We, too, are currently a PTA and are considering making the move to become a PTO. For us, it's not really about dues or the money. In the big picture, our PTA can afford dues and still run effectively. Our dues are less than a latte or cafe mocha per member! Of course, it does add up if you consider our school of 380 children has 600 members in our PTA every year. So nearly $2,000 goes to State/National PTA combined. We are fortunate to have a great parent group and school that supports parent involvement, provides wonderful children programs and family programs throughout the year.
At our first PTA meeting this year, a member brought the issue to the floor to disband our PTA and become a PTO. After discussion, it was voted to form a committee to research both positions and bring it back to membership to discuss in November. We've had more discussion in our general meetings. Here's some of the points covered. I hesitate to give much feedback from the group, because your membership should discuss it and form their own opinions.
1: Are we receiving value and service from PTA when we pay dues? (list services and others...)
2. Does State/National PTA meet our needs as a local unit? (list our needs, are they meeting them?)
3. How important is advocating for children through supporting PTA lobbyist to our community? (poll parents about lobbying)
4. Can PTO provide the resources, answer our questions and provide training that we need to operate our local parent group? (research and list services, etc)
5. Do parents really want to be a member of PTA or are they joining to support our parent group, children, programs and school? (poll parents)
6. How does our staff, principal and teachers feel about PTA vs. PTO? (poll staff at school)
7. Bring information and polling results to November general meeting for discussion.
Also, to your comment about not being able to buy classroom supplies if your are a PTA. Totally, UNTRUE. Your PTA can buy whatever they vote to buy. The State/National PTA does not tell you what you can and can't buy with your PTA funds. However, they say that if PTA's buy equipment, supplies, and basic neccessities that they feel the government funds (taxes) should provide, then you hurt the greater cause; which is to have more tax money going towards public education. So, in a way, you hurt the PTA's fight for more of the tax dollars to be budgeted for schools. But, in no way, does the PTA tell you what you can and can't buy with your funds.
Good luck with your decision! We're voting in April to stay a PTA or disband and start a PTO.