I don't know if they have bylaws, no one has told me. I will ask. Probalby the most reason I am concerned about this is the principle in the past has sent money that was for one thing on another. My mom was computer teacher and was getting money for toner cartridges and she was never able to send that money on getting things for the computer class, the principle would not let her. I guess for this reason I feel that any money the PTO makes will be done the same way. And whether or not the officers will ever meet to were I can attend I doubt it. They are all stay at home mom's(not to step on any other stay at home moms)(I am from a very small town) and I feel that they are disturbed at the fact that I have to work and my husband has to work(we only have one car). I have been involved in PTO with my oldest daughter at a great school, whose PTO has been great success. And things are not the same at this school. There is just so much to go into.
Some parent groups run their finances through the school's accounting system, which makes them more an extension of the school rather than an independent group. However, this set-up works fine for many of those PTOs.
The alternative approach is to get the PTO's own EIN# from the IRS (form ss-4), and then open a checking account using that EIN. If your group's money is in the group's own account, your group retains total control. Not every PTO is comfortable with the responsibility of being an independent organization, but many, many, many thrive under this model.
Ask your principal what his intent is...he may be innocently suggesting you work with the accounting people because they are the pros who can give you assistance....or he may really be telling you that he expects the PTO to operate under the school's financial control. Hard to know unless you ask him directly.
that the principle wants me to get with the schools accounting person on setting up our checking account. Should this be done that way?
Every group is different in the way that it operates and handles it's money and accounts. You would need to find out if that is how they previously did it or is this the new way they have decided on doing it. Do you have bylaws? If so do they say anything regarding this matter.
I would think it is to early to tell whether or not the group will go anywhere or not. I see your biggest problem right now is that they are holding meetings you cannot attend...therefore you do not have a voice at the meetings.
Are they always going to hold meetings at a time you cannot attend? If so I would try to get them to hold their meetings at a time that is convenient for all of you. If this cannot be arranged you will have the problem of never really being able to have any input.
This year is the first year in a long time our school has had a PTO group. I am treasurer, with great concerns. The other officers and principle have meet a couple of times without me(due to my work schedule). The president of our group has called me. My biggest concern is that the principle wants me to get with the schools accounting person on setting up our checking account. Should this be done that way? Also, I have gotten the feeling that the other officers are going to do what the principle wants. I guess I am concerned that our PTO group is not going to go anywhere before it even starts. My mom works at this school and the principle is very controlling. Hopefully, someone understands want my question is. I am not very good at writing. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
