I agree with most of what's been said but don't really think it's even an issue of being a 501(c)(3) or not.

Many perceive such fundraiser as a school fundraiser and who actually "owns" the fundraiser is often only understood by the school administration and the PTO/PTA officers - especially in a school where they limit the number of major sales-type events that involve students taking home catalogs.

Our elementary was allowed two such fundraisers per year - regardless who owned them. Over time, ownership changed. First the PTO owned both, then one for the school and one for the PTO. Currently the school owns both.

I definitely agree that the way it was handled could have been a lot better. But budgets are tighter than ever and many principals must often have fundraisers.

My big question would be: is the school's expectation of the PTO/PTA's contribution also changing? Or will the parent group have to find other ways to scramble for funds?

With our elementary school, the final change was a shift in philosophy where they wanted the parent groups to focus more on volunteerism and less on fundraising for extras.

[ 10-12-2006, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: JHB ]

crew chief no need for thanks...I find that I have learned so much on these boards and after five years as a leader I am now able to help others and I feel that it is all about learning and growing!

Thank you, pals, for clarifying a few important issues. It's interesting to see that three of us posted at nearly the same time and had three very different ideas about the situation. You're absolutely right that the school can take control of certain PTO funds. I was put off by the way clfalco's school seems to be going about the process so, when I say "No, no, no, no" it was more out of disappointment that admin would do such a thing. But, yes, without certain controls in place, it can happen.

This all helps drive home the advice that is frequently given here:

- Have checks and balances in place: Bylaws, financial controls, knowledge of 501(c)(3) status, accounts separate from the school's.

- Maintain a positive realtionship between the parent group and the staff.

- Work together for the benefit of the entire community.

- Be open minded and available to discuss differing view points.

My most favorite thing about these boards is that we can all come together to share information based on our own experiences. Thank you for being a big part of that process and helping to show how we can all benefit from learning from each other.

In response to crew chief, it is common in some districts that if the parent group is using the schools tax id number and the money is being placed in a district account they have that access to take what they need or want. Usually this happens when they dont see the money being spent down.When our pta dissolved years ago they had left money in a school account for playground equipment, the district came very close to taking that money. It does happen, is it right? No but that is why parent groups need to have their own tax id number and accounts. Bottom line is that unless that money was earmarked it belongs to the school, even a 501 has to have a clause stating that if they dissolve the money goes to the school...meaning the irs sees it as belongning to the school when the pto is no longer around. Being 501 the principal and district has no legal ground to your money and that makes a safety net, when you don't have that safety net it can be scary. i would communicate why this is happening, that principal/parent group relation is so IMPORTANT!

Ummmm, what?!?!?! The principal just waltzes in and says she's taking the money? No, no, no, no. What is she basing the 'announcement' on?

I'm assuming you have bylaws, a budget and have communicated to the parents what the fundraising money is for. Even if you're a branch of the school and not a separate entity, the principal has an obligation to the group and the community.

Regarding your question, I believe the school can run a separate fundraiser. My son's school does. Actually, they don't even sell anything. At the beginning of the year, they just ask for donations to the general fund as the school budget doesn't come close to meeting the needs. As far as I can tell (I'm new here) it doesn't seem to interfere at all with the PTO's spring fundraiser.

Perhaps the principal is just in a really awful position. Funds are low, needs are high and she's stuck in the middle with the challenge of making the two ends meet. If there is something the PTO can do to help, I would suggest being open minded and meet with the admin. Above all, though, maintain control of the PTO funds and make sure that the group is behind whatever decision is made. Good luck to you.

it really depends on what kind of partnership your group has with your school, if there is no 501 then they really have the option, unless there are bylaws stating no.If you aren't a formalize group and use their tax id number that even opens it up wider for them. The school can also do a fundraiser and keep all of the money, some schools do seperate things like this from parent groups. I see it as hitting parents up twice! I would question what the principal is doing with the fundraising money that your group has raised??

[ 10-11-2006, 09:03 PM: Message edited by: pals ]