A structured group is necessary to make things run smooth and doesn't have to be so time consuming. You can make your PTO whatever you want it to be to fit the needs of your community. Start with a small group of officers, create a set of general by-laws, plug in committees where your school needs help, and run with it. Our group consists of Pres, VP, Treas, and Sec with standing committees of Homeroom Parents, Welcoming, and Special Events. From there we have branched out to several specialized groups, but my philosophy is if people don't sign up for certain committees they are dropped. Our fundraisers consist of membership drive (we charge dues since we are an international school and don't have access to more traditional fundraisers like candy or gift wrap), Fall Carnival and Silent Auction. When we have an event coming up we send a sign up sheet around and people volunteer. So far, this has worked great for us. Find out what would work best for your school. You mentioned new playground equipment...I have found if people know what their money is going to they are more willing to contribute. Plan a simple fundraiser focused on that. Or, even smaller, organize room parents and focus on doing periodic class parties and events. It's going to take someone with the initiative to get it going, but then hopefully the other parents will get interested and it will take off. Good luck! :cool:
Our PTO has been opperating the last two years with no official structure. It consists of bake sales and a family hot dog night.
Everyone seems to be frustrated and discontent with this but puts the blame on no parent participation. Ive made suggestions about a need for some structure to he principal and others PTO volunteers but they tell me its been there past experience that parents dont want the responsibility of governing titles.
Am i waisting my time?
Is there anyway to be casual about PTO operation
and still be able to maintain decision making ability.
The principal seems to support the idea of having a PTO but doesnt feel its his responsibility to run it.(neither do I)
Is there anyway to salvage this PTO?
I dont have any management experience but I would like to see our PTO doing more for the school.
This is a small non-growing community and the school is around 300 kids. Our library and play ground are badly in need of updating.
The school has started sponsoring one fund raiser a year. Last year they made 7000$ it went to up grading school technology.(which was very needed)
Couldnt a well managed PTO be addressing the other issues.
Im really frustrated and not sure if I know how to proceed :eek:
