My local unit pays for staff development (registration) but does not pay for a substitute or meals while they attend. Other units cover some of it, all of it, or none of it. It's up to them and then they vote on it. However, if the school district offers it, they should pay for it. I don't agree with it to some extent, personally because as they do the training, we are increasing their own resumes and as many are attending school to become administrators- we're essentially giving them scholarships. And in that case, it should be evaluated as to who has earned them and how they are qualified but it is instead offered to all. Most times, it is the same people who use them.
Regardless of my opinions, we earned extra money on our yearly fundraiser and it was voted on (among many other proposals) and they received an additional $2500 on top of $2500 for training. It's up to your members, really, if they think it is the best use of the money raised. The proposal was initially for $5000 and it was broken up in the vote in increments $1000,$2500 and $5000 of the 14 items that were approved (21 total requested) this was the last to pass.
[ 03-10-2004, 07:55 PM: Message edited by: Michelle B ]
Our PTO has never offered anything like that. I'm not sure that I would be totally opposed to it, but I think there would have to be very clear parameters in place.
If the mission of your organization supports such a thing, then why not? I know some exist to support science enrichment or special needs students. I think professional development opportunities that would support those would be absolutely acceptable.
The $5000 figure strikes me as somewhat high. I would be more comfortable at about half of that amount. I think too there should be a stipulation that if the staff member leaves during a specified amount of time (1 or 2 years) then they are expected to reimburse the PTO. You would have to be organized and clear about choosing who receives the money and based on what criteria. Would it be a first come first serve basis? Could they receive the money more than once or twice? Who decides who gets the money? Is any continuing education workshop/class, etc. acceptable or does it have to be for CEU's or college credit? There's a lot of gray area.
But if it works for the character of your school and the mission of your organization, I think it could be a great thing!
Our pto invests our funds to items or equpment that enhance our school (so that children years from now can benifit from what we bought today). Remember, teachers can leave the school and your investment will no longer seem wise. I would suggest going to your board and membership to define what your priorities are.
Hi - I wouldn't want to start funding teacher conferences person by person, but I've often wondered about hiring a speaker for an in-service. I suggested it once to the Principal and I got the distinct impression I had just crossed a line. I was interested in hiring an art education professor from a near by college so our teachers could have some tools for incoporating art ed into the classroom (we don't have a full time art teacher). I think if you're paying, you get to choose.
Have you ever been involved in in-service costs?
Beth In Indiana
Our budget allows for an unrestricted amount for the Principal to draw on for purposes he sees fit. I know that he has used a very small portion of that budget for sending two teachers to a reading seminar.
Our principal is grateful for the use of these funds to do some things he otherwise couldn't do (hot chocolate with every first grader, for example) but also told us that he never takes it for granted and knows it might be less the next year. We did this also to help with such requests as certain supplies or training books, or other things. When those requests would come in, someone would always ask: is this something you would spend your own budget on if you had it this year? When he said yes, we always funded the request. Our "Principal's Pledge" now allows him some freedom and planning with supplies, training, etc. that benefits our staff and kids.
Thank you for your input. I'm not fond of paying for them either but the teachers seem to be concerned if we stop altogether. The school board does offer conferences and seminars so why all this extra ?! Keep your "how to's" coming ! Thanks so much for sharing !!
