Our PTO traditionally does a thank-you luncheon in the spring for the staff.

I've heard that the school board members in our town are careful not to accept gifts and such, being sure to buy their own tickets to our events.

Is it normal/appropriate to use funds raised by PTO fundraisers to have a holiday party for school staff, school board and PTO board? Our small Catholic school traditionally spends $500-1000 for a party for these groups (and spouses). It seems inappropriate. Our bylaws are woefully out of date and don't address this issue. Only a couple of us on the PTO board find it a bad way to spend funds raised by our school families.
Thanks for your feedback.