We had a few schools in our district fund staff positions to avoid cuts. However, a separate foundation was established independently of the PTA. Further, the funds were donated to the school district, in return for which the district did not cut the positions.
As you've already noted, you're talking about a bunch of money. This is not really the bailiwick of the PTO/A. To do something like this requires a committment to providing the necessary funding for the entire year. If you don't sell enough cookie dough and wrapping paper, you're going to be in a situation where you must cut other programs to foot the bill.
Our district publicized the date they were required to offer contracts by, and made it clear that the entire amount necessary to fund the position must be in the hands of the district by that date. No pledges of future contributions were acceptable. This short time frame this produced meant the only schools that had a chance to pull it off were located in affluent neighborhoods, where parents could just write a check to support the effort.
There might be a temptation to attempt to convince the librarian to work the remaining hours on a "volunteer" basis. Steer clear of this idea. If you pay the librarian, you've got to deal with payroll taxes, withholding, and worker's comp issues. If the librarian gets hurt on the job, is it the schools insurance or the PTO's that pays the bill? This is a real quagmire, and the school probably wouldn't let it happen anyway...but just don't go there!
No, and I too can't believe that 'mom'! (I have a real issue with parents that just talk out of turn during meetings, too!)
I am under the understanding if I can go into the library (example) and help for three hours that has just helped the library aide and saved the school money from hiring another person so our kids can have Engish books or Music class.
Three years ago I was at a School board meeting I will never forget. We the parents present were asked to help vote on the priority of four programs- dance, music, art, gym. Top two were kept. We lost music and art that night. I think I cried all the way home. Since then we got them back as funding got better but still...
In the meantime, ask how volunteers can help make up where the budget will leave the school short- if a few parents can be trained to work as crossing guards what a great way to help out! Don't throw the lemons at her, ask her to help you make lemonaide and sweet talk the school into letting the parents (or even grandparents) help were needed most! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Hi Guys I really want some imput here. As we all know many states are making major cuts in education. Our district is cutting many jobs this summer due to lack of funds. Jobs like office clerk, librarian, yard duty, crossing guard & more. Most of the jobs are being cut back a couple hours not totally cut.
At our last meeting a mom blurted out at the end that with all the upcoming cuts we need to consider funding jobs at the school. She asked that we fund the library 3 hours a day (currently we have a 8 hr a day library clerk & the board wants to cut her to 5 hours a day) I was really upset by this 1st the mom was not on the agenda to speak about this, 2nd we earn every penny we have, we take time away from our family, we work long hard hours at the school (longer than some paid employees) to raise our money. I just can't see working so hard to pay somone else???? I am upset about this and want imput.... Dose your group fund employees jobs???
