Our PTO has traditionally given teachers a $25 allowance to purchase supplies for the classroom, and then made additional funds available on an "as requested" basis for larger purchases. The guidance with the extra funds was always that it should be used to benefit all children, not just a specific classroom, so typically the things funded had to do with the music program, art, etc.

Last year, we wanted to recognize the need for classroom-specific projects and set aside $200 per grade level. The idea was that the teachers within a grade (3-4 teachers) would coordinate and agree on a purchase together. It didn't go as planned and our principal doesn't feel like it worked well either.

Now we're unsure of what to do for the coming year. We want to be sure teachers that have big projects in the classroom can get some financial help, others feel that the funds should only be used if they benefit all children, etc. Our principal has even asked whether funds could be used to purchase a new microwave once the existing one in the teachers lounge finally gives up the ghost.

Does anyone have examples that have worked for you? I was thinking maybe we could try more of a grant process where we review requests X number of times per year and score them according to a rubric. Maybe requests that benefit a greater number of students score higher in that area, but it doesn't mean those are the only requests accepted. Help! This is an issue that is causing a lot of division within our group!