I also agree with Tim about how district control will sap the volunteer numbers. Our school district has been talking about putting all the high school booster clubs under their financial control. We would still exist but any money from fundraisers would go to a central pot. I can almost see this if there's a committee that decides the money allocation. But, no way is our music parents group fundraising if all the money is going to the sports programs.
This situation is a place where PTA groups would shine because they do have rules to follow that already offer safeguards. Not to say that your groups should turn into PTA's but that the stringent rules that bother a lot of people would be helpful right now.
I wouldn't be in favor of the district try to take over running the PTOs. But regulating something and controlling something don't have to be the same thing. (Note: a micro-managing principal or superintendent will cause problems regardless of the rules in place, so I'm just sticking to generalities for now.)
I'm curious which of the items you think are too extreme? For instance, to get a 501(c)(3) status, the IRS reviews bylaws and requires certain language. Is it a problem for the school district to do the same?
My issue would be if they set this out too ambiguously so it's hard to interpet and implement.
Our district has a policy about the total number of fundraisers each elementary can have. It doesn't matter who owns it (the school, a class, the PTO), there's a set number. We all know that and we have to work closely with the principal. We also know what type of events are exceptions (i.e., a restaurant night where a % goes to the PTO). As a parent, I like that policy - which is totally missing in middle school, so we get blasted with fundraiser after fundraiser. And I don't care if the fundraiser is on school property or not. It's a "school" fundraiser targeted to school families. There's only so much income to go around. One fundraiser affects another.
What I would be looking for are clear definitions, statements of intent, templates, a defined appeals process. And developing that framework will take some time.
If the PTOs could work WITH the district to hammer out reasonable, clear guidelines acceptable to both sides, I think everyone would be better off.
I don't go as far as JHB -- I think the level of control described in the first post is too, too much and will actually result in less effective parent involvement in the long-term. that's the case you beed to make in negotiating a better solution here.
That said, I agree with JHB that the district does have a role here. They're legitimately concerned about what goes on in connection with the school, and JHB is right that PTO/PTA problems wind up being attached to the district (in perception).
This reaction (overreaction) to the money problems with one group is not uncommon. Your job now is to slow things down, address the legitimate concerns of the district and explain why the proposed solution goes too far and will hurt involvement.
Address the concerns: ask super what the specifi worries are and then agree on some district-wide regulations that are solid. All PTOs will have an annual audit. Nothing will go home through the "backpack express" without district approval. All at-school events will be approved by principal. Two signers on checks.
But also explain how too much district control and micro-managing will slowly sap involvement. The best, most creative volunteer leaders will slowly find other outlets (they can lead the soccer club or run an American Cancer Society event), if their skills aren't utilized and respected in the PTO world. Over-time this loss of leadership will leave you with less-talented yes-people at the helm of the PTO. Involvement will go down. Fundraiisng success will go down. And you'll have a listless, same-thing-year-after-year PTO. Not good for anybody.
Explain to the district what you'll do to alleviate concerns. And also explain to the district why the proposed controls will actually hurt the district.
Yikes! :eek: Little bit of control issues over there?
I see JHB's position, and in fact that was pretty much the way our superintendent explained it to us. However he and the BOE are reasonable and understand that the legalities of the situation dictate that as a separate group we can pretty much do as we please (off school property, that is), especially as far as the $ end of it goes. They also realize we're tax-paying adults, and that it's in their best interest to be willing to work with us.
As our group uses the school name in ours, and is for all intents and purposes a representative of the school district, the BOE naturally expects us to abide by certain rules, which we have no problem with (things like fliers need to be seen by either the principal or super before they go out to make sure there aren't any problems with BOE policies). It's a bit stickier with the principal--she's an UBER control-freak, and still doesn't get that she needs to let go a little bit and not take things so personally when we act without giving her a personal phone call each time. Her bosses get it, but she doesn't.
To head off any potential problems we try to be as open with them as possible--we try to remember to send all printed matter to them and give them regular updates on our activities.
It's extremely funny that you would say that because our district refuses to have anything to do with parent groups. If we have issues with mismanagement of funds, they just shrug their shoulders and tell us it's our problem. I'll be honest with, bylaws only work if someone is there to make sure that they are followed and when there is low parent and teacher interest, this because a major challenge. I will tell you this, if our Super told me that the district would be controlling our funds, I wouldn't even bother. They can't even manage their own funds properly.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
This is probably going to be an unpopular view, but if I were in charge of a school district those are EXACTLY the type of rules I'd put in place.
No matter how independent, a PTO's name, reputation, and activities are inextricably linked to the school. It’s a roll of the dice every single year. Sometimes you’ve got a great set of officers and smooth sailing. Some years you’re dealing with flaky people, catfights among members, or overbearing officers. Mismanagement of the PTO can put the school on the front page with a story on embezzlement, tax problems, or how a rule/law was violated.
How many of us have walked into PTO's with weak bylaws and non-existent processes with every group winging it year after year? If I were in charge of a school/district – the thought of totally unregulated parent groups would terrify me.
Look at it from an objective angle – as a parent you are told there’s a new group that’s going to be sponsoring school activities, using the school name, meeting on school property, involved with the kids on a daily basis, and hitting you with fundraisers. But – oh, by the way – they aren’t accountable to the district and they don’t have to follow district rules because they are a “separate organizationâ€.
However, as a well-functioning PTO, you don’t want to become an organization that’s merely a puppet for the district. You do need a certain level of independence.
In my opinion – the answer is to negotiate a solution until both sides find an agreeable compromise.
