One question before I state my opinion... Why are we divided on the subject of our children's education? We can accomplish more if the PTO and the PTA work TOGETHER!!

I am in the process of starting a PTA at my children's school here in Erie. The parents would be invited to a COMBINED meeting to ensure that they understand exactly what the differences are between the two groups; and, would be given the choice of which group they wanted to join.

In this way, the children and the school benefit from having both areas covered. It sounds to me like many of you who are voicing your opinion don't know as much as you think you do. I am starting a Yahoo Office and invite you to view some of the information which I have collected.

The "Office" will be completed no later than October 1. All will be welcome to join...PTO and PTA alike.

PTO_prez, I was beginning to think I was crazy so, I am glad to read your post. I do not think that people realize or understand how nicely PTA and PTOs can work together, at least side by side!

I am confused also. In our school district, the elementary schools are PTA and the middle schools, PTO. I think that originally happened because of the declining parent involvement after elementary school. It was harder to get parents to regular meetings, etc.. Anyway, I was a PTA president at one school and am the PTO president at the next school. I have several executive board/committee chairs that are on both boards because of where there kids are. Since we are all part of the same district, we all work very closely together "for the kiddos". Matter of fact, our bylaws look very similiar to PTA (they already did before I got here), with a few exceptions, like number of regular meetings, and paying dues to State and National. The other thing is that we were not automatically tax exempt and that causes some confusion. I am sure that some PTO's look nothing like PTAs, but it our town they are very much alike. Again, we are all in it for the kids. PTA has come along way with researching tax issues and various other things. Our PTO would be crazy not to use some of that information, so that we do not need to re-invent the wheel.

I don't see the conflict.

I am a member of the PTSA at the school my daughter just graducation from and will be a member of the PTSA at her new school. However, I will be strongly advocating replacing the PTSA with a PTO (PTSO?) due to the domination of the PTSA's in District 31 by LAUSD; specifically, some school administrations try to restrict membership to a clique of selected parents that they can control. Last year, there was a fraudulent election at one school (and it looks like they did it again this year) which was upheld by District 31 and California State PTA despite the flagrant bylaw violations...National PTA refused to get involved. The Superintendent's Chief of Staff committed to investigating the matter, then backed down, apparently in the face of political pressure.

Many parents are unaware of the PTO option. The best way I can think of to make them aware is by PTA membership. There is nothing underhanded about it; I'm right out in the open. District 31, California State and National PTA were the ones that were underhanded (plus, of course, the school administrators and PTSA president themselves).

Carlos L'Dera

Sorry I responed before reading all the posts. Tim I am glad you let me know this. I will let my friend know also. I guess I have flet this kind of tension between both groups from my own unit. They do like to compare and mock the "competitor". I am glas not every PTO member feels this way. And truthfully in our group it is just a few ladies that do this.

I have heard about the new campaign that PTA has and think it is great! It should help all of us. What are your views?

Sorry about confusing anyone with my posts.