I agree there can be too much information. But I do find it worthy to open the eyes of some folks as to how much things cost...especially if we offer a free event. Our PTO brings in at least 4 different cultural programs during the year for our children and each of these cost somewhere between 1500 and 2000 dollars. Also our "free events" like our donuts with dads, cost around 500 dollars. Parents (I think) need to see those costs in relation to their support of our fundraisers. I hope it opens some eyes so that they will step out and make contributions to our programs that in turn support all of our children....d

We don't include dollar amounts spent in our newsletters. It's more of a...here's what the PTA supported or sponsored over the past few months. Even then it isn't in specifics. I don't list that we bought 100 glue sticks, 50 dozen pencils and a new stapler for the staff workroom. I simply state that we bought supplies for it...or that we provided transportation for the first grade field trip.

How about giving a total dollars spent with a sub-list of what was accomplished without the price attached?

This way they know how much was spent on everything as a grand total.

Bucksco.. I have to agree with the minority here. I agree with JHB's 4/4 /07post . That is not to say the others are wrong, though. As they, too have valid points, and that philosophy works well with their schools.

When we post too much info, without having parents hear the rational and the details, things tend to get taken out of context.

( for example, do they all know that most authors charge in the $1500 range in your area?? )

We send out newsletters, ( with all of our phone #'s and emails) our meetings are well publicized, and our minutes are readily available. We, however, do as JHB and do NOT include every detail of our budget in our newsletters. If they want details, then they can call, email , go to the office and read the minutes, or come to meetings.. so that they get the FULL story!

diemsellers makes a good point. providing all infos spontaneiously often increases contributions. most parents are clueless about budget cuts and how short funded many schools are, and what parents are actgually helping to pay for. people assume the govt pays for everything a school offers. the more you show whre the money goes, and its ALL a good cause, the more likekly you are to have an easier time of it at fundrasiers etc. thats been our expereince anyway.

if people think you are giving them 'too much information' tell them to simply not read what you put out there.

We share our annual budget with the overall budgeted amounts for each of our line items (Teacher Appre., school trips, assemblies, etc.) in the first meeting of the year and then mid year. Monthly we share the itemized statement of what income & expenses we had. We do not publish these on line or send them out via a memo. If parents wish to know, they will come to the PTO meeting. By putting them out there, it would raise too many questions and its a long process to explain to a parent on the phone or in email how the budget is derived, monies allocated, spent, etc. The minutes of the meetings are posted on line so parents can be updated on what is discussed, expenses voted on, new issues--everything. So if parents want to know what the money is being spent on & have concerns, they should be attending the meetings & voice their concerns then. Otherwise, you are spending more time on your own have mini pto meetings with parents that don't show.