I should say: "personal use" doesn't sound right, and it's also odd for the principal to be using the PTO's money to give gifts that she says are from her.
Our principal uses hers for refreshments at staff meetings or lunch on the first day for teachers, etc.
Wow. That would be a lot of money for us. Curious if you gave her the money?? We most likely would not give our principal that kind of money. I know I would vote NO. The principal has her own budget from the district, plus that request would not align with our PTO's purpose and goals. We do give teachers money for class and student supplies and also have an appreciation luncheon for the staff in May. I think if your principal want to give gifts to the staff she should do it with her own money. Our goals are more towards supporting the students learning experience... not giving the teachers gifts, money for meetings and lunch, etc.
We are having an issue with our principal. She is asking for $1,000 in the fall and a $1,000 in the spring for teacher’s gifts, meetings, and personal use. As a completely new administration with little involvement from previous members, we are unsure of what to do. She wants the money tomorrow and will not give us an itemized account of what she needs it for. We do know that she plans to use it to purchase gifts for staff from her for Christmas, but other than that all she is saying is lunches, meeting stuff, and personal use. Does anyone have any advice? We do not want to cause issues, but the legality of this issue is causing serious concern.
We did check our By-laws and there is nothing in there regarding this type of expense. Since we already pay for ALL school events, many school related programs, and pay janitorial staff that work at events; we are pretty well stretched to our limit. If anyone can offer us some advice, we would greatly appreciate it.