I'm in Kansas and we don't have restrictions like the one mentioned. Our legislature passed a special tax exemption for PTO/PTA orgs. Our district does frown on excessive fundraising, but a couple a year are permitted.
Yes, I am in Rhode Island and this is in reference to a RI education law. The wording is from the education commissioners advisory regarding the law. I was going to call the commisionor's office but wanted to see if any other states did this or if I was misinterpreting the law. Thanks.
Are you sure this is a State Law and not just one of your bylaws or perhaps a restriction placed by the school district? It is not worded like an actual "Law", and sounds more like a mandate from a school principal or administrator. Is it limited to PTO's or does this affect other groups like band boosters, athletics boosters, student groups, etc.?
Anyone familiar with laws in your state prohibiting PTO fundraising on public school premises or prohibiting the distribution of fund literature thru the kids (ie., sent home in backpacks). Our PTO has just become aware of theis and I was wodering if anyone has found this in other states (I'm in New England)Following is an excerpt from our law:
State law does not restrict a PTO in organizing and carrying out fund-raising activities through direct contact with parents and students outside of school. Parents can volunteer to conduct various fundraising activities, including the sale of products, to benefit the public schools. It is the captive audience status of the students in a school setting that cannot be exploited. PTO and parents can plan and distribute materials for fundraisers but not by having the children be the conduit for the materials or the merchandise.
PTO's can notify parents of fundraising initiatives through a school newsletter, through direct mailing, through the use of telephone trees, etc. PTO fundraising information in a school-sponsored newsletter should be limited to the basic information that a fundraising activity is being planned and that interested parents should contact the PTO or a particular person.
