I certainly think it's a fair discussion to have. Are you sure the group didn't already have it? Similarly, is it too late (given that you were less active/gone when this was being done)?
My kids attend a private school, and these kind of auction/raffle prizes are very common and very popular. I've definitely seen them at many, many public schools, as well. A similar concept is "volunteer of the month" parking spot or even auctioning off a special spot in the pick-up line after-school.
I can see some differences with these items in a public school setting, especially if you want to get very technical.
Your goal should be a good discussion and maybe even some systems to make sure this nice fundraising opportunity (doesn't cost school a dime and no one "forced" to pay a cent and likely decent bucks) that will help the school doesn't get out of whack.
Example: very good question to make sure that the new arrangement doesn't in any way impact handicapped access or needs of the show director. That can be a discussion. Also half a front ro (10 seats -- leaving 30 other front row seats for early birds) could be a compromise. Etc.
But -- you asked for my opinion -- I don't think this is a federal offense. Your opinion is fair, but a lot of people don't see it the same as you. And discussion and acceptance are all part of belonging to a volunteer group.
I hope the group doingh some things in ways you don't love doesn't completely turn you away. Your input will certainly keep those things in check and will certainly be valuable in many other areas.
[KINDLY FORGIVE THE DUPLICATION FROM THE "RULES" THREAD...THIS SEEMED TO BE A CROSS-OVER TOPIC...]
I am the former PTA president at our local elementary school. I've been "less active" for awhile so I missed the opportunity to challenge this concept in it's preparatory stage. Up front, this is very disturbing to me because the group that I led for those years does not resemble the one in front of me now at all.
The scoop is this. We have an upcoming Silent Auction. The PTA intends to auction off front row/choice seating to upcoming school concerts and the 5th Grade "graduation" event. There are so many ways in which this could go wrong - all of which making the PTA look bad - but nobody seems to want to hear it. Here are some reasons why I think this is a bad idea:
1. The "haves" vs. the "have nots". "My parents are too poor to sit in the front"
2. What happens when someone walks in the door for these events that is unaware of this and is displeased for any reason?
3. What about all of the special scenarios that the band/choral director has to cope with (wheelchair-bound family members, the lack of room in our cafetorium, etc.)?
4. Finally, I question the authority of the PTA to auction off property that isn't theirs to begin with - and I question the Principal's authority to offer the seats on the same point of view. It's a public, free event. We cannot charge admission for it so how can we "sell" seats that we don't own?
We are talking about the entire front row, 20+ seats, out of 250. Nobody will lose their ability to sit or to see their child. It's just that all of the above reasons make it a terrible concept in my view.
How do you all feel? (Please be nice...even if you disagree). If you have some factual points to bring to the table (i.e. PTA guidelines say no or Public School guidelines typically say yes), that'd be very helpful.
