I believe the school district has some statement to the affect that school funds can not pay for staff activites that are not for continuing education-like food and parties-that's why we get asked for it. If our principal was to pass stuff on to us from the staff, it would never happen, so I don't envy your position. To make sure that she knows of these expenses, she is supposed to actively participate in our group, which only requires about 90 minutes a month from her.
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
Our new principal is trying to train the teachers to come to HER with all funding requests rather than allowing any teacher to freely ask for money from us. Her logic is that she needs to know the true cost of running of the school. Really all funding requests in our situation go from the teacher to the principal to us. I don't even think she would send it on to us. You make a good point. I'll put it back in her lap!
Shelly
If you want to turn them down politely, what is your policy on requesting funds? Have them fill out a formal request form, most PTOs use them. Then bring it for your group to discuss. If your group turns it down, just write request denied. If this is not specifically in your budget and your group says no, you don't have to explain yourself.
Our group never paid for teacher meals out of PTO funds until the school secretary was made treasurer and we are currently working very hard to unteach the staff of their habit of assuming the PTO will give them food anyday they think is a holiday.
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
That's the hard part--how do you say "no" without making them mad. My retired teacher friend said "tell them you want to put all your work/resources into teacher appreciation". What's funny is that we just started this year a new program where parents bring snacks to the teacher's lounge on a rotating basis!
I think this expensive Christmas party sort of evolved over the years from an at home/potluck to a party at club and it got too expensive so one of our teachers obviously USED to teach at some school where the parents did this for them (apparently it's in the minority) and they think it's a good idea and we're entitled. I'm just sort of amazed someone has the nerve to suggest it!
First - let me say that I agree with everyone else. For us, this would be an inappropriate use of PTO funds to underwrite such a party.
However, please be sensitive to the teachers also. It's highly unlikely that they woke up one day and greedily said, "let's use the PTO funds for our own benefit!"
Something got them to this point. Either this, or something similar was done in the past and it's become an accepted/expected activity. Did they assist more aggressively with a fundraiser because they thought some of the funds were earmarked for this purpose? Did somebody offer something that got skewed out of proporation.
So, when you do tell them "no", please keep in mind these are hard-working people dedicated to your children. Find a way that's diplomatic and save face for everyone involved.
I probably shouldn't be answering this due to my prejudice lately, but EXCUSE ME?! It's YOUR job to pay for THIER party? And this is because...?
NO.
I wouldn't care if Christ Himself was a teacher there--absolutely not. And for any of them to suggest such a thing is ludicrous. And if they can't understand why they should be ashamed of themselves, and obviously their college education was money wasted.
