Never heard of reimbursement for mileage in my 9 years of working at three different schools' PTAs.....
I also wondered about this decision being made by one board member -- a decision like that would have to have be voted in by a quorum according to our by-laws.
I've been in PTO for 10 years NEVER have heard of reimbursement for mileage it's comes with the territory of VOLUNTERISM for
the cause. I agree with the person that wrote about going to pick up playground equipment what a great parent to go and do that. I agree keep your records and do the
IRS paperwork if need be BUT don't charge PTO.
For the IRS claim, you need to keep good records. You claim either "actual" expenses or 14 cents per mile. This rate is identified in the Schedule A instructions for the 1040.
The charitable contribution for the 501 (c)(3) for mileage is true, but I believe the rate for mileage reimbursement for a charitable organization is .12 a mile instead of .32 a mile. Be sure to check with your accountant!
I agree with what the others have said. Just ordinary running around goes with the territory. No one in our group expects to be reimbursed. However, if someone made a long trip - that might be different.
A few years ago our preschool received some playground equipment as a donation. Only problem was that shipping from the store (200 miles away) was going to cost $400-$600. A volunteer with a truck and trailer picked it up, and the group insisted on reimbursing him for the mileage. In a case like that, I think it was reasonable.