Distributing funds and opportunities fairly between our grades is important to us - not just PTO funds, but considering other sources as well. It's not that we keep track of every nickle each grade gets, we just want to be fair about it. Sometimes one group has a need that the others don't and it's a completely separate situation. Sometimes there's an alternative source of funds (perhaps a grant) that one grade got, so we can focus more on others.

Also, our Principal plays an important role in our PTO. I always try to discuss these types of things with him in advance, as there are often issues of which we are not aware. Some teachers are more comfortable approaching us; some are more eloquent than others. The principal's input is key to making these decisions within the context of everything going on in the school.

We don't have a specific set of guidelines, but we keep these things in mind when making decisions.

We have one line item in our budget which provides discretionary funds for field trips, teachers supplies or ?? We are a new school and don't have a lot of experience in deciding which teacher or parent requests to approve. Does anyone have PTA by-laws or committee rules or general experience which they could share with us?