Whether it's principal-PTO or teachers-PTO, you don't want an "us versus them" situation. Much better to have a "together for the school" situation.
I'm not saying to give-in to principal and teachers, no matter what they want or how they want. But do make it a point to communicate a lot about goals and procedures and how things can work best for the school.
While it's all well and good that the PTO is a separate legal entity and has the right to choose how to spend its funds, it's just not always that clear cut in real life.
I suspect that the staff's point of view is this: Every year money is raised for the purpose of funding the end-of-year-trip. The whole school participates in that fundraising. The PTO basically serves as treasurer. Now, the trip is planned, but the PTO refuses to turn over the funds.
I can see both sides. It sounds like the funds were raised for a dedicated purpose, so it's understandable the teachers would be offended at having the rug pulled out from under them. On the other hand parents understood they would have input into how the money would be spent and are now using the funds as leverage.
I think core problem is lack of communication on the trip and that's the problem you need to solve. Try to talk this out and find a compromise that works. This is not a situation where you want a "winner" and "loser".
Not sure what your bylaws say but with our school we are totally seperated. The fact that we are 501, incorporated , etc has given us alot of room. We do work closey with our principal on money needs BUT the vote is the final decision. Just the other night we had to vote on a author visit and the group felt it was too much so they agreed to give some money but not all. Sometimes our principal does get upset but she knows the group makes the decisions. We generally dont have many problems and we try to support what we can that will reach every child. We stay away from indiviual things...I would be very upset that your staff didnt think they should be in contact over it prior to approving a trip. Bottom line is you may feel like the bad guys...been there!! Check your bylaws and amybe you can reach some kind of compromise...I always try to do that just to save face!!Good luck
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
I guess I don't understand why the staff wouldn't think that they are answerable to the PTO if the PTO is giving them the money. HELLO!
And in kind you are answerable to your membership. And it sounds like your membership spoke loud and strong.
It hasn't happen in my school, but I have friends who have been treated in a simular fashion by the teachers in their buildings and their parent groups have all but disapeared.
It's as if their saying, go out and raise all this money and then scram. Even if you give in this time how excited will you be next year to do a great fundraising job.
I'd be respectful and as tactful as possible, but I'd stand my ground. Stand strong together as a board, and watch out for the divied and conquer tactics. Bullies are Bullies not matter where you find them. I'll be pulling for ya
Does your PTO use the school's tax id number for its banking? Do you run your deposits through the school's account? Is there precedent for the principal to get PTO money on demand with no supporting documentation or PTO vote?
If you use the school's tax number and/or accounts, the school might have a good case that this is THEIR money. At last year's PTOToday conference in Chicago, Jim Carpenter gave a great talk about PTO finances. He pointed out that ownership of money is dependent on "care, custody, and control". He warned us all to be sure we have the 3 c's for our money and not relinquish it to the school.
That said, maybe there's room for a compromise solution. Are the members against spending the money on ANY trip, or just this one in particular? I'm sure you're already thinking of ways to smooth this over, since a PTO can hardly survive without the support of the staff. You might find out a contract has already been signed, or a non-refundable deposit has been paid...in which case the trip can't be rescheduled. Maybe a lesson for the future rather than a battle for today. Keep us posted. Good luck.
