We formed an (almost) district-wide PTO a year ago. It covers grades K-8, seven schools (all schools in the district except the high school). We have an executive board, and each building has officers as well.
Our first year went well. For the previous three years, there were three separate PTOs -- two covered three elementary buildings each, and one was at one of the middle schools. When our district was reorganized a year ago, all of the PTOs met and decided to try a district-wide structure. Budgeting and fundraising is handled by the executive board, but each building does it's own programs and activities.
One of the great things in having a district-wide PTO is that it helps in leveling out things economically. And the information sharing is another big plus.
Finance Manager has been invaluable to us in keeping a handle on the money! We have three treasurers and it's so wonderful having an online system that the three of us and our board can access at any time to check on budget status, etc.

Our district proposed this, but its still under consideration. Each school maintains their own PTO, officers and conducts their own events. When it comes to yearly filing, all our budgets roll up and the board accountant would then file one tax form representing all the schools together.
Currently, we have Liaison meetings on a monthly basis with PTO Exec. Board members from all the schools. We share ideas, who book who for assemblies and we've booked the same people to reduce costs. We have shared decorations for our school events, lend eachother popcorn machines, etc. so in that way, we already work together. However, we are definitely separate schools each with our own board members, finances, etc. Having a district PTO would essentially be on paper only & limited to tax filing. It was never suggested that we blend our boards & finances.
Depending on to what degree you blend together, it can be beneficial for your school.

My district doesn't do this, but I'm a huge proponent of this concept. There are way too many gaps in information, too many new people each year.

It would be wonderful if the district provide a very basic structure, system for accountability, general processes and forms - yet allowing each group to operate independently within the framework.

My district has about 4 high schools, 5 middle, and 17 elementary. Everyone is on their own. I'm not in favor of them taking over or micromanaging the parent groups, it would make so much more sense to me, for the district to provide some basic guidelines.

The more I read about this the more I wonder if it would work in my district, there have been times that we have tried to get the leaders together but it doesn't work. I now see the down side that to me is the financial part, I wouldn't want to share...okay I am selfish! But think about it if your group raises $20,000 in a year and another only 10,000. it seems you may get the short end of the stick.
It sounds like another way is to have each school maintain their own PTO so if that is the case like capedad said who are the officers, the board, etc. Is it only for the tax purpose of doing it this way?
I guess I am feeling more comfortable trying to just have an informal group that we can share ideas, schedule our fundraisers at different times, things like that...more the sharing of ideas.

Our school district has what we call a joint PTO. All schools with PTO's are represented. We have held events together where all costs are shared and all schools are invited. We had a national author come and talk to students and teachers and parents at different times. We also did a joint fundraiser, all 3 elementary schools sold bracelets for Katrina relief, we found a school in LA with local ties and all the money raised by the joint PTO went there.

In our school district there is a definite difference within the 3 schools, one school has the "poor kids" rep, one school has the "rich kids" rep and one school is more balanced economically but is 2x's the size and has a hard time getting organized. The real value of the joint PTO is the community building aspect. Stereo types are being broken, relationships are developing and everyone is a winner. Rumors are stopped, information is shared and the kids are the ultimate winners. The joint PTO puts a lot of energy back into all the school PTO's. We have a stronger community and school district as well.

WFS;132849 wrote: Cape Dad, Your board of education would collect those finance papers and do the filing for you. If your district has 5 schools, then each PTO in the 5 schools would complete their end of year balance sheet, send over final papers to your Board of Education office and then they would be responsible for collating all the data for one filing. Your Treasurer is actually getting off the hook for completing all those state and federal forms that have to be filed each year.

Then I am misunderstanding the OP.

I thought it was establishing a PTO (independent) that umbrellas in the parent groups in the district. In your case, where is the financial independence? Why is a district accountant involved? Who are the officers for the organization?