Tim, this is actually an interesting topic. Could PTO Today consider running one of those short web surveys that you sometimes have on the home page? something like "Does your PTO manage the funds for other school fundraising organizations"?
nj- would it help to copy this discussion, take it in and show them not all schools handle their affairs this way!
I can't believe that the auditor of all people said this form of bookkeeping is acceptable!
Keep us posted!
Reading my mind again Jo! Take a look at your bylaws. If there is no reference against the co-mingling of funds then make an addition to your bylaws. It would only take two meetings for the change and I am sure your membership would be behind it. How many schools are in your district and have you found out how the other schools handle this? It just sounds to me as if your school board is dodging its responsibility.
nj, you said in latest post that the district view these "restricted funds" as belonging to the PTC. My argument for that would be that since THEY hold the contract, that makes them their funds & thier own staff should deal with them.
What a mess! I agree that it seems like they are shirking their responsibility! I also think they are really taking advantage of your volunteers. I agree with what Critter said about it possibly jepoardizing (SP?) your non-profit status. Is it already against your bylaws, or are you proposing a change in your bylaws, so it will be?
Our PTO has 2 accounts, one of which the school secretary can sign. It does contain some of the things you mentioned (book fair, RIF books,etc..), but nowhere near the volumn.
Thanks for your ideas! Just a quick note, the problem is with the district. They do not want to handle these funds. They view them as PTC funds, however, we (PTC) don't. They hold the contracts for these items (soda machines, pictures), and their staff oversees many of the items (e.g., field trips, yearbook, science camp). Seems to me they are shirking their responsibility, which they can't delegate to us. If funds were missing, they'd be responsible to the parents, wouldn't they? According to their auditor, most PTC's handle these types of funds. We disagree, but need the proof. I know PTA's do not allow co-mingling of funds. The key is that they view them as PTC funds, but they aren't.
