We too have gone through re-writing our by-laws. As a Catholic school it is a different than a normal school, my school is different than most. We are not associated with a church but rather a Mission. So, we have a different route when trying to get something done. We have to go through the Mission, which is run out of state, than through the Diocese. There are many good By-laws out there I suggest you Google "Blue Ribbon Catholic Schools". I got some great ideas from other schools.
As far as the priest, well, it sounds like he wants total control. You might think about going above his head. No one should have total control over the money. It is just bad business. Beware that you go to a private school they can ask you not to come back. You best bet is to let other parents know what is going on and know everything that is going on. Ask for financial statements at every meeting and find every dime!

Hi CSP -

I don't think it is as black-and-white as you're making it out to be.

I agree that the finances are usually different and that the fundraising earnings are usually connected to tuition, which is very different than a public school PTO.

But I think that discussion ignores several essential roles of a parent group. PTOs, PTAs, HSAs -- the most important job of all of them is to build involvement and create the great community around a school that allows that school to thrive. And related to that is also building parent involvement.

Both of these really essential roles are best accomplished by a parent group allowed the freedom to do great things. Parent groups -- even at Catholic schools -- that are totally controlled/dominated by a principal or a pastor will inevitably do less well on these two really key functions. The most talented parents will find other outlets for their leadership and tealents, outlets where those talents are put to great use. Maybe they'll run the local Little League or organize the Cancer walk-a-thon in town. That's a huge loss for the school and the kids.

Back to Eric -- the principal and pastor at your school need to see all the good that comes from a really well-functioning parent group. The research is powerful. How can you nicely share that? Maybe they honestly don't know it or don't believe it.

Even in a Catholic school, it's definitely not just about fundraising. (By the way, if the leader *is* mostly concerned about fundraising, it's also true that the schools witht he highest involvement also raise the most funds . So perhaps you canmake headway that way, as well.)

Tim

Catholic Schools are controlled by the the local Archdiocese and usually the Pastor and the Principal report to a hierarchy in place since the begining of the Catholic church. Catholic Schools do not usually have the traditional PTO/PTA. They have HSA's or Home/School Associations. HSA's are loose organizations of school families that resemble PTO/PTA organizations but without any authority whatsoever.

Because it is technically a private school you do not have control over what is done with fundraising monies. If you want the school to flourish and thrive you will fundraise or pay more in tuition. It sounds harsh but it is that simple. Operating costs have to be met one way or another.

Thanks tim,
We just went to the PTO meeting the other night and finally the priest showed up to help us with some questions. Come to find out he had not come for that reason but to let us know that the PTO was only formed for accrediation purposes and that effective the end of the year there will be not more PTO. We are not allowed to fundraise any more and were told to distribute the monies left in our account. He had suggested using them for advertisement for the school. The school has already taken over all of our fundraising ideas and are using them currently. We are a small PTO (10-12 people) and were unable to get other parents interested in helping. During the one year we were in the school however we were able to raise $7,800.00.
The priest has told us that he will form a parent organization next year to follow his direction and that he will be in charge of all funds and how it will be distributed. Needless to say this was a huge slap in the face and most ( if not all) of the PTO said they will not join the organization. We are thinking of starting our own parent organization. Any thoughts along those lines?
Thanks for your help,

Hi Eric --

Definitely a different animal in a Catholic school and the answer can be very dependent on your principal and/or pastor.

I believe strongly that -- whether in public, Catholic, or private schools -- empowering the parents to run the organization (within very broad, common-sense limits) is the best way to foster a best group and the best way to help the school and the kids in the long-run.

But in a Catholic school -- when push comes to shove -- you're not the "owner" of the school, as public school parents are. You don't vote for your pastor as public school parents do for their school board.

So.... the answer? It all depends on your principal and pastor. If you want more autonomy, you need to strategically educate those guys on why that autonomy is good. It's a collaboration. (which is true in a public school, as well).

Tim

Does anyone out there happen to have any catholic school bylaws? We are a new PTO and relly don't know where to begin. Is the PTO the ones responsible fot the bylaws. It seems the Priest and Principle want to make guideline and bylaws for us bu we wnat to make our own. How does this work.