This came up in another thread, but I wanted to post it as a resource for those of you from California. Even though PTOs are usually independent, this manual has some really good information. It has a little bit on booster clubs. More importantly, it explains in detail what California schools are allowed/not allowed to do. Often PTO activities are tied to what's allowed for the school. It covers fundraising, accounting practices, school stores, sale of food, and much more. New 2007 version of the
ASB Accounting Manual and Desk Reference
A concise guide to successful student body business management, this reference manual is designed for school principals, ASB activity directors, fiscal services managers, bookkeepers, secretaries, students and others who are responsible for student body activities, especially fund-raising. The manual is intended to answer questions about accounting, purchasing, student stores, vending machines, clubs and overall roles and responsibilities.
Forms are available to download.
The guide was developed by the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) which (I think) is a governmental body.
The mission of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team is to help California's local educational agencies fulfill their financial and management responsibilities by providing fiscal advice, management assistance, training and other related school business services. The Kern County Superintendent of Schools office exists as the administrative and fiscal agent for FCMAT which currently operates within the context of several areas of the California Education Code...
