Most organizations have some sort of policy as to what their employees can/cannot accept as gifts, so token gifts are always best.
Did any of you follow the case in the news last winter on this? Talk about bizarre!! A couple claimed that in order to get their special needs child appropriate school attention, they were coerced into supplying the teachers and staff with over a $100,000 in gifts during the year. This included diamonds, a car, cash, free use of condo, jewelry, designer clothes, and more.
Ultimately the family came to a confidential settlement with the school district. I know that's miles away from what we are discussing, but the visibility and nationwide press that story generated has made many administrators ask "Do we have a good policy in place on this?"
Good points JHB, what I was getting at was more what you said here:
Besides, such a policy would dictate what the staff would or wouldn't be allowed to accept.
It's not so much a "non-profit" thing as it is a district rules thing. I don't think there's anything that says a non-profit can't give a token gift to someone. I think if you started giving substantial gifts to your principal as a means of directing his/her activities in the school ... then there may be more of an issue.
truspartan;133984 wrote: Why does it matter what the "district" policy is if the PTO is an independent organization?
The PTO may be an independent organization, but they are still affliated with the school and must follow its policies. For instance, the PTO can't violate the safety rules or bring alcohol on campus merely because they are independent.
Besides, such a policy would dictate what the staff would or wouldn't be allowed to accept. It wouldn't be much of a thank you gift to give staff something that jeopardizes their employment (if the school did indeed have a policy against such gifts).
diemsellers;133548 wrote: it's against our school district policies to give gifts or gift cards to any employee of the school district. Check your school district policies and guidelines.
Why does it matter what the "district" policy is if the PTO is an independent organization?
I don't see the big deal in spending a few dollars on the principal, teacher, office staff etc. We buy gifts for everyone twice a year and have 2 appreciation luncheons twice a year. Everyone works so hard, and they all deserve what we give them. We don't go crazy with our spending, and we shop alot at the dollar store and discount stores.
it's against our school district policies to give gifts or gift cards to any employee of the school district. Check your school district policies and guidelines.
having said that.... it IS acceptable to use ONLY donated funds for gift giving. We have parents that donate various amounts throughout the year so we do that.
also.... you can ask local business to donate gift cards.
