Tim & Shawn,
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I've been reading this board, talking to other PTO members from other schools and I've set up an appt. with our Superintendent. Starting to feel a tiny bit better. Yes, I will change my name. Right now I feel like all I do is say and think DUH so what better name than DUH.

Thanks so much!

Original by pals

From there set a meeting date, advertise,advertise, advertise that date! Dont get discourage from a low turnout. Make sure that meeting minutes get sent home, let everyone know what the goals are! Then send home a survey, get input on events, fundraising, ideas...yada yada.
Our group was ran by the principal the first four months then she asked me. When I became leader we started formalizing things, getting a tax id number, own checking account, things like that. We did not do bylaws, incorporate, become 501 until two years later. I look back and see that you need some time for it to grow before you jump into all of that paperwork, you want to concentrate on getting parents involved and then with all of that input you can move forward.
While you are starting make sure that you have a table at open house, K orientation (talk at that day) take pictures, do bulletin board, get that word out. If you have a warm body talk come talk about bringing one friend next time...you would be amazed at how that works.
My first meeting we had 5 people, I wanted nothing more than to be able to get 15 parents at a meeting by the last meeting of the month. I had four staff members come just to show that support, here it is five years later and we now average around 24-26 people! Our volunteer list ha sgrown to over 60 people...it takes time but you can make it happen. Step one;the PRINCIPAL !!!

More by CC (I'm looking for JHB, critter, Phil B, PTOCES, dlf, AND THE REST I HOLD NEAR AND DEAR,honestly )

1. Meet with your fellow parent volunteers to discuss what you hope to accomplish.

2. Gather as much info as you can to support your goals.

3. Meet with your school's principal to discuss your ideas as well as to hear what his/her ideas may be. Be open minded to the principal's suggestions.

You'll want to do your homework so the principal sees that your group is serious about this commitment but be flexible about the outcome. All of you working together will create the best parent group for your school.

Original posted by CC

Pros

1. There's a safety net with the admin and BOE members keeping an eye on you. If anything gets too sideways, they're there to help straighten things out.

2. Audits can usually be done free of charge for the group as your books are reviewed along with the school's books.

3. Setting up a two signature policy for checks means the group still has control over their funds (ie. the principal can't just write checks for whatever reason).

4. Minutes are presented to admin and BOE so they can see that the parent group is working toward the same goals as them.

Cons

1. The school is well within their rights to take over any funds raised by the parent group.

2. If the school decides your group is not working within the best interests of the school, they could take away your use of their tax id # and/or force major changes or disbanding of the group.

3. The admin has more say over your events and activities.

This is all based on my own personal experiences. I should mention, however, that the groups I've worked with have always had a very positive relationship with the admin / BOE and have never had to worry about serious consequences. I have, though, felt some subtle forcing of direction and decisions.

You'll get a lot of opinions from many others who've worked either as a service branch or seperate entity. I hope it all helps you make the best decision for your team.

Either way, clear, positive communication with your principal will go a long way towards your group's success.

Hey duh (you've got to change that name!) -

I'm Tim, the online proprietor here. Deep breaths -- we'll get you through. I think you'll find these message boards a great resource and this site as a whole a lifesaver.

I'd say start with the basics:

1. You want to find 3 or 4 folks who can help you at the top level. Doesn't have to be an all-encompassing death sentence to be a parent group leader. In fact, if it is such, then you'll have an even harder time recruiting leaders next year.

2. With a couple of folks (and perhaps your principal), come up with 2 or 3 or 4 goals you really want to execute on this year. Maybe it's hosting 2 great family nights. Maybe it's changing the reputation of your PTO so that everyone knows it's welcoming of all. Maybe it's getting that new Ellison machine the teachers have been dying for. Think small, achievable steps.

3. Focus on Fun. Make your meetings lighter. make volunteering feel good. Make your administration's mantra: grow involvement, do great work, have fun doing it.

There's a lot more -- and I'm sure others will jump in here -- but rest assured that you're not alone. Lots of folks have been in your shoes and have done great. It's well worth it.

Tim

Not one person wanted to be president so stupid me took it. Duh, what do I do now? I've never even been to a meeting. Have no idea how to run one, what to say, what to do. Can someone lead me in the right direction. What should I get here? PTO Magazine, membership, software? We're a small school, about 227 kids, maybe 20 parents & teachers involved in our PTO, budget runs between $2000 to $4000. I need a Fairy PTO Mother to help me. Please.