Trust me this was not a compliment. Instead of making an estimated $1,000 on the carnival we are now losing $1,000 on this event. I tried to explain the impact this would have on the budget and also how much is in our budget. This is when the negative comments came up. However right after this the school made a request for a die cut machine and $1,700 for technology. These requsts have been put on hold for further review and also to see how we can afford them in the budget. I started out looking like a meanie, however I think some people now realize that I do know what I am talking about. I also am just doing my job. I do not want the PTA to sink on my clock.

Have you read this months feature PTOToday article? Just what IS the district paying for? I think (my opinion and I'm entitled to it...lol) that the next time someone calls you a money making machine (and I think we all know when it is said as a compliment and when it isn't), tell them yes, but our budget pales in comparison with the district budget. Then ask them what the district has done for them lately, or what they've done for your PTO lately. If you think you can get away with it, use my favorite line... Stand up or Shut up. :eek: :confused: :eek:

I'm going out on a limb here, but do you think maybe you misunderstood the tone of the remark? Our PTO has also been called a money making machine by other PTO's in the district and I proudly agree and add "It is so unbelievable how much money our parents raise, jeez we only have one fundraiser a year!!" Our teachers never complain about the old money making machine they are usually thrilled that we can give so much to help them teach our kids. [img]smile.gif[/img]

This is a PR battle that we all face, and I don't think we can ever win completely. Unfortunately, many people simply equate the parent organization with "fundraising".

I really think you need to fight this perception all year long - but in a positive way. I try to publish our goals as often as possible: in the newsletter, in our welcome letter to parents, on our bulletin board, etc. In our goals, fundraising is about 3rd or 4th in the list of priorities - and I point this out as often as possible.

Also, I think PTOs need to do a bit of bragging from time to time. List the things you have accomplished, making sure to give them all equal billing - not just highlighting what the PTO bought this year.

It sounds like you are already doing a lot of these things, just keep it going. Good luck!

I recently had a few teachers tell me that they think our PTA is a "money making machine". I was greatly offended. This however has not stopped them from requesting a die cut machine, a laminator and $1,500 for technology. So far we have purchased the lamintor but have tabled the other two for more information. We do not charge for family nights. Our members feel it is more important to have family participation. Yearbook, Bookfair, Holiday store and T-shirts are more of a service than anything. Yes we have raised "extra" funds this year but it has gone to the Red Cross, Afghan kids, and the American Heart Association. I suppose if you look at our ending balance for the month it looks like we have a lot of money. However we have yet to pay for field trips, assemblies, saftey patrol, 5th grade awards breakfast, staff appreciation, special teacher requests and teacher allotments and more. I have never said anything negative about the school or the teachers. However I swear teachers don't like it when we don't have money to give and they don't like it when we have a little bit in the bank either. A differnt teacher rep comes to our meeting each month. We sent home a flyer to parents and teachers this fall of 25 things the PTA has sponsored or purchased over the last few years. We sent home a flyer to the parents and teachers of a PTA calander of events for the year. We send out a newsletter every six weeks to inform the staff and parents. I don't know what more to do. Sometimes I feel like if I got my self esteem at the school I would be very depressed. What keeps me going is that I know in my heart that I am making a positive difference for the kids.