The only thing you cannot support/endorse is a political candidate or party. I am not sure how a tax levy varies from a referendum (are they the same thing, just a different name?). Our town passed a referendum to build onto and remodel our schools and that is something that is done by the BOE and not by a particular candidate or political party so you are free to support it if you like.
Obviously everyone's situation is different. In our case our schools were in such disrepair and overcrowded and passing this referendum was so important for the future education of our children. Our schools were also in jeopardy of failing the state inspections and as such we would have lost all kinds of state funding to boot which would have severly impacted the students. Our PTO was 100% in favor of getting the referendum passed as it was the most important thing we could do for the children of our town and the future of their educations. We did spend about $100 on signs that people put up, but we did vote on it and the membership was 100% in favor of it. Our referendum did pass by a huge margin.
DLF said "I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot poll. And I believe if you are a 501C organization that you cannot legally do it..."
The reality is that a 501c3 is not allowed to endorse a candidate. Any other issue or position can be endorsed or opposed. It is also possible that your bylaws or other document may prohibit your group from endorsing political positions.
I'm with dlf. Run!!!! It is wrong of the principal to even ask. The money is better spent in the school for the kids. mykidsmom is right....they should hold an informative meeting to pitch their pros & cons & let people ask questions. Several yrs. ago we had a proposal about upping a mileage, the ptos stayed out of it but a group of citizens got organized & got outside got donations for the advertising & got on the phone to everyone to get it passed.
Since your principal wants to vote on it (don't be bullyed into it) get everyone there to vote no on funding this & tell them why. Good luck!!!!
Thanks for your replies, I hope to hear more from other's on this. I believe that this is a back door ploy to influence the outcome of a ballot issue, that most of the people in my community are against. I believe the administration is putting pressure on the principles and teachers. We were told that a PTO meeting which is coming up next week, the principle who is on the executive board of the PTO will ask the PTO to vote on this. I believe they will do this at several more schools as well. I have children in two of the district schools and belong to the PTO's at both. Is there anything I can do?
You gotta admit (I'm willing to) there is apart of you that is thinking "How about YOU pay ME to display the signs!!" OH YEAH that's illegal too!!
It just blows me away with the ideas they come up with while sitting...just sitting.. in their meetings all day.
Can you compromise and offer an informational night for them to come and speak with the pros and cons available everyone? We are looking at how to handle this issue in the future as our charter school will no longer be a district school but our parents are still voting members of the community.
