First I would say ditto to Critter. We are a seperate entitiy as well. Our PTA decides how to raise the funds, and how to spend it. Only the P, VP, Sec, and Tres can sign checks. However checks require two signatures. The principal or any other school official is not on the account. I would say if you have politely iquired of both your principal and surerintendant and have gotten no where, why not go to a school board meeting. This would be a good forum to politely pose your question as well. My hunch is that the superintedant would not like this kind of PR and may change his/her mind. I would also go for an independant audit after you had the checkbook back. We have a committee that does this. This would help clear the slate for the present officers and give a fresh start for the new officers.
Our school district is pretty strict about the PTO maintaining separate books. Our VP is a teacher, so she can't balance the checkbook or sign checks. Our prinicipal is not allowed to sign checks, either. Our checks must include PTO on the name. We do work closely w/ the teachers and principal to decide how the money should be spent of course, but the decision is the
PTO's.
Wow, I'm surprised by your dilemma, and even more surprised by the reply that describes a similar situation. Our PTO is a separate entity from the school. We have our own officers, bylaws, constitution, mission, and --yes-- checking account. We exist strictly to support the school and the principal is a member of the Executive Board, but we are not directly responsible to any other organization, including the school and superintendent. Our President, VP, and Treasurer have the authority to sign checks (2 signatures required), not the Principal. We raise the money, we manage the money. We set up our own annual audit with a qualified volunteer. Since we serve the school, we take direction from the Principal and staff as to how we should spend our money, but, ultimately, the decisions rest with the PTO members. I've always assumed most PTO's ran the same way. Question: is the checking account in the name of the school or the PTO? If your parent group can be trusted to earn $10,000, seems you should be trusted to manage the checkbook too.
Okay, our books are ultimatly kept but our school per the school district's policies about PTO/PTA's. Yes, we have to fill out a form to be reimbursed and submitt deposits to the school's bookkeeper. But we will be able to use the school district's credit card this coming year as needed. Yeah, this sounds like a double edged sword but no one has stolen any of our funds, our books are automaticly audited with the schools quarterly, and all I need to do to check our accout is ask for a print out. That's it.
Ask for a printout of ins/outs. Our parent group DOES have control of the checkbook. If you raise all the money, you should have control over how you want to spend it!! That's part of the 'fun' of being in a PTO.
I have a meeting with representives from each grade level and do our best to please everyone who offered input(with the approval of the principal of course) We also have chosen and funded some GREAT assemblies. Go to www.tot-rock.com
for some great performers in the midwest. Everything takes longer and is more difficult when more people have to approve it!!! Good Luck!
I am the president of a very small rural community school PTO. We have P, VP, S/Tres and 2 teacher representatives. We were told that we cannot have the PTO check book, that it stays in the Superintendents Office with his secretary and if we need anything, to go through him or her. What do I do? I feel I have no control over my funds and we raise about $10,000 a year. I would like an accounting recap of the funds incoming and outgoing, but don't really know how to approach my principal. Anyone have any brilliant ideas? Thanks, RangerMom
