I certainly understand your concerns. As parents, we want the best for our children, which is why we get involved in PTOs in the first place! I would approach this as a 'concerned parent' issue and work at it from that angle.

I'm pretty firm in my belief that parent groups should not take sides or become "officially" involved in school policies. I think the role of the parent group is to give all parents an avenue for becoming more involved in the school and in their child's education, regardless of their position on the more controversial issues in the community. If the group takes a stance on an issue, you are essentially excluding all parents who don't agree with that position.

If the decision is eventually made to air condition the building, I would fully support the PTO in fundraising efforts to help reach the goal. Yes, yes, I know, it should come from district funds..... But if funds are tight, it's deemed best for the school and the kids, and the PTO can help facilitate it, then I'd say go for it!

Thank you Shawn and beignets for taking the time to share your wisdom, it's opened my eyes. We're taking your advice.

We have our hands full -- the superintendant just informed the school secretary to no longer utilize a sub teacher who has been vocal about the air conditioning issue. She also is a long time PTO volunteer and parent of students in the school. I had no idea sending my kid to public school would be so political.

Thanks again

i dont see what the pto could bring to the table at a school board meeting, that would be more forceful than a whole lotta 'hot' parents. and if you go as parents, chances are you would have a bigger turnout, ie to include those NOT members of your pto.

inform your school community, put your issue on the next boe meeting agenda, and voice your opinion, as parents, and tax payers, and not as a parent group.

Its a difficult issue-- because many leave PTA (and Natioanl only wants 'grassroots activists' says the National PTA president and CEO) because they dont want their group to be involved in lobbying, politics, supporting measures, etc. (Nothing can divide a family, group or community faster than discusssion(s) of religion and/ or politics)

Any 501c3 can upto a point be a grassroots org to rally (or lobby) for or against something/someone, etc. More and more parent groups disdain this route though.

Yoo would probably be better off getting a group of parents (they can all be PTO parents) and taking on this issue (I agree with your issue -- A/C and security) as a community not neccessarily as a PTO.

As with all groups though if its put on the agenda and a majority support the action it can be done (just be aware of the fallout, perception and possible member inactivation because of it)

First off I want to thank everyone here for the thoughtful discussion. I'm learning lots of great things and getting great ideas by reading these threads.

My son's elementary school has a Parent Teacher group (not a PTA) that is very active in fundraising and does a great job. My husband was VP last year and this year he's the President and getting compliments on the great job of leadership.

We have a very emotional issue here, about the lack of A/C in our elementary school. It's a small town and it's a "heated" debate, no pun intended.

My husand and I, along with many other residents feel very empassioned about the health, safety and security (open doors and window) of our children. The superintendent and board seem stuck on doing very little, or taking 3 years to install A/C.

Some members of the P-T organization feel that it's not the organization's role to get involved with organizing a voice to go to the school board. To me, it's a no brainer, this is exactly what we're here for, to fight for what's best for the students and teachers.

Is there something I'm missing? What could possibly be wrong with using our PTO to do this? It's a small community, only 400 at the grade school, and about 300 at the high school.

Your thoughts?