From what you explained I believe that the Principal is requesting support for pretty normal things. For example, here's some items that we have supported this past year:
- Reading Incentive Program
- A big screen TV for the Library
- Accelerated Reading Hats & Patches
- Four students attending the National Computing Conference this summer
- 20 new laptop computers
- Repaving the asphalt near the playground
- Numerous in-house enrichment programs
- And many more
Not all of these were at the direct request of the Principal, but some definitely were. At the same time our Principal is willing to work with our PTO to raise funds. For example, to help raise the $13000 needed for the laptop computer cart he presented an idea of a new annual event, a Golf Tournanment and he is chairing the event as well.
I can see you group's concern. No one wants to be thought of as a "cash cow". IMO, it all comes down to exactly what things your Principal is asking for.
Our PTO does not pay for anything directly related to curriculum, such as textbooks. However, with our mini grant program, we can purchase something that will partner with their lesson plans - such as a butterfly habitat for science classes. Although we pick up the tab of $10.00 per child for class trips, the district supplies the buses.
Our PTO has a great mix of how we support our school - with academic items as well as fun stuff. However, your principal should recognize that a budget was created at the start of the year and they should be making these requests at that time. If things come up during the year here and there (there shouldn't be that many) then its voted on. But they should have the foresight to present their needs before the budget is created so the appropriate line items are created and fundraising done accordingly.
As taxes get higher and expenses increase for school boards, the PTO's are taking on more and more. However, it should be mutual and clearly indicated that the board should cover costs related to the curriculum. If you get sucked in, it may escalate and you will not have money for the "fun stuff"
Making a positive difference one project at a time <img src=images/smilies/smile.gif>
We also use money for more than just "fun" stuff. One example is the school budget allows for only a part time music teacher so the PTO picks up the tab for the other half so we have one full time.
I agree with you. PTO money should be used in any way that enriches the school experience - whether that be playground or books, etc...
We use our money to pay for our keyboarding program, health lifestyles program, teacher supplies ($50 at the beginning of the year), 5th grade honors night, and many other "little" things. Any extra we make goes to either updating playground equipment or other suggestions from our principal and teachers.
So... you are definitely not the only school that spends part of their budget for resources for your schools. I know that the other schools in my area use the PTO funds for similar things.
I need some help. We have some parents in our PTO that are getting upset about our Principal asking for money at the meetings each month. They feel that the money we raise in PTO is to be spent on FUN things for the students. I feel that if we can improve their school experience in any way, academically or socially that we are doing our job. We have spent about 50%of our $ this year on things like Textbooks, busses for fieldtrips, after school programs etc. and the other 50% on a new playground for our Kindergarten and instruments for the band. I just want to share with them what other schools are spending money on because I don't think that we are the only ones that supplement our schools budget. What do you spend on?
