Go to the bank and start a PTO Checking Account. NO QUESTIONS about it. You are a separate organization with your own by-laws etc. You have an executive board and other board members who should VOTE on how EVERY PENNY is spent. The Principal can request money for something but in the end, its the voting board that makes the decision on how your money is spent. Good Luck!
I don't believe any PTO should put their money in a school' account, you should be independent from the school, but at same time work with the school.
Here a little info even though Principal is controlling the money, it is still public record demand to see the books, if he/she refuses go to supertendant and demand to see the books, if they don't co operate call the IRS, and file complaint. Non-Profits records our public records, because you put the money in the schools accounts you have made the school responcible to include that info in there annual budget, and gave them the right to spend it any way they want.
Power of Parents: boycott fundraisers, boycott school events that raise money, get other parents to do this too, this will dry up the PTO money if no one supports the fundraisers, no money no budget, no PTO.
Now why can't you start a new PTO? No one needs to charter you. Start a new PTO just call yourselves something different from what your current one is called, and put in the charter that you sponcer your school. If you are a Public School, you can put in a request to the Supertendant to hold events at the school after school hours or even hold events at a local church etc. You can do things for your school, just find ways around this principal.
I would have a meeting with the superintendent. If s/he can't help, I would RUN, not walk.. to your local newspaper.. let that guy get some BAD press. I am sure your teachers would be thrilled, and maybe it would force your city to have the backbone to get rid of him.
In the meantime, I would open a separate checking account for the PTO. Do a no cost fundraiser, like a jog a thon, and deposit the money in there.
Penny-
You have every right to let PTO go to the wayside. Your bylaws should tell you how to disolve your organization. I certainly would not put up with such disrespect and lack of support from school administration when parent groups try to give some help and relief to an already underfunded school system. If all parents agree that they are getting negative criticism from school officials- it is time to dissolve and let them try to do it there way and see the benefit of having a PTO in support of their school.
I may just be talking off the handle- but I definitely think they are cutting off their nose to spite their face.
we are not independent of the school. About 7 years ago the PTO had bad leadership and was not paying it's bills. I worked very hard to get bookfair back and started doing real fundraisers. It was hard work but we got it done, we had alot of great parents. Last year everyone ended up quitting because of the principal, he called us "thieves" and that really hurt. He had no idea what all we had been through to get a PTO together agian. We were told by the superintendent of schools that we would have a new principal this year, but it didn't happen. The teachers are even more unhappy with him than we are. Anyway, because of the old group our school is not allowed to go PTA or do anything to change how our money is handled, we can't even start a new group and let the other one dissolve. And like I said, I just don't have the fight left in me and neither do the other parents. We just miss helping out like we used to. We knew when there were events at school - not anymore, There hasn't been one note sent home so far this year about assemblies, accelerated reader, or upcomming events. And I know Open House has to be comming up soon. I just feel totally left out of the loop!! I feel like I should just sell my house and move sometimes!! Not very realistic though.
