Hi Meg! I am the PTO secretary at our school and can't believe what I'm reading. The PTO is an organization that is there to support the teachers and paretns and most importantly, the kids. It's no different than a chapter of the VFW or Elks. You are not employed by the school or the school district. We have a separate checking account for the PTO which we are responsible for reporting to all members and we take it to an accountant once a year. Our principal comes to meetings, voices opinions, and lets us know what ideas are acceptable and if they aren't he has a good explanation why. I'd get a separate account and if the principal doesn't let you use school property for meetings, have them at Denny's or someone's house. The by-laws should be in your favor. If the principal acts that way to you, then He/she probably acts that way to parents as well. Eventually your superintendant will hear about it and you will get a new pricipal. Take your issue to the school board if that doesn't work. Making waves for positive change is scary but worth it in the long run!

HI MEG, IT SOUND TO ME LIKE YOU ARE A STORNG PERSON WILLING TO WHAT IS THE BEST FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND THE CHILDREN AT YOUR SCHOOL...GOOD JOB KEEP IT UP.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>the main exception being no dues for PTO members.<hr></blockquote>

No state or national dues, as there is no state or national PTO. As for local dues, that is all up to your local group. PTA doesn't requirelocal dues, you could collect and remit only the state and national amounts.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>to my knowledge they cannot ban the PTO from the school<hr></blockquote>

The principal has ultimate authority over what groups may use the building. There have been stories on here of groups where the relationship with the principal has deteriorated to the point that they have been forced to hold their meetings off-campus.

I'm not trying to be critical of you, CCAA. Just a couple of points that leapt out at me as I read your comments.

Greetings,

just trying to learn how to post on this message board. PTO is truly not that different than the PTA from what I have gathered thus far - with the main exception being no dues for PTO members. I did want to say that with the PTO the principal is NOT involved nor do they have ANY access to the monies that the PTO raises. I am sure there are a lot of principals who would like to spend the hard earned money on their own agendas but this is not the way it works.

I was just elected to position of PTO president and am learning just how much power parents have about their children's education and contributory efforts the parents truly do make........

you are NOT obligated to provide ANY account information to your principal and to my knowledge they cannot ban the PTO from the school......though you may want to talk to someone with a wee bit more of experience than this newbie on the block. I have been fortunate. I have had a LOT of input from the parents that have been involved and confidential comments and ideas from teachers as well.

Being president WILL BE challenging. Most sincerely not without its workload. I am committed however to our children's education and the possibilities within the school and I am determined to succeed. You can do it. I know it is difficult. We had a principal this year who refused to even acknowledge the PTO existance, even telling teachers that the PTO was nonexistant and has done nothing all year (hardly true at all). Our principal position is now vacant for next year and we can only hope that the next one will be one who supports not just the PTO but the vision of our school as well.

I am always looking for ideas and advice, as I am learning too. All I can say, is BE PERSISTANT.....BE HONEST.......BE TRUE TO YOUR HEART and the other PARENTS and TEACHERS......and whatever you do don't be DISCOURAGED.....(at least don't show it *smiles*)

I think it is a long road for any good PTO or PTA to function and I think that with some incredible support we can help our schools immensely.

[ 06-27-2003: Message edited by: coitcreativeartsacademypto ]</p>

welcome to the wonderful world of PTO! I am the chairperson of my daughter's elementary school and this was the first school year that it was in place. We set it up in July of 2002 and created by-laws and had some parents and teachers join. Since then we have created positions within our group and have run it with some bumps in the road. First and formost- the PTO is Parents and Teachers Organization. The group is in itself its own entity, it is not run by the school or by the principle. We have our own account and can write checks with two signatures on it. The two signitures are the chairperson and treasurer. I cant "order" you to take action but explain how we "take charge"- Our bylaws state that we are not connected with the principles OK but include her vote in decisions. Our group votes on EVERYTHING and majority wins-not the principles decisions. Is your principle a member of the PTO? Do you have a list of members and what duties are assigned to each official? I would be glad to help-let me know how it goes. Good Luck and remember that its the Parent teacher organization and majority wins!

Nothing I could say about the PTO at my son's school would be positive or nice right now. I understand what you are experiencing since I have been going through the same thing all year. You could look at my other posts as well to see what is going on at my son's school. I am no longer president but have vowed to stay involved to make the PTO honest. It will be a tough fight but I intend to be involved for the long haul since my eldest has just finished Kindergarten.