This is all very interesting and educational for me, since my PTA is considering dissolving and becoming a less-restrictive, locally-controlled PTO (or something). I did find language in the National PTA Annual Resources for PTAs 2002-2003 and in my state's PTA handbook regarding this, but unfortunately, the language is very general.
For instance, it says that a resolution must be adopted by the unit recommending that the local PTA be dissolved and directing that the question be submitted to a special meeting of the general membership, written notice of that meeting must be provided to each member entitled to vote at least 30 days prior to that meeting, and a copy of the resolution and a copy of the meeting notice must be sent to the president of the state PTA at least 20 days before the special meeting.
The resolution must give a preamble (the "Whereas" clauses) or background as to the reason for the question and then a request for action (the "resolve" clauses) and each action requested should have its own clause.
The resolution is then presented to the membership for discussion and voted upon (an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members passes the resolution).
It then goes on to say, "After the vote has been counted and the organization has voted to dissove their PTA affiliation, per local bylaws Article IV, Section 16a, all funds and financial records of the organization must be frozen and turned over to Maryland PTA or its representative, effective the date of the affirming vote. All outstanding obligations will be honored and met. Any remaining funds, as per local bylaws, will be held for the benefit of the organization through Maryland PTA. No funds may be given to another organization. The local unit must cease and desist from using the name of PTA."
I have seen nothing with regards to seizure of actual property, just funds, but what is discouraging is that there is nothing stated with regards to the actual language that should be used in such a resolution. We are not lawyers and know little about such things, but we don't want to paint ourselves into a corner with PTAs paintbrush either.
Further, my PTA is very informal in that meetings are conducted very casually, votes are taken by show of hands (but most decisions have been made in officers' meetings because participation at regular meetings is minimal.)
Worse yet, records for the group are disastrous. Past boards kept no financial logs except the checkbook register, there is no record of minutes (not even for the current year, since our Secretary had to be "talked into" the job and doesn't bother to take notes), and we don't even know where the group's bylaws are (they haven't been seen for years, apparently.)
I have my personal notes from meetings, all the agendas, newsletters, and other correspondences that have gone out, and the Treasurer this year has made an effort to give us statements and semi-detailed reports on expenditures and income.
I am only V.P. this year, and cannot say much without stepping on toes. See, we are such a small group and it is so tough to maintain a core group of involved parents outside of the four officers and two other moms.
We are depleting our account this year on the second phase of our playground renovation project, and see this as an opportunity to dissolve our affiliation with PTA. But we are concerned (I am at least) with the lack of records and what vinictive actions PTA will take against us when we announce our intentions.
Any advice from a "been there, done that"?
[ 02-02-2003: Message edited by: MarylandMom ]
[ 02-02-2003: Message edited by: MarylandMom ]</p>
