Just wanted to jump in here to say Hi and thanks. I found the PTOtoday web site when I found the PTOtoday magazine. I thought I was alone, and that no one else faced the same problems that I did. Its too bad to see that everyone seems to face the same set of problems (must be human nature). Good luck to you all and talk to you later!
Tim,
I guess I could have been a little more specific on the junk magazines! LOL.. All the president past on to me was about 12 playground equipment magazines which many were outdated and magazines with over priced merchandise in them. Nothing of real importance to me at the time. I know 99% of these magazines will be in my mail box at the beginning of school again. And I also no they really aren't JUNK but it wasn't what I was expecting when I met her with the intention I was getting tons of paper work from past meetings. I hope everyone understands what I was talking about.
Christina
[This message has been edited by chrisfraz (edited 08-14-2001).]
care1:
I truly feel for you. I am in a similar situation. I was voted in as the president of our PTO in June. (No one else even expressed an interest and ALL newly elected board members were people I nominated.) The by-laws are VERY basic, but apparently I should have taken office immediately after the election. Our past president and board are having a difficult time letting go. I was not even notified of the election results (long story) found out from principal in order to plan Welcome Back Breakfast. As of this date I have received minutes from past two years from Secretary after one request - no problem. I put in calls to the treasurer to request past books and assistance with checking account transfer. She informs me she will not release books. They had decided to spend earnings on playground equipment, etc. last year and have not "ordered and paid for" this equipment. They are planning on opening an escrow account - which they will control - for these purchases and will retain a minimum ($1,000.00)balance in the regular checking account before transfering it. I have not received, nor have the current board members received, any other records besides those minutes. The past President refuses to speak to me. She is telling people it has something to do with another non-profit we are on the board for. Don't know what she is talking about - nor, do other officers on that board! I counted this woman among my closest friends and I am thoroughly confused that she is putting anything "personal" before the good of the children and that these other intelligent adults are going along with it.
I notified the principal (he sits on the board), he said that he feels that an escrow account is inappropriate and will let them know, and that "Yes" I am the President and responsible for the PTO now. I suggested that they write a "memo" to the current board with their expenses detailed. We will, of course, comply with previously approved expenditures.
As if this isn't enough, a call to the IRS reveals that no one has yet filed for non-profit status for the PTO. A review of the past two years minutes reveals that the board was aware of the status and that the president was following up. A consultation with a CPA reveals we may be liable for unpaid taxes in excess of $2500.00 - 15% of net earnings just for last year. It is difficult to arrive at a figure without any records.
It is really hard to get myself enthused about the new school year - let alone energize the new board. Fortunately our principal is aware of the situation and is being supportive.
I am so glad for this forum. I would probably have quit already if I wasn't hearing similar horror stories.
Good luck to all of you, your schools and most importantly the children of your schools.
[This message has been edited by BoosterMomofBoys (edited 08-14-2001).]
looks like this might be just the perfect time to start some new procedures and maybe add a few detailed items to the standing rules of the association's bylaws.
Maybe you could state the president must have all files ready to turn over to the new president by the last day of school, or by June 1st. That all chairmen must turn over their procedure books by a specific day as well.
I've added a PTA procedure book Q&A to our council website: myschoolonline.com/page/0,1871,48153-169970-51-72800,00.html
Feel free to look it over and utilize it if you can - especially considering the new habits you may want to initiate in your unit.
Oh, and if you would like to check out the Help-Presidents area of the site I've also added a Local Presidents Check List.
Colorado:
These little parties were they for PTO or personal parties. Did the PTO have more than one person on the bank account? I know even if you had two people that sometimes there is a misuse. It is sad that they misused the money. If it was something that wasn't agreed upon by the PTO memebers can you not go after the person for the money? Hopefully word will get to the highschool of what this parent did. That is if you know for sure she did misuse the money without consent by the memebers. Just some thoughts
i have to tell ya, we waited 30 days for boxes of files. ex-pres wouldn't go to bank to sign off on account, whole 'nother mess there. waited 90 days for the check book. Believe me,we know why now. we finally had to get the HIGHER POWER of the pta involved. it is really sad that people will spend the kids money on their little party weekends and were talk'n big bucks here.$600.00 ...at conferences, instead of spending $ on the kids. Boy is that going to change now. good luck. And the sad thing is, they really thought they were doing a good job. Millions more of this story, but it would take a 500 page book. At least she won't be back,her child graduated last year. I pitty the high school.
