl