Once again, appreciate all of the input. About combining the PTO's, our schools are very crowded. We're splitting into two K-8's with about 600-700 students per school. I think that each school will need their own PTO to serve the needs of parents, teachers and students. I'm hoping to resolve the situation with minimal angst. Already, the information I've recieved on this board is being passed along to PTO parents. Thanks!!!
I think its only fair that you send the new school part of your account. They helped to fundraise that money and the students in your school shouldn't be excluded from the benefits of the money they helped to raise. They will have a lot of things they will need at the new school (mine is only 3 years old) and they should have money to start them out.
I agree with splitting the money according to the percentage of your students that are leaving this facility and going to the new one. My school was the original in my town, but there are 4 others as well. A new facility was built and we were to move into that facility taking our name & all students. However, we were getting students from 3 other schools as well. Only 1 school gave us some money and they earmarked it for something in particular, so the PTO didn't benefit much. It was a struggle the first year considering our school population tripled in size, but our bank account was 1/3 of what we needed it to be at the start of school.
Show good faith and community spirit by sharing the money.
Making a positive difference one project at a time <img src=images/smilies/smile.gif>
I am with OntheGo. A few years ago in my hometown (30 miles from where I am now) a new HS was built. Then the Elemtary (PreK-4) and Middle schools (5-8) were adjusted to use the old HS. Now they have a PreK-2nd, 3-5, 6-8 & HS.
The PreK-2 & 3-5 share a PTO. I don't know how they divide up the activities or money, but since it is still basically the same group, the PTO stayed the same. Since you will still ahve the same group of students (just in 2 locations) why does anything have to split?? Are the schools going to be miles & miles apart? Will traveling to the "other" school make it difficult for PTO members to attend meetings?
Since I am not (and have not been) in the situation, I guess it seems to me like it is not much of a situation at all. I am certainly not making light of your questions, but merely wondering if a simpler solution is possible. Just share. Don't send money (or board members) anywhere, don't split ... just share. Just my $.02.
my feelings are that if your group is splitting (meaning half the students are leaving your building) then yes you should show good faith, I mean these students helped raise that money and it should follow them.
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
We have considered doing some joint activities, however, the feeling is still that some monies should go to the new school. After all of this is over, we'll definitely need to amend our bylaws.
About where my children will go.... the jury is out. This district has been in huge turmoil since we've lived here. That's the reason I've been so involved with the schools. It will really depend on where I feel the best teachers are for my kids and the type of leader they'll have at the new school.
So, I've just been telling folks that I'll decide when I get enough information.
Any more ideas out there? I appreciate all of your input!
Is it possible to share a PTO? In our district, there is a K-3 and a 4-6 school within four miles of each other who share a PTO. They have co-presidents (one from each school) and share the VP, Secretary and Treasurer. They alternate meetings and events between the two schools. It helps the younger kids get to know the school they will be "moving up" to. The older kids get to stay connected with their "old school" and teachers. They have more buying power because they are buying more of whatever they need. I'm not sure the negative aspects to partnering but it seems the positives are there. They also are able to share an EIN, bylaws, bank account.
Whatever happens I hope your PTO will not just kick the others out of the nest as the new group will need time to get their wings. I love the idea that cottonwoodptc posted - give a percentage of money that matches the percentage of students that are leaving.
