Redd..what we have is a Field Trip Expense sheet. It states the designation, date of trip, grade level, teacher(s) names.It states the maximum amount available by the pto. It has spots for each teacher to sign(if they do it by grade), the principal to sign and me to sign. I write on it the check number and date given and that a receipt is required upon payment. The teacher reads it, signs it and takes responsibilty for those funds. The principal then also signs it and copies are given to the teacher(s), principal and I retain one. We generally don't do this but last year there were two trips that we had to do it with and we received the receipt the day after the trip. i think having the principal signature on there tells the teachers that their boss is aware of it ...
Originally posted by pals: in situations like this if we give a teacher a blank check they sign off saying they received a check with a limit amounted(maximum cost) and we require a receipt once they pay it.The principal works with us on this so her signature is right there so they know she is aware of them receiving the check. Other than that we do not give any blank checks to anyone.
This is interesting -we've made it a point not to give out blank checks either -but there are some occasions where this would have been very helpful. Could you explain in more detail how you do this? Where do the teachers and principal sign?
We give each class $300 towards field trips. The teachers fill out a form that tells us information about the trip and who to write the check to. Majority of the time it just ends up paying for the bus.
Our teachers don't want to deal with the money, we have a Parent Club grade coordinator who deals with the trip scheduling and paying. It's been our experience that the site really doesn't care who hands them the check as long as they get it timely! To be honest, usually the teachers are so busy counting heads and handling crises that they are happy to not have to deal with the financial end.
I wouldn't give out blank checks. Not that a teacher or staff would try to profit but mistakes could be easily made. Enough mistakes would not look good on an audit. I know field trip mornings are hectic but I think I would do a head count and fix the check as they were getting on the bus. The teachers will not like this if that is what they are used to.
Our PTO does not pay for field trips. The SBDM is alloted so much money from the board of ed for field trips. However, they do not pay for certian things like food from a resturaunt or sometimes if there is an extra trip the parents have to pay for our Family Resource will cover it if there is a child who can't afford it. The teacher submits the students name and how much is needed. Our FRC has a special account for this and if the FRC couldn't fill that obligation I think the PTO would gladly step in.
pto queen,
Our PTO provides funds that the teachers can use for field trip transportation, admission..... If the trip is in town, the busses are paid for by the district. If out of town, by the PTO. The district does pay for a trip that is planned into the curriculum in advance (like a concert that an entire grade is going to hear).
