If a Chairperson was leading an event or fundraiser that was previously voted & approved to go to a specific cause (playground equipment, new computers, new supplies, etc.) and it was clearly indicated on all memos for that event, then it could be. However, they cannot do it after the fact. In most instances, all monies raised are put into the general fund which supports your overall budget. To allow his person to specify where it goes, would be setting a precident, as you said, & open pandora's box.
Chairpersons should be working as a member of a team; not as an individual in a competition or out to support their own "agenda".

Thanks for everyone's input. It appears that this committee chair has seen the error of her ways and has agreed to request funds for her particular project through the proper channels, that being the Allocation Committee. She now understands that any fundraising done through the PTO needs to go into the PTO general fund and then distributed through the Allocation Committee. We will most likely amend our bylaws stating same so that we can counter any future ultimatums that may come our way.

i agree with dlf.. there's a reason there is an executive board, and a whole PTO body- there is no " I" " ME" or " MY" in "PTO". I agree in a positive approach to her, too. Thank her for her time this year, and tell her that her ideas are under consideration.

If she needs it spelled out, ask her to think about how the PTO would run if each person who donated money was allowed to say what exact item they wanted the money specifically used for. If she sees it through other eyes, she may be more receptive to understanding why her specific request can't be met.

and.. for the record.. you would be absolutely opening a can of worms... general rule of thumb never ever do something once for one group or teacher.. that you can't do for everyone...

here's an example that bit the last board ( not my board ) in the backside.. a teacher wanted sharpies.. no biggie, right? well, that $12 package of sharpies started a war about "favorite teacher- kissing up to board, etc" and other staff got mad ( petty, i know...).. so in the end.. the rest of them got their sharpies, and it cost the PTO an additional $400... a lesson that was passed on to me.. in what NOT to do when you think you are being nice!

I don't think that a chair should be allowed to "dictate" anything. If the event was originally targeted for a specific issue--okay- but there are no dictators in the PTO. I would thank her for her time and contributions and move on....unless as a group you agree that the money ought to go to a specific project or requirement.

d

All our functions go into a general fund unless otherwise said beforehand. We just did a Chuck E Cheese night and the funds were being raised to help our local zoo, but parents knew that before they participated.
If you did allow her to put the funds into something of her choice you could be opening a huge can of worms for future events. What if all the parents wanted to go towards say assemblies and nothing went to field trips.
Our bylaws dont state specifically, but if your chairing you do know that the funds are the PTO's.

Just my 2 cents

Where does she want it to go? I would look at your bylaws and if it isn't there then was it brought up prior to the money being raised? If not then it should go in your general fund, parents want to know where that money is and what it is used for. If the money was raised with her project being mentioned then that is where it should go.