Like Scott and marie, we approve a very detailed budget each fall. Our Exec Board has authority to approve non-budgeted expenses up to $100; higher must be voted at a general meeting. Any excess from our fundraising is allocated as approved by our members, too. Anyone can bring a non-budgeted spending idea to the PTO, but we typically discuss it one month, vote the next to allow members time to ponder it, and the presenter to complete her research and prepare her "case" to "sell" the idea. This doesn't happen often since our budget is very comprehensive.
As far as picking fundraisers, our Exec Board does that. We don't take a vote of the membership.
Hi!! Anyone can make a suggestion for your next fundraising project & it usually is voted on. Some big ticket items like playground equipment might take a couple yrs. to save for (along with installation charges) Then you decide how much each yr. to put aside for the project. Good luck!
At the end of the school year we ask the staff for their wish list. At the beginning of the school year the Pres works with the Treas and prepares a Budget that is voted on at the first meeting by the general membership. Once accepted the Board can purchase other items and/or go over an amount approved if it does not exceed $200. -anything over or out of the norm must be approved by the general membership as we feel it is the general memberships money not our own. As a Board member we are there to oversee the finances, etc. not to control them.
As far as our group is concerned, we all vote on line items for a budget (and the total budget) and whoever is put incharge of that line, is responsible for staying within that budget. We also vote on how to raise funds to meet the budget. As far as expenses or requests that come along after the budget, they are voted on by the board. If they are significant, they are voted on by the board and then passed to general for approval. No ONE person has the right to say something will be funded by your GROUP. Anyone that sees a need can suggest or request something. The President or Principal can have an agenda, but anyone should be able to offer other suggestions or reasons why this shouldn't be done. I hope that helps.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Most of the time the principal or a teacher asks for certain items and we work to purchase those items. However, if the President wants to use funds to buy something that hasn't been suggested by the school staff, like pay for an art teacher or purchase playground equipment, does the majority of the Executive Board vote or does the President just tell them this is what we're fundraising for next? Would appreciate any comments!!
