Donated playground becomes property of school/parish and also its responsibility/liability. So of course they should have final say in the matter, regardless of how the money is raised for the purchase. It is a gift that becomes inventory of the school. And since kids play on it, means they are doubly invested in making sure it meets thier standards and approvals.
If on the otherhand, your 'set backs' are of a different sort like in the area of policitcs beteween school and parent group, or they dont want the playground at all for other reasons, then its hard to comment on what to suggest without being there and knowing all the details in play.
Hi Eric--it does sound frustrating. If I understand it the money you raise it going into a school account. In my mind I guess that means it is the school money. Most of the PTOs I've dealt with and seen on these boards have their own banking account of which they have control. At times they will have a Principal on the account, or keep the checkbook at the school (neiter of which I personally agree with) but to not have access to the money you raise really does put you at the schools whim as far as the spending of the money.
Perhaps, given your situation, you should consider opening your own checking account, or at least sitting down with the Principal/Priest and venting a bit as to your thoughts and your frustrations. You can only dangle a carrot for so long in front of parents before you hear the "yeah right" exclamation the next time you send out a fundraiser with the playground as the goal. If the powers that be don't agree with the playground then it seems to me you'll have to start over. I would first start an account that is the PTO's "playground account" and then start depositing the fundraiser money in there to create an autonomous source of money.
However, tread lightly young grasshopper. The only way you can fundraise at the school is if the folks in charge let you and if they see this as a slap in the face the doors may swing quickly shut to your efforts to support. I would think there would be a middle ground since a play area at a school is a rather accepted use of money for organizations such as a PTO....
Hi,
I just wondered if anyone else happened to have a hard time trying to get approval from the school (principal) or the school priest to have fundraiser. They control essentially what we do witht the money we raise but stalling all projects we have planned for (ie playground). They also seem to be able to stop us from fundraising unless it is directly for school reparis or teachers needs. We have been raising money for 18 months now for a new playground but have hit obstacles. The PTO is getting very discouraged by all these set backs. The school seems to think that they have overall control of the money raised and will not allow any member of the PTO on the bank book. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Eric
