Thanks for the advice. I AM the treasurer. It's a long story how that came to be, and yes at the first of the year I let some things slide that I wasn't comfortable with thinking this issue would take care of itself. We are new officers and pretty much had no quidance. Yes, things have been purchased and used without a majority consent. Actually purchased some things myself. That is where the "problem" begins. I say the "learning curve" is over and this nonsense HAS to stop. When I as treasure started saying no, this is not the way we need to be doing this (along with other officers) she just won't accept it and takes it like the only things that are going to be done are my ideas. The vice-principal has even told her that these things don't need to be paid for with PTO funds. Had no effect whatsoever. So where we are is I, as treasurer, pay for things that should not be paid for with PTO funds (which I am not willing to do), I sit and say over and over and over that these should not be paid with PTO funds (they are personal things), or I just resign and "know" that the funds will be dwindled and feel bad for that. I am so concerned, that I actually called a lawyer to see what I personally would be held legally responsible for in this situation.

Our school won thousands of dollars in a contest that we are due to receive at any time. From what I am seeing, this wonderful opportunity to do something really great for our kids and school is going to be wasted if something doesn't change.

We had to come up with our own by-laws because none could be located. We had worked on them and 3 of the officers thought they were tabled until further discussion because the president basically took good by-laws that was found on the internet to use as a guide and turned them into job descriptions. The "important" things like money disbursement wasn't completed. She brought them up for approval at a meeting, I guess you could say for spite. We didn't know she was doing this until we got there. Yes they passed, because on the surface they look very good. However, parents, and most of the teachers weren't aware of things that are going on. There is nothing in them for "dismissing" an officer for any reason. Only thing in them about money being spent is that any amount over $200 has to be approved at the general PTO meeting.

Basically, because of these issues, other than the upcoming elections, we, as concerned parents, don't know what to do. We have a very small school and finding people willing to be an officer is very difficult. We don't feel comfortable going around telling all the parents what's going on. We don't want to ruin anyone's reputation, nor do we want anyone to get hurt or humiliated. By the way this person is a very hard worker and willing to work, she just doesn't see anything wrong with spending other people's money on inappropriate things, and pretty much manipulates the situation until she gets her way. The way I see it is that she's more interested in "looking good" than actually accomplishing things for the school.

Sorry for the book, it's just really hard to explain the situation that we have found ourselves in. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Our group has a defined mission statement that basically states that our goal is to support the educational needs of the students of our school. Does your group have one? How about bylaws? It really is helpful at times when deciding what fits within our mission and what doesn't. A couple of years ago when I was serving one of my years as Prez, I even read it before we began our budget planning, so that we would have it fresh in our mind as we decided where our monies would go for the year.

You say she "won't accept it" even when the majority says no. Is she spending the money anyway? That to me would be grounds for calling for her resignation. It is a misappropriation of funds.

It sounds like maybe the other board members need to sit her down and explain that this is a democracy not a monarchy. The group as a whole is who decides what the money is spent on. Is your treasurer reimbursing her for these non-approved expenses? If so, she/he is in the wrong too.

If you can't get through to her, then it's time for a new President. Are elections coming up soon?

Our bylaws are clear as to what type of purchases can be made without a vote from the membership. Yours should have the same. Our school had this type of issue years ago that that's why they adopted the new policy. The board was making purchases of flowers, food and gifts for any/everyone that had a loss in their family, was ill or needed cheering up! They said that's what the Sunshine fund was for.
If your bylaws don't have this wording you will just have to try and address it calmly at a meeting where multiple parents can speak up. PTO funds need to be spent to benefit the entire school, not selected families.

Has anyone had experience with a PTO President that continually wants to spend PTO funds on things that aren't directly related to the students, teachers, or school. We currently have this issue and even when the majority says no, she will not accept it. She also literally said that she sees nothing wrong with intentially having fundraisers and breaking even. We can not seem to get her to understand that doing things like buying food for a parent to prepare to take to a needy family is a personal issue not a PTO issue. We are a small school with lots of needs and PTO funds are hard to come by. We can't seem to get thru to this person. Any suggestions.