Plus lasttime I checked (I'm only 40) -- I didnt create or condone the beauracracy he (and the author) seems to confuse with Parent groups- its been around since the dawn of time (or at least since the start of formal govt) plus the parent groups in lots of instances can circumvent the beauracracy and 'red-tape' when it rears its ugly head to keep or add vital components to a school educational experience.
The piece does raise some interesting issues but I'd be interested if the author just interviewed non PTA/PTO parents or non involved parents.
I know lots that disagree with PTA's (lobbying and such) stances but still pay their $5 because they see it as a means to change their school and its community (taking the good with the bad)
I disagree with fundraising selling trinkets and such (but do like the cookies, and dough and sweets) -- but when the alternative is no supplies, no music classes, no books for library, etc.
You do what you gotta do
I for one (and maybe I just live in my own fantsy world) have never had or had a family member or friend work for a company that 'bans' employees causually distributing or asking co-workers to buy from their childs school.
I'd like to see more family/ educational activities as fundraisers other than the trinket sales but when you can raise $30,000 - 100,000 in a couple weeks with little muss or fuss- It hard to say NO.
I think most of the ones that complain really dont have a working knowledge of Parent Groups other than 'Oh its a PTA/PTO fundraiser' -(or 'Yeah they do good but so does the Red Cross, etc) - and as a sole volunteer org is doubly difficult since it takes time (which in reality is false - it doesnt take time- its a matter of priority- the time is always availble- its how that time is valued that's the problem-- ie. Idol instead of PTA mtg, soccer over PTA event, washing the car over volunteering or making that solicitation) or even realize that helping for that one hr could change a childs perception of educational experience and lasts a lifetime
Beleive you me -- I'm working on some educational programs to share with all- but like you -- If I could plant that money orchard out on the old 118 where all the SoCal orchards all- it'd be the biggest one in the world (not everything is bigger in TX

)