Here is another vote with Critter. Just to put out there what happens if the pto dissolves down the road will the officers be liable for entering into the contract with him. There is no way I would do this, not at all, if the school district wants to that is their choice. I would be very hesitant about giving up control of all fundraisers as well.

I agree with Critter and my3. If you're working at a $1k-$6k range on fundraisers it can take many years to pay off this loan. I don't think it's responsible to lay that kind of burden on future board members. Instead I'd recommend that you continue to raise funds and keep them in an interest bearing savings account. Once the funds are raised then the equipment can be purchased.

I understand that this is a tempting offer as it would allow you to go from no playground at all to a complete playground as well as benefit your children before they move on. I'm sure it would be nice to see them enjoying the playground you're working so hard to get. How about working with the school to draft a long term plan and then buy individual items as the funds become available?

I am with Critter on this one. As a PTO I wouldnt do it. There are a lot of issues at stake. What if the funds never get raised, the legalities, the person not liking how your doing. You will have guidelines to follow through the school I am sure of what can be put up, how it will be laid out etc. Will he hold the money if its not his way.
We had a playground done a few years back. It was a long term thing raising the money, but we did it.

JMHO

Cindy

As a PTO president, I wouldn't do it. If the principal and school board want to enter into a relationship with this parent, that's their choice. I wouldn't get the PTO involved.

Though I don't have personal experience with this, I know someone who delt with something similar. I believe they had the parent purchase (after getting the school and board's approval) the equipment with a repayment contract in place. This allowed the group to maintain it's control over the fundraising efforts while allowing the parent to work within what they felt were appropriate guidelines. Essentially, they didn't want this parent stepping on the wrong toes or offending anyone because they were so overzealous. The parent had to get all ideas approved before acting but was given the position as chair for said project. This allowed for some control over the parent's actions.
I would start by speaking with your principal and school board to make sure this would be acceptable in the first place. I'm pretty sure our district wouldn't consider it but would suggest that the parent donate $ in exchange for having their name put on a peice of equipment or have that parent just head a fundraising campaign for the equipment.

[ 11-03-2006, 01:59 PM: Message edited by: ScottMom#1 ]

We don't have a playground. A parent wants one now and is willing to lend us the money interest free ($60K). The catch is he wants control of all fundraising aspects for the playground. As we get the money, we will cut him a check until loan is paid off. I am getting the "selling my soul" feeling. However, I don't want to not take advantage of getting a playground up sooner than later. I know this guys main campaign is to hit parents up for straight donations. I am afraid his is disallusioned with how successful it will be. We have fundraisers in place for the playground, but it is slow going $1-$6K at a time. I will seek out an attorney to set up a contract, but want to know if any of you have experienced this? :eek: Advice?