pamelaravenel - In some schools, especially private schools, the parent group is not really a separate organization but an extension of the school. My friends involved in small private schools relate that is whole different world. Fundraising isn't merely to provide extras, it's to supplement the difference between operating revenue and expenses. To me, the key is communication. Frankly, if I am a parent in a (private) school that needs to fundraise for roof repairs, that's fine - I'll help. The problem arises when parents come in with the idea that they are raising money for field trips and art supplies and extras and then they feel the school is appropriating these funds for basics. On the flip side, the school intended all along these funds were raised for this purpose. It's key that communication and expecations are clearly managed.

Even in our public school, the PTO "owns" some fundraisers and the school others. Our role differs very little. We still provide the volunteers and manage the process, but we know on the school fundraiser the monies are not ours to control.

Allison - on yours, definitely an audit is in order. You can use an internal audit committee of volunteers not normally involved in the managing the money or you can seek a professional. Our audit is handled by the school district's accountant. Others pay for or get donated CPA services. Many use a audit committee. This should be routine each year.

We are a PTA, and the treasurer is the chief signer of the checks. Any checks over a certain threshold require two signatures, the treasurer and another officer. Each year in the summer, after the books are audited, the new or returning treasurer goes to the bank to get new signature cards for the checking account.

I can't be much help, but maybe there'll be someone to answer yours & mine.
Who all can sign on a PTO acct.? On ours I'm not sure, but I did see that the current Pres & VP signed most if not all checks?
Also, how legal is it for a VP to sign a PTO check to herself?
I saw one check that was made out to her signed by herself & the Pres., but according to the Pres., her signature had been forged. [img]tongue.gif[/img]
who should verify whether these checks are legit? :confused:

Our BOD treasurer is a signer on our acct. because we all have the same tax id number. Explain that to me.......I am the treasurer of the PTSO and this is my 2nd term. We have raised over 100,000.00 this year to hand over to the BOD to pay salaries, utilities, etc. We are a small (147 students) private school, k4-12, in a rural town outside of Chas., SC. The cost of running the school exceeds the amount of tuition brought in. We need new students to cover these costs. Any ideas out there?