Wow, starting a new PTO is a huge job but well worth the effort. Our school is brand new as well, however, the three schools feeding into it all had established PTO's. We also have very strong District Support.
This is where I would start-check with your district-do they have quidelines as to what they expect from parent groups. Second, yes, you do have to file to become a non-profit organization with your state as well as the federal government. Your district should have that as well. If not, start searching with the IRS. They have a lot of useful information on the internet. Your next step should be to have the principal appoint an Interim Executive Board and their first task should be to create bylaws. Again, we took the bylaws from the three schools, plus what the IRS and the state as well as the District gave us and put together proposed bylaws. You must have that to file in order to get your Articles of Incorporation and your Tax ID #. After you have that, then you must go through the motion of adopting your proposed bylaws. We follow the guidelines set fourth in Robert's Rules of Order. You can get the book at the Library or purchase it, which is what we chose to do. There is also several internet sites pertaining to Roberts rules. Then, you go forward with your plan. We work very closely with our principal to plan our annual calendar, etc.
I hope this helps. You can email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I work full time, have six kids, and I'm the President for our new PTO, so I may not respond too quickly but will try to respond non the less.
Legal issue questions. Does the PTO have to be it's own entity? Does it have to be legally inc. as a non-profit. Can't the school collect PTO money and transfer it over to the PTO account. And as far as bylaws, do we create our own (do we have to) or is there a set of by laws we can use as our own and change a little if needed.
I had no idea the PTO could be so complicated. We are a new school and have just started getting into this issue. Any help would be great!! :confused:
