thanks so much-funny, after I posted this the principal said that the memo preciously received didn't pertain to PTO...HMMMMMM

I don't know what state you're in (I'm presuming Ohio)but I don't know if it really matters. If you use their EIN they can pretty much do as they please. If you're separate they can still limit the amount of fundraisers you do in the school or on school property and if you send them home via backpack express. If you're separate they can't control your activities off school property unless you use the school's name in your group's name. The reasoning is that you're using their name and they need to control the image connected with it. We run everything by our BOE just to cover our as$es--but they're pretty good and don't give us much trouble. A lot of school districts put a limit on the number of fundraisers--I wish ours would! Some of the groups are out of control with their nickel and diming everyone to death. Even if you opt not to participate it's aggravating to get them.

They expect your funds to be handled by the state treasurer's office? :confused: How? Like some state worker in the treasury department would want to be your bookkeeper? I'm thinking they mean they want you to report your income to the state and the IRS at tax time, which you may not HAVE to do depending on how much you make but it's just a prudent thing to do.

I would have the officers arrange a meeting with the superintendent-- not to argue-- but to clarify what exactly they mean. I'd also ask HOW they want you to do what they want you to do. I don't know who governs charitable institution activity in your state (in New Jersey it's the Office of the Attorney General, Division of Consumer Affairs) but I would start there. I would also check with the department that handles incorporation (in NJ it's The Treasury Department, Division of Revenue). I would also check with other PTOs in other school districts, or the state PTA division if you're a PTA.

I'd be interested in how they define "fundraiser;" just because an event or activity might make a small profit a fundraiser it does not make!

Are you seperate form the school? We are not and have had to fill out similar papers and yes we have to do a written request that goes from PTO to Principal to Central Office to get approval for everything we do. Usually they are not too hard on us, they just like to make sure who is doing what and when. In our district even PTO's that are seperate from the school system have to ask permission for fundraising. I can't remember where I read it but some states hold the school responsible for the safety of all fundraising (check the blog). If you find out they do have control -- HANG IN THERE AND TRY YOUR BEST TO KEEP THEM HAPPY, OR IT CAN GET VERY MESSY!!! Good Luck!

I AM NEW TO PTO AS PRESIDENT THIS YEAR. WE HAVE A PRINCIPAL WHO WANTS THINGS HIS WAY. WE ARE DEALING WITH THAT-WE JUST GOT HANDED A 5 PAGE MANDATE FROM HIM AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BASICALLY TELLING US HOW MANY FUNDRAISERS WE ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE-AND DETAILING WHAT A FUNDRAISER IS(ALL OF OUR ACTIVITIES MAKES MONEY FOR THE MOST PART WHICH LISTS THEM AS FUNDRAISERS)WE ARE OUTRAGED AND ARE QUESTIONING THE LEGALITY OF THE DISTRICT TELLING US WE HAVE TO COMPLY.THEY STATE WE ALSO HAVE TO SUBMIT ALL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES AND PROBABLE PROFIT-ALSO WANT THE FUNDS TO BE HANDLED BY THE STATE TREASURERS OFFICE---CAN'T I REFUSE TO COMPLY?/WHERE WOULD I LOOK FOR STATE SPECIFIC LAWS TO BACK US UP??