If the group is an independent but established 501c3 (meaning that they are a registered 501c3 with the IRS), from my understanding after years in the non-profit world, they are required to at least annually make financial and service reports (depending on the organization) available to the public. Or within any reasonable time frame upon request. This goes not only for financial records but also for minutes, etc. That doesn't mean that you can ask to see the check book but it does mean that you can ask, and should be granted, access to a P&L statement, etc. It all depends on their status though, as PresidentJim said.
The first question I wonder is how involved are you?
Most PTOs are registered as non-profit, have Bylaws, take meeting minutes, etc.. But as you indicated your PTO does not have Bylaws. Usually for a group to be non-profit it needs to have a set of Bylaws.
One way you could try to facillitate this, as FoxMom recommended, is to recommend creating a set of Bylaws. Not you personally, but maybe form a committee to do so. Usually these types of things (financial requirements, elections, etc.) are included in a group's Bylaws.
But for right now there really isn't much you can do. But that may depend on one thing...
You didn't mention if your group is independant of not. If independant, then you are stuck. Try the Bylaw committee idea, or maybe step up to try to become an Executive member. If your group is under the umbrella of the school or school system, then things change. Then you should find out who the group is under and approach that person. If it is under the school, then I would recommend talking with the Principal again explaining how the group is under his/her control and that you would like this information revealed.
But again, this all comes down to whether independant or not.
They should have meeting minutes-- ours are audio taped in case someone needs to check something-- but with you having no by-laws in place-- they probably don't do this-- I think the first thing to do is check why you don't have by-laws in place and get some-- ask to start a by-law committee over the summer-- so when you come back in the fall, they can be voted on...- Good luck!
Our school has a PTO. No written rules or bylaws. Basically they make up the rules as they go.
I have requested on numerous occasions over the last 2 months for financial information from our PTO. My requests have been refused. What can I do. Can the State Atty general assist me?
The Principal refuses to get involved.
Also, what about board meeting minutes? Are those usually made available to parents?
