We did away with dues, also. In response to the concern about start up money: our $10 dues used to include one copy of the school directory which the PTO publishes. Now we just sell it outright for $5 and make nearly as much (some people who were leary of "joining PTO" will buy a directory with no strings attached). We also carry over at least $2000 per our bylaws.
We analyzed our need for startup money a few years ago. When we really looked at it, there were very few Aug/Sept expenses, even though everyone felt nervous that we needed lots of money in the bank when school starts. In reality, we were fine until our fundraising $ starts coming in late September.
We allocate up to $90 in reimbursement for our teachers, including the specialists like art, music, gym, plus social worker, speech, etc. They have to submit receipts (which we never discuss, just file away), and then we cut a check. Since we don't have dues, there's no membership issue. But even when we had dues, we still offered the same deal to all teachers.
Our PTO has always given $75 to teachers, and $50 to auxillary staff for supplies. They submit receipts near the end of the year for things that they have purchased above and beyond for their classrooms. This year we upped it to $125 for all staff, as we hadn't had an increase in 7 years, and things are getting more expensive. We also gave the gym teacher $400 for new gym equipment (balls, jumpropes, etc) that can't be bought for $125. We don't charge dues, and I had a hard time allocating this money this year as our budget was shortened by poor fundraiser response, but it is all for our kids! We trimmed our budget in other areas to compensate, like the staff appreciation gifts. We made them this year instead of ordering over priced, under value gifts from positive promotions.
We are a Title I school, well over 50% of our students are on free or reduced lunches. Our PTO gives the teachers at least $100-$200 per year. I would like to see it raised considerably because we do have successful in school fundraisers. Our kids do not sale things. Also the more the teachers have to spend the less the parents will have to buy. Our parents have a long list of supplies each year. It is hard for me with only two kids and many people have more than two kids. Our aides usually get $50-$100. In order for teachers to receive these funds they have to work at least two functions per year such as Fall Festivals and Basketball tourneys.
When I first started with our PTO 4 yars ago we placed $50. into each teachers discretionary fund regardless. Most did not show up at meetings, always acted like we were putting them out with our fundraisers, etc. My 2nd year as president I upped the fund to $75. each - more started showing up at meetings especially when they heard how I continuously praised the teachers for their help and thanked them for putting up with us. This year not only did I up the fund to $100. each, but we also provide them with 2 special luncheons each year and gifts during teacher appreciation week. We have more teachers attending our meetings then we do parents - and if one can't make a meeting they make certain I know why before hand. Did I buy their attendance at meetings? I dont think so. I think i lead my group to show appreciation to the teachers and they felt it was genuine. As a PTO we are there to help raise funds for the school that are not covered in the budget- this includes helping the teachers recoup some of their out of pocket expense. We have done exceptionally well this year with our income and I vote that we share the wealth with our teachers - all the students win this way!
A former President of our PTO, tryed to force the teachers to come to our meetings by refusing to let them have a discounted membership to one of those whole sale places that our PTO got discounts in membership from (Promotional benifit)they had been getting this oppertunity for years prior to this, without attending meetings. The Teachers were furious, she had to be the most hated President we had by Teachers. Tread carefully with this, cause you can find any Teacher support you have now disapear.
We are a PTA; we reimburse classroom teachers up to $100, and resource teachers (PE, Art, etc.,) up to I think $400 or so (they serve the entire school). As far as I know, the teachers do not have to be PTA members to receive reimbursement.
