Sunshine, As Dave reminded me, different states/districts have rules. I think you need to find out what kind of association the PTO and the school really has; are you officially affiliated in the eyes of the district administration? Mentioned before was separate but together, and that is usually true but for certain points. It is a parent/teacher organization, but that doesn't mean that the teachers (or the parents) can run roughshod over the rules. That includes the principal. Also, as a firm believer in rules, I would recommend getting back on the bylaw/robert's rules/constitution... track. Get your organization in order before applying for non-profit status. Lastly, the organization decides if it wants to apply, not any one individual.

Mom - then we are both the nuts here [img]smile.gif[/img]

Yep makes sense that the principal might want to know the organization is going to be able to be run smoothly. In any case there is a reason why the principal seems to feel the need for a delay.

As for delaying your 501 filing. Actually no single person has the authority to do that, provided you are operating within the rules (your established by laws, articles of incorporation or charter of organization). The organization is both seperate and a part of the school. I wonder why the principal feels the need to delay the filing have you asked them? The principal is not the person that will sign the 1023 (not normally anyway) so I am at a loss here to understand what is going on here, except maybe at this time you are not really a seperate organization and the principal feels they will lose control (see above fears).

Hey Dave, could it be the Principal wants to see or clear up this mess before giving this PTO the "okay" to apply. I can perfectly see that point! Wouldn't you want a well functioning PTO/A BEFORE appling for such a status? Me, too.
I do agree with you also, the Principal did agree to run this school and the PTO IS still apart of the school.
Sorry sunshinemom, that's the feeling from the peanut gallery (okay Dave I'M the nut!)

Here it is the ugly principal! I have to say this again, it is the principal's school but I am curious why do some principals feel the need to excerise this level of control over the PTO/PTA? Is there a history?

A PTO can make or break a principal depending upon the other politics involved. Sad to report this, but it has been my general experience that when a principal is exercising that level of control there is a reason for it, mostly out of fear of what a group of people that are not controlled will go and do. So try to understand the principals position, they have spent their lives in education (for the most part) and it is their livelihood that they often see at risk.

Having a working relationship with the principal is essential to the smooth running of any supporting organization, there has to be some common ground, but that common ground will have to be built on trust (from both sides).

As for delaying your 501 filing. Actually no single person has the authority to do that, provided you are operating within the rules (your established by laws, articles of incorporation or charter of organization). The organization is both seperate and a part of the school. I wonder why the principal feels the need to delay the filing have you asked them? The principal is not the person that will sign the 1023 (not normally anyway) so I am at a loss here to understand what is going on here, except maybe at this time you are not really a seperate organization and the principal feels they will lose control (see above fears).

I wish I had more thoughts and these are my thoughts here for you. I would suggest finding a common ground and maybe taking the bulk of the year to build the trust needed to operate independantly [img]smile.gif[/img]

This teacher was well aware of the by-laws and was told by other teachers on the board that it had to be submited in writing to the board for board approval. Our by-laws state a meeting can be called by anyone but the president must be notified and the president is togive at least a 24 hour notice, I was told we were having a meeting! The princepal call me into his office and said there will be no meeting. I am in this for the kids at our school I have been involved for 4 years now. I feel if the teachers want an originization to run than let them form their
own TO not take over and do what ever they want using the name PTO. The paperwrk came in for our 501(c)3 and the princpal wants to wait on doing the paper work, can he do that?

My first impression of your ordeal is there was a lot said in the heat of a moment. Hang on.
-If her (the teacher's) expences should have been documented did she know that and does she have documentation?
-If this activity happened and no one approved the expenses OR this was an approved activity but the secretary omitted this information from the notes by mistake?
-Any and every position on the PTO/A board is important. A teacher was willing to volunteer her time to do this activity, I would LOVE to have that!
-How much are you thinking these people (on YOUR BOARD) are going over your head or are they really just trying to help and made a couple mistakes that (I hope) can be worked out?
-Deep breath. Your not going to like this, ANYONE on the board can call a special meeting according to Roberts Rules unless stated differently in your by-laws. The purpose of a special meeting is to take care of issues like this.
-I can see you are "upset" (PC term ) have the special meeting, LISTEN and have your secretary and treasurer go over their notes.

Come back and let me know how it goes.....with lowercase letters [img]smile.gif[/img]