I was thinking the same thing 55 committees what the heck kind of school is that. If they wanted to scare away more parents from getting involved they did. I think more pto's/a's are run more business like, but face it most of the parents who are running them are women who have received some sort of education. Years ago that wasnt the case.
When I did my first PTO meeting 2 years ago and showed the budget as a graph instead of all the numbers and mumbo jumbo. The parents were like wow I really got it when you showed it that way.
I am emailing the article to all my fellow pto'ers to see get their opinion.

Oh and about getting perks and such I can for certain say that our group does not work that way. If anything I have had my daughter fighting her own battles because I dont want them thinking oh the pto president wants favors. Not to say there hasn't been other pto's at our school that have done that. But I woudn't condone it ever.

I think she needs the story to be on the positive note about getting more parents who work that are involved in school activities and such.

I thought the angle was really a stretch.

If the examples from the groups are not exaggerated, I really hope those groups are not typical.

55 committees? A committee with seven co-chairs? LOL

Playing favors to get a good slot on the pizza sale schedule?

Our group here is growing, and we are very business-like, but if we ever get like that, I'd be embarassed.

Too bad no dads were represented in the story, but I think where you have male presence you have a lot less drama, and I think drama is what the writer was going for.

The reason for groups to get more businesslike is to maximize use of their resources. Nowhere does it say that. Underestimating a parent group's duties by handling things nonchalantly is irresponsible.

Pals -- If your biggest mmistake was bad decorations at a cost of $90, you guys must not make to many big mistakes.

Yeah Tim I enjoyed talking with her, it made me realize how much I have learn and grown, we all need to continue to learn from each other in order for our groups to succeed!
I agree with the fact that it does point out how essential parent group work is, that is so important for people to know and to realize that the parent group from yesterday is not the parent group of today!

Yeah, I had a long interview, as well, PALS. And -- in case you didn't know -- we sent her your way as an interviewee (knowing that you guys do such a great job).

All in all, I do like the fact that article points out how essential parent group work is (and continues to become).

Tim

PALS, that always happens,,,,you never know WHAT will be published. so dont feel bad. its always risky being interviewd for anythihng. anywya, here is your PERFECT opportunity to write an editorial for the times, if youre so inclined.

Tim I am actually one person that is quoted in the article, I talked to the reporter for close to two hours. I am a little disappointed on how it went, I don't think it is a fair representation of parent groups, kinda snobbish oriented and that bothers me alot.
I think there is way more than there is in this article, disappointed because I know what I said to her and alot of it got lost...I know that is common ground but when talking with her she seemed to be more into the whole business part as far as incorporating, 501, bylaws, insurance, Marketing, things like that. I am not sure where that even went... anyways disappointed because I can tell you I am not dressed in a business suit and not from the corporate world! Oh well...PTOs are businesses but we do alot of other great things as well.