Dear dlf: Thanks for the advice. But the problem she is demanding to see all the information; I've emailed the editor for PTO Today to see what info they have on this and will be calling the state PTO organization to see what advice they have on Monday next week. There has to be some restrictions as to what the principal can see and demand of the PTO in the school. We are just a volunteer organization, not part of nor regulated by the school system administrators.
I'll keep you posted on what I find out.
You know -- I guess I'm a peacemaker but for the most part when our Principal wants something, we pretty much consider it a done deal. I mean if we really disagreed we would change it but the frills are what we are there for in my mind (because we too are a new school and have had terrific luck with the equipment etc that we've gotten. I'm surprised the Prinicpal doesn't have a budget for this. Also, did you hear him or her say the thing about the money. Just go to the guy/gal, tell them what funding this is going to do to your overall goals for the kids and where you think you need to draw the line as far as expenses. See what he wants the money for and perhaps you can do it cheaper with volunteer work. But don't fall ill to the rumor monster.
I don't believe the principal can demand that the PTO has to pay for all of the expenses. The school is already supposed to have a fund for social expenses and should contribute to some extent especially if your PTO has not been in existence for such a short time. I would also check with your school's administration offices that run the school system and see what kind of response you get from them.
I am having a similar problem except that the principal wants us to fold. I am still in the process of needing to talk with the administrator over student services to discuss this.
Our principal wants us to close the PTO account in order to have the monies go toward ISTEP snacks that weren't even voted on by our PTO board to pay for this school year. We're still in the process as well as trying to decide what we would like to do for the rest of the year.
Any thoughts back to this?
Refer to your By Laws Your Principal needs to read them also She should not have a vote or any control over how your PTO spends their money Was this request submitted in writing and did your memebrs vote on it? If things get off on the wrong foot with your Principal; and she thinks she can spend PTO money as SHE sees fit then the longet it goes on the hardder it will be to break that bad habit Meet with your Board and submit something to her in writing Does your PTO have a Hospitality Committee? Our PTO has a written policy stating a limit of what can be spent on that type of thing i.e. teacher/principal asking for money for an event Our school is only 5 yrs old We have had similar growing pains You have a right to send a clear message and if you handle it nicely you are not wrong Good Luck
