One clarification to a statement made above... Public entities such as government agencies are subject to Open Records. While I'm all for sharing information and transparency, non-profits are not subject to these same rules. There are a few specific disclosure requirement - such as if someone asks to see your annual 990 filing with the IRS.
I'm actually in favor of providing additional information - within reason - to key stakeholders like the principal or members if it makes them more supportive of the group and reassures them of your status. Ideally, higher level reports would do. But I don't believe you have any legal requirement for full disclosure of all your internal financial workings.
Fortunately, we have a great principal who bends over backwards to help us out. I think that ultimately it might come down to the parents to confront the various controlling principals discussed in this thread. If the principals deliberately impede the actions of the PTO, then the parents should get involved (and not just the executive board members). After all, it's the children who will suffer, and their parents need to care enough to back up the PTO president when its called for. Good luck with your various situations.
Since you are a independent 501(c)3 your "records" are open to the public. A monthly statement you would share with the members of PTO is all that is required. If she were an officer of the board she could request these items to see if there is a discrepancy, but she cannot sign checks etc unless she is listed on your account at the bank.
Hi. I am VP of our PTO, and new to the whole thing. We are also having problems with our principal. While we have nothing to hide and no funny business what so ever, our principal feels she has to control every aspect of our PTO. We provide bank statements to her and anything else she needs. She says she has the right to approve and must sign all checks. Basically she has commented " The PTO will be run her way or hit the highway". Can she do this? What is our responsibility to her? Our schools enrollment is only about 550 and our PTO has bylaws but is run more like a club rather than an organization. Are we bound by the school in any way?:
We have the same problem. Principal requested copies of cancelled checks, bank statements etc... We always provide budgets and updates throughout the year. Principal sent us a letter cancelling our activities until we turn over information. Contacted district office and they've stated she has a right. However, can't find any legal or written information for or against. I believe that she has no right specially since we are an incorporated non-profit PTO. How did you proceed with this situation and is there any further information you can provide that will help us out. We have nothing to hide, but feel that it's improper to provide such records to the school administration when they have absolutely no say in our financial affairs. Appreciate any information you can provide.
