This is such a catch 22 IMO. In many cases if the PTO doesn't do it, no one will. On the other hand, if the PTO does do it then there is no reason for the town to have to. Meaning that if the PTO did not do it then sooner or later it might become an issue and the town would be forced to take action.
One thing I would definitely recommend is that anything that is a safety issue, such as the protective surface on the playground, must stay under the school's/town's responsibility. It's one thing to put a playground in, with the protective surface, and then gift it to the town as compared to maintaining responsibility.
I do believe that one time projects can at times fall within the PTO responsibility. For example, presently our auditorium carpet needs to be replaced. It is ripped and taped, but I don't think the town is going to pay for this. So this might be a project that we fundraise for, but it would be a one-time thing.
Our district pays for all maintenance of the grounds. It's their school. However, the PTO maintains large flower pots that we placed in front of the school to help make it a bit more cheery for the students & parents entering. When we expanded our playground, we received approval from our facilities department and the district that they would maintain the additions we were supplying to the school.
It could be that one time the PTO offered to support something for the school and it snowballed from there. If your budget is strained due to the expenses, you can attend your board of education meeting (after a discussion with your principal) and explain your dilemma. You may find that they are unaware that you are footing the bill or would be able to take the expense back. It's worth a shot!
Making a positive difference one project at a time <img src=images/smilies/smile.gif>
I've noticed that many PTO's budget funds for upkeep including landscaping, painting, and other grounds / building expenses. What do you think of that? Why aren't our taxes paying for routine maintenence? What amount do you think is appropriate for the PTO to contribute, $0, hundreds, thousands? We have ~700 students in our school. Thank you.
