I wouldn't really have a problem with this either. I see the whole PTO as a volunteer group in the first place, and not at all as a "business". The only major fund raiser we do is in the fall, and we make about $25,000. It can be daunting to some to be responsible for that much money, especially when most only hold the position for one or two years.
My question is, does the PTO still have any control over what the money raised is used for?
Actually, we will still run the fundraisers, and we have no problem with it. Our schools are limited to two sales-type fundraisers per year. It's only been the last few years that the PTO came to "own" the fundraisers. Then, about 3 years ago, the district auditor wanted at least one returned to the school's ownership. We've continued to run both.
Our parents won't care one way or the other. Nothing changes for them. Extra money is raised by the effort of school families to provide money for additional programs, field trips, extra supplies. (And yes, our Principal seeks input on how these funds are utilized. Not every dollar - but the major purchases and programs.) Why would parents care whose bank account it goes in? They won't even notice the change.
Our primary goal is volunteerism. Whether we recruit volunteers for field trips, bookfair, or fundraisers - what's the difference?
I'm pretty certain a driving reason behind this is inconsistent management of parent groups. Our own group has actually been held up as model for others in our area. But our district has had have 2 or 3 instances of mismanagement of funds/embezzlement recently. I've heard one will probably involve jail time.
There's also some talk as to the district's interpretation of Texas state law. Each campus must maintain "Activity" funds separate from their operating funds. The purpose of these accounts are to hold funds from student groups and campus fundraisers. It can be a varying degree of financial-trustee situation, but ultimately the principal has control. Some maintain that those provisions in effect prohibit funds raised from students from being held by another party.
It's fun to be able to say the PTO bought this or that, but we can't let ego get in the way as long as the end result is the same. We've never owned Bookfair, but provide all the volunteers and take great pride in the additional funds/books the school receives. This is basically the same.
Frankly, as a parent, I'd much rather be assured the funds raised by our kids are properly managed and secure.
JHB-
Wow! Who do they think will organize the fundraisers? I hope they don't expect you guys to still do all the work on those! Are they going to hire someone to do all schools? Kind of defeats the purpose. I know as a parent I would be VERY wary of the "school system" deciding where the $ goes. I would want the fundraisers to go to enrichment not to pay raises or something!!! I have heard of this. I hope is doesn't surface in my neck of the woods! Do you do scrip? Who will do all that work?!!!! I admit it would be refreshing not to worry about fundraising, but will they do the enrichment too and you all just worry about family nights?
That is really intresting a school district would do that. Any reasons given? Wait, well, did they offer an reasons lol.
As far as programs go, we do quite a few through our museum with grants coming from local businesses or even the families that are bigwith the museum. Again tons of paperwork but well worth the effert!
Can your group help the school organize the fundraisers and make arrangements in advance where the funds will be needed? I ask because this is the fault in our school. The school does ALOT of it's own fundraisers and stresses out the staff as they are the ones that handle it all. Once in a while someone will call one of us to help.
Our school district has announced that it will no longer allow parent groups to have sales related fundraisers. Any such fundraisers must be handled by the school, and the proceeds deposited in the school's Activity Fund controlled by the principal. (I'm not sure if this is just elementary schools - or all levels.)
Our PTO will still be its own entity, organize volunteers, sell T-Shirts, print the directory, coordinate Teacher Appreciation Activities, host special events, etc.
Our PTO had a planning meeting today. We always said we didn't want to be seen as a fundraising machine. The new plan does away with about 80% of our revenues, so we'll be focusing on all our other programs instead of what we can buy the school. It definitely gives us the opportunity to return to the core mission of volunteerism and service.
Luckily, we didn't have any contracts signed for this year. We've heard from other areas that are also moving this direction. For those of you who ARE signing contracts, you may want to make sure you have an escape clause letting you out should your school, district, or state regulations prohibit such an activity in the future.
lol.