Actually, I'm okay with it if it's a fair, productive partnership.

I try to look at this from both sides, parent group and principal. It's just a simple fact that the school budget doesn't include everything and most principals need to raise additional funds. Regardless who owns a sales fundraiser, the profile is the same:

Something is being sold. Kids carry home information. Parents/families are the buyers. Some parents usually volunteer to help run the fundraiser.

That's the same whether the school or the PTO "own" the fundraiser. BUT, the principals control what fundraisers can happen on their campus and how the students can be used to transmit information. That gives them the upper hand.

I think it's far better to look at things as team. What needs to be raised and for what purpose? (And what's the impact on parents?) Would it be best for the school to own fundraiser A and PTO fundraiser B? Would it be better to work out a partnership? Should the PTO fundraise less and thus support less activities? Should the school fundraise more and take back funding somethings that had drifted to the PTO?

Talk it out, work it out. But be very clear. Who owns it? Do you share the risk as well as the profit? Where do the funds get deposited? What are the roles and responsibilities? What input can the parents have into how funds raised by the school are directed?

In our elementary, we were allowed two sales fundraisers per school, per year - regardless of owner. At first PTO owned both. Later, PTO owned Fall; school owned Spring. Still later, the district shifted expectations and asked the PTO to focus on volunteerism and teacher appreciation. The school owned both sales fundraisers - and asked the PTO for far less. The PTO still does T-shirts and various events.

Many scenarios can work - you just have to form the right partnership and have very clear communication. Negotiate AND document what the partnership will be.

My principle said she would talk with me when she gets time. She said that when ever we use the kids we would have to turn over 1/2 of the money. How do you feel about that??

A critical part of any bill is the legal definitions of terms which are usually right near the top of the bill. So it's really important we look at those to understand.

This is overly simplistic - but mentally substitute the following when you read the summary:

Activity Funds ---> student activity funds (clubs)
School Support Group Funds ---> PTO funds

So for anyone skimming this thread -- only "Activity Funds" are controlled by the school. It's actually more than just student clubs and would include fundraisers organized by the principal or teachers, admissions from school plays, etc.

Similarly School Support Group refers to more than just PTO and would include things like Band Boosters, Althletic Boosters, and other independent groups affiliated with the school.

Bec - you are very smart to research this and make sure YOU understand it thoroughly. Because there is a real danger of school officials and others misinterpreting the intent of this bill.

If it were me, I'd be calling the district asking where the draft of the policy stands, who is working on it, what parent group reps are involved, can I be on the committee, when will it be presented to the public for comment, etc. THAT is the key opportunity right now.

Plus, draft others to do the same. But make sure they are all approaching it positively, seeking to help and be part of the solution - not with a vigilante mentality against the school officials.

"This bill requires that any school activity funds be turned over to a properly designated school official as school property; provided" and then the underlined stopped for a bit and went on. It was the words "turned over" that got me and the fact that we spoke up about issues with the director making unlawful decisions and control comments were made. Also, I want to make sure that I understand the law completely in case they misinterpret it (and that could be accidentally).

Yeah some clarafication would be needed. How could a law be put into effect that made a Private Non Profits $$$ the schools. Its either a school event (therefore $$$ would be schools) or a PTA/PTO event held at the public school (therefore $$$ money is PTA/PTO).
They couldnt make Kiwanis, Jaycees, Humane Society hand over money for an event held on public (school) property

Being involved in THE, not be involved int. Sorry for any errors, working at the school getting ready for the new year and I'm TIRED !!!! Ever put up a bulletin board?? Quite time consuming. Don't see how teachers have time for all this "little" stuff. hahaha