I don't know about classroom fundraisers, that could cause some problems. If there is something specific the classroom needs, I could see approaching the other parents in the classroom for funding. I still feel your best option is to get a group of like-minded folks together and push for change. I can't think of much else to tell you right now(I worked registration yesterday and my brain is still asleep). If I get to funtioning again, I'll see if I can think of anything else to suggest.
Sportsmom, you sound like you are a valuable asset to your children's school. I have a suggestion that I hope may help you. Do you have any other schools within your district? As is common everywhere, many of our district's PTO's are continuously trying to improve. After the PTO's officers attended a meeting regarding school finances, we became aware of how much we could help each other. One of the PTO presidents approached our school district superintendant and asked if we could use the district facilities for a district wide meeting in which our PTO boards could come together and share ideas. Thanks to her suggestion, they approved wholeheartedly. It is wonderful our administration is very supportive of parental involvement and I am sure your school district is as well. Our district wide PTO meetings are great source to refer to when judgements are in question, and the brainstorming and sharing of ideas is great! We have only had a couple, but I know our board is looking forward to next year's meetings. It is nice to see the strength our PTO's give to our schools. You know what they say..strength in numbers?! Most importantly, maybe your PTA will realize that is not how other PTA/PTO's run things and make amends. Also, if you are the source behind the improvement of your PTO, the parents will be more than happy to support you when run for an officer position (which you definitely should do!!) Keep visible and make your opinions heard - the kids will be grateful. Good luck.
Thanks for the reply. I tried to get involved last year. The problem though is I started working nights and could not be at the meetings any longer. The PTA does make a good amount of money each year but last year they gave %5000 for new playground equipment( none to classrooms). A few of us spoke up at quite a few meeting but there are 3 on the board that seem to make the decision for everything. I will try to push for votes this year. Otherwise, what do you need members for? I have been told by one of the board members that all the decisions about fundraisers were made at a meeting last week, 4 weeks before school starts. Last year we did not even have a PTA meeting until 3 months after school started. I am thinking about getting together with my kids teachers and try to get classroom fundraisers going? What do you think about that? In the meantime, I will look into the bylaws, that is a great idea.
Sounds like a "fun" bunch! Unfortunately, I've seen remarks like this in other postings. It seems that some people use the PTO as their place to feel powerful or as a social gathering for themselves and their select group of friends. The worst part is it's the kids who suffer under organizations run this way. Very quickly membership and active involvment die off and soon there are not enough hands to put together and run any activities and then the funds disappear, and pretty soon so does the organization. I guess I could suggest two approaches-(1) You can sit back and watch the gradual and maybe drawn out death of this group and then start fresh or (2) You can become more active and vocal. Find other parents who feel the way you do and go to a meeting together and voice your opinions(have them written down, copies to hand out, and designate a spokesperson). Don't let the board brush you off(be up on Robert's Rules of Order). Let them know that you are members and you expect the opportunity to speak and have your ideas "truly" considered and that you want votes on all financial decisions and on what programs and fundraisers will be done for the school year. You may get some folks upset, but just tell them that you feel the PTO could be doing more for the school and you want the chance to prove it. Your "group" will need to show up in force at every meeting and keep pushing. When it comes time for the next elections--RUN FOR OFFICE. Get your views out there and even if you don't get elected you'll be letting people know that there is more to what the PTO can do. Also, put together some real plans. Our PTO only does 2 fundraisers and one is a spring carnival and we gave each teacher $200 last year. I don't know how big your school is but $50 doesn't sound like much. Research some other fundraising options and present them in detail. Search this site and others for any programs you think would be good for your school. Ask parents and teachers what they would like to see at the school. DON'T GIVE UP!! That means they win and this is too important to let that happen. Just keep thinking of what you can provide the children to improve their educational experience. That's what the PTO is supposed to do. I'd love to hear back. So let me know what you think [img]smile.gif[/img]
Our PTA is always complaining about the lack of parent involvment. Maybe it's because....they do not stop their officers meetings and start the members meetings. They ignore everyone that comes in and when you try to speak up they blow you off. They make all the decisions about activites, fundraisers, what to spend their money on, teacher gifts, etc among themselves. There is no vote or discussion about anything. I attended every meeting last year and tried to give new ideas and offer services but nobody wants to improve anything. They only want help when it comes to clean up time for an activity. I am so frustrated. I have tried to talk to the new president but she is "feeling the power" Help, how can we have a productive year? Our kids miss out on all the traditional field trips because there is no money. The school does not want to do fundraisers because the PTA does too many and the PTA only does 2 small ones and does not give the classromms more than $50. and that is in a gift cert. Any ideas?
