thanks so much for the reply! I do know in my heart that we need to gather as a group and put our thoughts out there for the principal. I cannot support a group that isn't fundraising properly. where is my money going? how is being tracked? is there a check and balance system in place? there have been 2 ptos' in my area that have been in trouble with the police for "borrowing" of funds, so i know it DOES happen.
There are a lot of issues going on here. I will help as much as I can. If I am wrong then I am sure people will correct me. If you do not have non-profit status and your not under the umbrella of a larger organization such as the PTA then you need to pay taxes on the 12k. In the eyes of the IRS you are a business esp. because you don't hold elections or have bylaws. I find it ridiculous that the treasurer would not answer your questions. Not only she she be at liberty to discuss any financial matters she should be required to do so. Our books are always open. Anybody can ask questions about our taxes, what we spend money on, or how much money we raise and I or our treasurer will answer honestly.
The principal should not have the power to remove people from office or put them into office, however it would be difficult to do anything about this without bylaws in place.
My advice is to assemble a group of like minded parents and go to the principal. The more parents you have behind you the more effective you will be bringing changes to your group. Let the principal know that parents want bylaws, elections, and nonprofit status and if these things cannot be agreed upon then you have to stop supporting this PTO. I hate to say that, but you cannot keep supporting something that is so wrong. Maybe if fundraising numbers go down and volunteers quit then the principal will get the idea. You have a tough road ahead, but you can do it. Think of how great it will feel when your once horrible PTO is turned into a fabulous PTO! Good luck!! Let us know how it goes.
last year our pto was disbanded by our principal. she came to our last meeting, said she was was tired of hearing about all our troubles. She even went so far as to call each of us "toxic", and she didn't want any of us to run again. Let me say that one of the board members is also the principal's asst! She conveniently was NOT at the meeting. Now that school has resumed this fall, i have noticed that all of the "old guard" board members are right back it. Behind the front desk, planning the pto activities, etc. Can a principal "fire" a pto and replace to her liking? Let me say that last years board was all self appointed, no elections
On a seperarte note, we have no by-laws, no financial by-laws, no tax ID#, no non-profit status either. All of our sister schools have these in place. what is the legal status regarding all the monies raised? about $12k. I did ask our treasurer at on point, and she said wasn't at liberty to discuss. do taxes need to be paid?
