It has been standard practice for our PTO to audit our own books and submit the report to our membership as well as our board of ed. True enough we are a "seperate entity" but we also use their building, send fundraisers home with their students and most importantly represent their schools. Without the cooperation of the board of ed where would PTO's be? We strive to work hand in hand with them for the betterment of the students. We have nothing to hide and they do not tell us how our funds will be spent. It is important for the board of ed to know how funds are being raised and used, because if something goes wrong it will reflect on the district as a whole not just the parent group. I would never stand on principal and deny the board of ed a request that anyone can make when you are a 501 c3.

I just want you al to relax and not worry about us as I said before I was angry at first also and thought all the same things, they have no right, we are seporate and so on, but then I got together with another president and we talked it all out and as it turns out all they are asking us to do is give them our quarterly financial reports which are public info anyway so they are not telling us what to do or trying to get their hands on our funds or be our boss! We do opperate in their schools on a daily basis and they have a right to know what we are up to as does anyone interested enough to request the same info! So relax take a deep breath and think about it. As for as the PTO talking about an audit that is not us but to them they may be going a step to far try to settle on just the financials!

DING DING!!! Okay ladies and gentleman...back to the original question Our group is actually a committee of the School Board and our funds are held in a separte account by the school. Well, kids, it's works. As far as taking from the pot, right, the Principal is also the founder and made sure it is impossible for $5 to be removed without proper documentation. Also, our book(s) are audited for FREE every year by the school district. And if you will, because of the perfect bookkeeping by all parties we were able to qualify for a 3% interest rate for our new buildings!

NOW, this is how our group was set up and it works for us. I am in no hurry to change anything, I honestly really would rather have someone over my shoulder and say "yes, here is the copy of the deposit you requested and your statement from the district and a spreadsheet of last month, thanks Tina, see you later".
One more time, this is what was arranged seven years ago and it took a year to get this.

I also want to mention that a couple years ago I personnally asked the School Board's support in a matter that involved a "crazy" President. Our funds, activities, fundraisers,etc were monitored for the year to protect the PTO.

Yeah, I guess you can say I'm like a turtle. Now if you will excuse me I will so back to my shell because it's warm and I like the shelter and hate conflicts.

I don't intentionally try to belittle anyone. And besides Pottsvillemom, you are the only onther person to say that I'm taking digs at anyone. Though I think Dave P's intentions are well meaning, I don't think I come across near as bad as he does. And if I do, again, it isn't intentional. Must be a chararter flaw on my part. But at least I know it isn't the only flaw I have.
As for the not having a problem with a poster not returning, for a seasoned veteren as you, I'd think you wouldn't have considered it unless it was what you wanted to do.

[ 01-26-2004, 01:27 PM: Message edited by: jonwilson ]

It isn't the disagreeing that I have a problem with. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. And we are all going to disagree at some time or other. And we can all have a bad day and be too nasty or be the one to play devil's advocate(kind of my trademark...lol...) It's the condescending way you and Dave do it. Even new posters have asked if you guys were taking digs at them. I'm just saying there is no reason to be nasty or condescending.

Oh, you definately have an "A" personality... Do you admire that quality in others? All the time? I'm truly surprised you'd have no problem with a poster not returning. I know it would make me think twice, maybe go back over my previous posts and look at the way others responded to them. I'd be humble enough to view them with an open mind as to how others might have received my advice. As a matter of fact, I do that anyway. But that's just me...

MetzyMom,
Please allow me to say that it isn't my intention to offend anyone, but if you see fit to stop posting because of me, then so be it. I welcome the opportunity to debate as well as offer advice. Which means I understand and accept the fact that others will have differing opinions.
I've spent over half of my life researching the legal, financial and managerial issues of commercial and volunteer organizations. I believe I do have a significant amount of knowledge on various aspects that I've posted. So if it seems like I'm playing mister know it all, maybe it's just the subject matter or topic and not my overbearing type 'A' personality... [img]smile.gif[/img]