Thank you for your reply. The PTO here sounds like your old PTO. I found that it is a huge power trip. I will continue to see what happens and possibly suggest a change. Wish me luck.
There is no regional, state or national PTO umbrella organization. Every PTO is an independent entity, and what is "allowed" depends entirely upon the how the local organization wants to operate.
PTA has state and national organizations, and to be allowed to use the PTA name you must also join them. But a PTO is independent.
Hi...I don't know the whole history of your PTO but our Pto started two years ago after a very negative PTA disbanded.The officers were the only members because it was a huge power trip....The group was started by the principal and she ran it for four months before asking me if I would run it. The whole outlook was to stay away from officers until the group got a better reputation and more parents step up. I was asked because I ran the first holiday shop in over seven years, facilitaed class pictures and filled in the empty spots of the bookfair.And NO ONE else wanted the responsibility. Last year we decided to go tax exempt and needed officers but one against they are only"paper" names. Our group seems to be so much happier without the officers, we have discussed it many times and have conitnued to keep it this way. I am very cautious and make sure that any decision is a group discussion,we have had afew voting situations but it has been a very smooth operation so far.I don't know what your bylaws say , do you have bylaws. I do have an issue with all the officers being teachers, this doesnt seem to give the parents a true voice. I think if I was you I would try to find out how long it has been that way, find bylaws and then question it more. Perhaps it is time for a change!! I know the history for our group/school and there seems to be very legiamate reasons for us to be this way. what happens when i step down....I don't know but considering i have a five year 0ld coming in...i think it might be awhile.Check out your bylaws, ask others and then maybe talk with your principal. It won't be easy but it will all be worth it!! Good luck
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
Ok. I am new to this PTO thing. My daughter started attending school last year and I was interested in getting involved with the PTO. I am an observer, and I watched instead of interacting last year, so that I could effectively become involved this year. I am taken back by some of the things that I came across. I found that the officers were just appointed as opposed to an election and that most of the officers were teachers. Is this "allowed" by the PTO? Are there rules that the PTO has to go by, and if so, what are they? Like I said, I would like to become actively involved.
