Let me add - I think you should have bylaws either way. Even if you are strictly a volunteer organization, you need have some scope - a mission and objectives. And you'll want a defined structure as to who the officers are, what the Board's responsibility is, how elections, work, etc.
But if money is involved, then (my opinion), you need all this and more. You should be be a separate legal entity, you need cash control procedures, you need to be setup with the IRS, etc.
It does take some time and effort to establish these things, but there's lots of help here to draw upon. And, once you get throught the initial setup, it's really much easier to run the organization and focus on your stated goals.
I agree with JHB it has been covered great.
That's what a PTO is all about and yes have By-Laws. Our school and PTO is set up the same way their Programs are setup. PTO is a seperate entity by itself.
You need to find out how things are handled in your district, especially the money. To me, it boils down to where the money goes. In my opinion, if your PTO is going to have a checking account and control the money from fundraisers, then it needs to be a separate legal entity with bylaws and the proper infrastructure. (And that's the most typical scenario we tend to discuss here.)
However, if all the funds go into a school account, and your PTO is basically serving as a volunteer organization - providing the manpower to run events and fundraisers, then there's no reason to set up an independent organization.
In my mind, if the organization controls the money, then it has the responsibility (and liability) to set up the proper infrastructure.
At our school we have a combination. Our PTO is a 501(c)(3) and it's own entity. From the beginning of each event planned, we know who "owns" the activity - although our role in providing volunteers really doesn't change. Fall fundraiser is ours and the money goes into our bank account. Spring fundraiser and bookfair belong to the school. We run them, but money goes directly into the school account. Track and Field is a school activity - but we provide volunteers to assist.
The point is, it doesn't have to be all one way or the other. You just need to be clear about what's what. You've come to the perfect place to get help. Good luck.
I don't know how much help I can offer with my own limited knowledge of PTO's -- but I'm trying to learn real quick! -- but, to get you started on filing the right paperwork for the PTO, see the school business manager or administrator. They should be able to help you out. You'll need a tax exempt number, as well. Once all these forms are handled, then it's done with, and you don't have to bother again. But, they do need to be done for you to be a legit PTO. As far as By-laws go...definitely have them! Use a search engine, type in By-laws, and you will be able to check out any number of them from schools all over the country. You can get great ideas from reading others' By-laws to write your own. You need the By-laws to avoid problems -- and there will always be problems. But, once you get set-up, you can enjoy the fundraisers and helping the teachers and children. Good luck!
Hi
Our school is just opening this fall. I want to start a PTO but the board is saying it is hard that we need bylaws and a separate 501c and we will be audited separate from the school. Is it really that complicated? I just want to start a group of parents to do fundraisers and start saving for a playground or just make money for fun stuff for the kids. We are having a summer picnic for the whole school at a local park. But I was told it can not be a PTO function but a school one. I do not see the difference.
Lee
