It would be great to have more details, but I agree with most of the advice you've already been given.
In my opinion, the organization should exist to benefit the entire school. However, that is not to say EACH activity or program has to benefit the entire population.
Like everyone, we try to keep it fairly equitable, focusing on programs that provide the most overall benefit. But we also make allocations that affect one group or grade. A lot of factors have to be considered. It's not as simple as making sure everyone gets "equal shares".
I think it would be fine to have the fundraiser.
Depending on why the one group is excluded (maybe age), perhaps the PTO could do something else for them if it's appropriate.
Also, remember, your PTO should be about a lot more than just fundraising. You add other benefits to your school in terms of volunteerism, school spirit, support of the administration, etc. The question for us is: when we look at the total picture, did the entire set of stakeholders benefit? For us, that's "yes", or we are doing something wrong.
I too would like more details on your issue. In our mission statement and constitution, we state that we operating to benefit all the students of our school. We try to be as fair and equitable as possible with all our programs, events and spending, but I would guess that we don't always cover the needs of everyone.
It does seem to me that when I filled out the paperwork for our non-profit application, that there was some information/questions relating as to how money would be allocated and if it would support the majority of the students. You could check there too.
That's a good question. We have By-Laws at our school and they state before spending over $3K which is concered a major expense it must be voted on by the members. This past year that wasn't done. Whether it cost 3K or more they should have let the PTO members know what they were going to purchase. Once again, a reflection goes towards leadership. Then parents get discourged and don't want to support PTO again the following year. I think that it will be hard to get members for the coming year. This past year it has left a bad taste for several parents. Not being notified of what's happening with the funds etc., Then you hear; if you attend the meetings you will know. How can you when they are only held during the day.
Most of us go by what our by-laws state for our groups and that is what "rules" we use to address an issue like that. Now our PTO doesn't have such a "rule" but we do hold fundraisers that we use the funds to support different classes. Several of our classes sell candy bars to everyone to raise funds for their field trip. I can't see how a seventh grader buying a candy bar from a sixth grader going on a field trip is un ethical, I would think it's a great way for the seventh grader to be supporting a school mate. Also in this situation k-5 and 7-12 will not be on the trip but have all helped the sixth grade go to Ameritowne.
Forgive me if I'm not understanding your question, welcome to the forum and hope we can help.
I don't think you included enough information to allow someone to formulate an opinion. Why is the small group being excluded? disciplinary due to misbehavior or grades?
On the other hand, if you state what event and for whom you are raising money, then I don't see any problem with having a schoolwide fundraiser.
Let me start out by saying that I'm new here. Please forgive me if I'm doing this incorrectly.
Are there any rules that state how fundraiser money is to be spent?
Would it be proper to have an entire school participate in a fundraiser to pay for a field trip but then exclude a small group of children from attending?
I know that ethically this is wrong but am wondering if there is anything that addresses this issue.
