We decided for a myriad of reasons that we want to switch. We want to dissassociate with the previous way of doing things, revamp, revitalize, bring in "new blood", stop sending money to a National chapter, rewrite bylaws, standing rules, ect. We were told by many, many parents and staff alike that the "PTA" wasn't for them. They wanted to have a bigger voice in how things are done, what the available funds are spent on, more inclusive, questionable accounting, ect. While I am sure I will hear from some that will say, "You can make changes and still stay PTA", we are all brand new board members and we want to start over. In fact, the school administrators had approached us last year to ask us to start a different parent/teacher group (a PTO). We decided to bide our time, ask around and find out why the PTA had such low membership and go from there. Based upon our findings, it was determined to start completely over. We have obtained an EIN number and have opened a checking account and are in the process of applying for 501(c)3 status. Once we start the year going and pull in some money, we will get insured. We have several insurance agents who are parents at the school looking into this for us. We already have more parents on board for the PTO that hasn't "officially" formed yet than the PTA did for the last two years. Seems like everyone wants to see a whole new face on the Parent/Teacher group at the school. I think the key was making people feel welcome, and to have them know their ideas and opinions mean something. We have set up a "Fund Allocation" process that will used for any funds left in the general account at the end of the year. This will be money not already specifically allocated to a particular need. Each and every member of the PTO will be able to put items on the ballot that they would like to have purchsed with the funds. The school administrators will approve the items as "appropriate", then ballots will be sent to EACH and EVERY member and they get to number the items in the order of preference. We will spend down the account in the order of votes. This seems to be a fair and equitable way of making sure all interests are acknowledged. This, is why we decided to switch.