Doesn't your membership have to vote to approve this expenditure? Our bylaws state that the general membership must vote for anything that will cost us more than $200 (less than that can be at the board's discretion).

I think some PTOs allow the board to make all monetary decisions without a vote, but I think that's just asking for trouble.

Personally, I would feel the same way you do in this situation. You already spend a hefty sum on teachers. I think reimbursing for classroom supplies is well within a parent groups scope, but pricey gifts to teachers isn't. The money is there for the kids and the school- gift certificates don't benefit either. The board was elected to represent the best interests of it's members. They should bring this to a general meeting and let the members decide. If most of the people attending agree with them, so be it.

I'm a new PTO board member, and I am a bit upset with a topic that is being discussed among board members. Our PTO has already donated 175$ for each teacher classroom for supplies etc in addition to having a Teacher Appreciation Committee that we support. The President wants to give a "bonus" or "gift" to the teachers out of the PTO funds, first $100 apiece, and now down to either 50$ gift certificate to Walmart (with the intent that it does not have to be used for school materials - and we can keep this intent from the rest of the PTO) or a 50$ gift certificate to a restaurant.

I'm upset by this because I thought our implied purpose was to better the school, and I do not see how this does that. There are sooo many areas that need improvement at our school, it floors me that we would give nearly 30% of our budget away.

Also, I don't think it's what the people donating funds had in mind either. Added to this that the board does not want to consult the PTO of our school. Our president has made statements such as "If the parents question our intentions, then they need to join the board".

Has anyone else given money away like this? Do you have any suggestions as to what I should do? I have an email discussion with board members for several days explaining my viewpoint, so my position is understood.