If you are already organized, I don't understand why the principal would have to approve an expense of being a Plus member? YOu just need to budget the expense in or put it to a vote during the year if it exceeded the spending amount you are allowed under the bylaws of your organization.
Why is the Principal questioning a decision of this nature at all? Based on your message board name I am assuming that your group is indeed a PTO. If so I assume that you are an independant 501(C)(3) group with your own Bylaws. Usually groups of this nature have Bylaws that define who decides on things, such as signing up for plus membership.
For my group, if a staff member or even the Principal wants something they have to come to us to request it. It's not just the Principal wants it so he gets it, or he doesn't want it so it doesn;t happen. IMO that is not what a PTO is about. It's about parents getting involved and having a say in supporting different areas within the school.
Of course, again, this all depends on what type of group you are. I can say this, for my group I can talk with just my officers and make financial decisions such as this. Other groups may require a vote at a meeting, but that vote is usually brout up by only the President.
Anyway, let us know if you are independant and good luck,
PresidentJim
You won't find many principals on these boards. Probably 98% or so parent group leaders around these parts.
It's definitely a mind-set change for many, especially if he or she has been around for a long while. The concept that parent groups are worth investing in (especially the modest amount we're talking about) shouldn't be nearly as foreign as it sometimes is.
Does your principal belong to NAESP (national association of elementary school principals)? Or attend any trainings? Or buy any books or magazines on principalship? I hope so! A big part of the Plus benefit is similar to that, helping leaders do an even better job for your school and kids.
And in the past year the number of added benefits of Plus has really skyrocketed. Plus member groups always get first dibs on special programs we offer out to groups. In past 6 months alone, that's included: leapster (free leapster) kindergarten program, FlyPen (free handheld computer) middle school program, Toys R Us gift cards for families, Flat Earth snack samples for families, our extensive Back 2 School program (with Jump In magazine for families).... with lots more to come.
Can you convince our principal it is worth the cost to become a PTOtoday Plus Member?
We want to discuss possible enrollment @ our next meeting. When the principal saw the agenda he wasn't positive to say the least. I would like to hear from any principals who can give me an honest opinion and the pros and cons, if any, of being a Plus Member.
