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Starting PTO from Scratch

17 years 1 month ago #135742 by Marlowe Mom
Involved in getting 2nd middle school PTO set up.
EIN first.
Incorporate 2nd.
501c3 next.
our bylaws were tailored to our needs from another school's.
check ours out.
Marlowe PTO | Marlowe Middle School.

This is my post from earlier.
Check out marlowepto.org.
Let us know if you have any questions.
We have started 2 ptos now and have a little info we would be willing to share.
:)
17 years 2 months ago #135271 by heftwins
Hi, I am a new PTO President and have so many questions and doubts. Our school is small, and I took on the position of PTO Treasurer last year, and then it seemed like everyone up and left our PTO, we had only 3 people left that were all new. This year I am the PTO President & maybe Treasurer too. I have no idea what to do first. I am trying to start planning things in advance. But am not sure of how to go about things. If there is anyone who would have any helpful advise please let me know. Thanks
17 years 2 months ago #135030 by JHB
Replied by JHB on topic RE: Starting PTO from Scratch
Yes, there can be parent groups in middle/high school. What you have to understand is that PTA's units have "chapters" that are part of the national organization. PTOs (or whatever name you choose to use) are independent organizations, each set up for its own purpose and usually having no affiliations other than the school it supports.

The most important thing - in my opinion - is to decide what niche your parent group will fill. There's already so much fundraising going on. Band boosters, althetic boosters, and dozens of active student organizations exist. Often, the parent group plays a much smaller role than in elementary. Frequently it focuses on teacher appreciation, volunteerism, communication, and being a central organization for all families, but especially those not plugged in to one of the big ones like band boosters.

If your organization joins PTO Today as a "PTO Plus" member, you'll have access various guides and tools to help get you started. Or, there's a wealth of free information in these Forums, especially in the PTO Management and the Rules/Legal section. Many of us have been in exactly your situation and we all try to help each other.

To begin with, I think there are two big decision points:

1) What will be the purpose of your organization and the estimated scope of activities?

2) Is it likely more than $5000 per year will flow into your accounts (gross, not net)? If so, the IRS expects you to create a formal organization, file for 501(c)(3) status, etc. If not, you can safely operate as an informal organization.

Good luck.
17 years 2 months ago #135022 by middle school
Replied by middle school on topic RE: Starting PTO from Scratch
Involved in getting 2nd middle school PTO set up.
EIN first.
Incorporate 2nd.
501c3 next.
our bylaws were tailored to our needs from another school's.
check ours out.
Marlowe PTO | Marlowe Middle School .
17 years 2 months ago #134661 by Rockne

lechild;134660 wrote: Tim, we are considering changing the affiliation of our group from PTA to PTO. I find nothing about insurance and wondered if liability insurance should be something we consider.


Definitely consider it. Nothing about insurance???

www.ptotoday.com/insurance

:-)

Tim

PTO Today Founder
17 years 2 months ago #134660 by lechild
Tim, we are considering changing the affiliation of our group from PTA to PTO. I find nothing about insurance and wondered if liability insurance should be something we consider.
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