Do these rules limit /keep teachers and staff from working the cash register at a PTO fundraising event like a Book Fair? We are being told by the PTO president that as a member of the school staff we cannot work the cash register . This limits our volunteers for this event. We are a small rural school and have a many teachers,staff (like secretaries, nurse, etc.) and assistants (most have children in the school) involved in the PTO as we do parents alone. Teachers/assistants have in the past given up their planning times or worked during the 3 to 6 pm time slots (during parent teacher conferences).
This will definitely force a lot of informally structured PTOs, band boosters, etc. to figure out exactly what they are. Are they an independent organization or an extension of the school? Many are in between where they consider themselves "independent" but are not legally structured as such.
First - the district has to set policies and all orgs need to follow those policies. A key requirement is:
Recognized school support groups must provide a copy of its by laws and proof of recognition as a nonprofit organization before initiating support, assistance or raising money.
The district will have to determine what "proof" they want. But if you are a 501(c)(3) PTO, this is easy. You are definitely independent; you keep your own money and run your own show (subject to district guidelines). And it was NEVER legal for you to use the school's tax ID number - so you continue not to do that because you have your own.
If you are a parent group that's been operating off radar, now you are really in limbo. Either you don't exist as far as the school is concerned or you are really just a volunteer/fundraising committee for the school under control of the principal. Much like chess club, cheerleaders, swimteam or any other school organization/club. They have some autonomy, pursue their own programs, have fundraisers - but all as part of the school and monies must be deposited in the school's Activity Account. (Note - funds are still earmarked for the particular group, but final control is the the principals.)
No more grey area. Either you are independent or you are part of the school. So the questions are:
1) What ARE you now? Independent non-profit or not?
2) What are the districts new policies?
3) What proof or recognition do they require for you to be considered a non-profit?
I am totally confused.
Our principal has told our new PTO Team that we have to close our PTO account and that all of our money has to go through the school's bookkeeper.
Is this what this bill says to do?
That is how she has interpreted it and so far, no one on the PTO Team has argued anything about it, they are just doing as she says.
We also were told by the principal that this bill prevents us from using tax-free status anymore and now we have to charge sales tax on everything the PTO sells.
I'm now being told by our Principle (which is coming from our director) how to spend our money. We focus on needs in classrooms and also for things like water fountains etc.. The principle is getting involved with PTO (which is fine if we work together) but I'm not sure if it is good or bad. I think it gives the message that we are controlled.
They have not provided a law, have not responded to my email on being a part of the decision, nor do they have parents involved. They said they are following the current law (school fund raising) for now and that will cover it.
I do not trust them. They do not follow the law in other means. What should I think or do? We are fund raising on Sept 10.
It sounds like a tough situation. But I think it still involves communication and trying to be a strategic partner with the principal.
Before you decide anything, make sure you know all the facts. Why does your principal need funds? What is their planned use? Aside from partnering with the PTO, what are his ideas for getting them?
Side note - while the PTO needs to stick to its business and mission, parents (many of whom are PTO members) need to be involved. They need to be attending the school board meetings when budget are discussed. They need to volunteer for advisory committees that develop campus plans and campus budgets. And then you as the PTO also want to draw insights from these parents to help understand all the angles.
Is the principal managing his budget badly? Or is he having to make hard choices? Or some of each?
If the PTO says "no" (if it can say "no"), what happens? Will the principal implement his own fundraisers, cutting into the success of yours? Can the community support more fundraisers or is everyone just going to fed up?
If the PTO says, "yes", can you negotiate WHAT the funds are used for? Best case, if the principal gets part of the funds and guarantees they will be used for classroom slupplies, is that a "win" for everyone? What if he agrees half would be for supplies? It's more than you say he's done before and he's indirectly buying into the need for this line item. If the principal/school is getting part of the proceeds can he firmly commit to exactly what help the teachers will be expected to provide?
Personally - my expectations change (increase) when someone is my partner, directly benefitting from my work. This is true of my job, PTO, other volunteer activities, etc. If they are just helping me out, I hope for, cajole, coax assistance. If they are getting part of the money - they need to commit to part of the work.
I know it's not easy, but it still boils down to communicate, negotiate, and document - in good faith and with an eye towards achieving a good solution for both sides.
We try to stay away from door to door sales. I don't like them. We do however sell PTO membership cards that have discounts on them. We sell them for cheap. $2 or $3 (they are worth much more). The kids are involved in this. That is pretty much it for sales. The other events are Spring Fling & Auction, Santa Shop (which is during the day), A walk where students receive pledges and gate at fall carnival.
Knowing this, what are your comments??
The problem is that as previously stated, the administration does not believe that classrooms need to be funded for supplies. In the past they were always told that if they needed something then they have to figure out how to get it. This includes ink cartridges or any student supplies. They only get $75 for consumables and $100 for in classroom supplies. We focus on classrooms and things like playground. Last year we bought a water fountain for the playground.
Last year was our first year. After supporting the classrooms, I received hugs from 3 teachers (and note, they are not the hugging type), numerous thank yous and emails telling me that we are a God send. Honestly, I felt so bad for these teachers (which is for our kids if you see their requests). As far as I know this has never happened before. One teacher said to me " In my 10 years of teaching here, I never received anything from PTO, not one thing. (and others agreed) This is the first year, and I received a COMPUTER on top of supplies!!" They were ecstatic. They have always felt that they have little support from administration. Last year, we were their only hope.
