Am looking for advice on this topic also - school board wants to control our funds by having all money go through them first, then they will give us an allotted amount. Have prevented us from collecting dues or anything that will 'make' money, even though we have our own 501(c)3. At this time we also have no new people stepping up to fill officer roles which is making outlook for next year very bleak. We are a charter school as well so school board are volunteers and have been in their positions for years. They just keep re-electing themselves. ANY advice would be helpful.

The PTO's leverage is that the school and it's students will not benefit from the funds the PTO raises if the PTO ceases to exist. By pushing for the control in points #3 and #5, the BOD is essentially ensuring that the PTO will disband rather than attempt to operate under such conditions.

The school board of our charter school (parent run) is trying to control the PTO by having the PTO sign an aggreement with them. The PTO is a separate 501(c). Here are a few items in the agreement that are in questions:

1. The contract is required by the PTO and the BOD for the PTO to operate.
2. The PTO has to give quarterly financil reports and budget update to the BOD
3. The princpal decides where the money goes
4. Must use Quick Books to do accounting (the PTO uses the PTO Treasure at this time
5. The PTO must operate under the guidance and authority of the BOD.

Also, they want to examine the records of the PTO for the last two years. The PTO keeps great records and has the PTO Treasurer for recording. What do they have a right to and should we just give them everything or is there a proper way to do this?

I feel they are trying to find anything they can that the PTO has not done right. The PTO just started last year and have had a lot to implement. The years before it was not a PTO but just a group that would raise funds for the school.