We remind our teachers at the end of the school year, but don't actually approve the exact amount until the first meeting in September. We also ask for receipts before we cut the check (though we don't review the receipts, just file them away). Isn't it possible that this teacher is going to spend another $50-$100 of her own money later this year? Couldn't she turn in receipts then? If that doesn't handle it, then I would just ask her to itemize what she bought from memory and turn that it. It's unlikely that the IRS will audit you, but a good faith effort like that seems reasonable even if they did.
When did you inform teachers they would need to submit receipts? If it was after they returned to school, I could see why they would be upset. Must teachers purchase their supplies in the summer. We request receipts as well, but when we changed to doing this, we told the staff at the beginning of the summer-right after our new board at the time had time to reevaluate policy, giving them plenty of time to collect receipts. Of course, if the majority of your staff has been able to meet your request without any issue and you make an exception, you will never hear the end of it. This is something you need to discuss with your board. Personally, our group would offer to purchase supplies she needs but tell her we can't give her money without receipts.
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
OK, I have a problem. We are a new Executive Board this year and in the past, the PTO has given teachers $50- 100 for classroom supplies. They have never asked for receipts. Well, this year, we've decided to do things differently and ask for receipts before giving them the money.
We received an email today from a teacher saying she didn't keep any receipts and still wants reimbursed.
Maybe I am just having a bad day, but beings that everyone knew we were a new board, shouldn't they have just held on to things not knowing what we were going to do????
The teacher is asking us to postpone the rules until next school year....
Don't we need the paper trail to back us up if we ever get audited?
Thanks!
Amy
