I really don't see a problem with an inexpensive token of appreciation. I bought bouquets of flowers for the two volunteers who spent hundreds of hours raising $85,000 through a big gala fundraiser. I don't see any difference. I probably wouldn't buy gifts for 10 different people but something for a hard-working outgoing president would be nice.
Shelly
Getting board members gifts from the PTO funds COULD look like someone with their hands in the cookie jar. I could see why some would see that as a conflict, but as long as it was reasonable and the person was deserving I personally would not have a problem with it as a PTO member.
What about your other board members? Our by laws state that an executive decision has to have 2/3 of the exec board vote. I'd look into that, also talk to other members and see what they think.
I was all set to respond with,"according to our by-laws, no executive board member can receive remuneration for services rendered to or on behalf of the school through it's general funds".
BUT...
Rach98n makes a very good point, one that I had not thought of before. What is the difference between an PTO paying for services to show to it's apprication to teachers vs. the PTO paying to show it's appreciate an outgoing effective president?
Thank you. I read through that thread. I'm guessing by the conversation there that there is no LEGAL reason to not spend PTO funds, but perhaps an ethical reason that is open to debate. I'm not sure where I stand on this one! We certainly spend a LOT of money at our school on teacher appreciation which is somewhat the same thing. Guess I'll have a visit with the principal and see what he thinks.
Our PTO funds our Volunteer Recognition reception. It's cake, punch, a certificate, and usually a plant. Our group spends a very small amount but feels that volunteers should be recognized and there is no place else for the money to come from. Because it's for all volunteers, it eliminates the need for individual gift giving.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
There has been a lof of recent discussion on this topic. If you go to Free for All and look under the heading of Gifts for Executive Board members you will get a lot of opinions on the subject. Hopefully this will help you.
This was recently discussed at length. Check it out.
