Jumping through more hoops. The PTA said we could have our money, but they cannot give it to us without a PTA account to deposit the money into. Can I open a PTA account with out tax ID or do I need to file with the secretary of state first? I have the bylaws that are new, but not yet approved by the California State PTA Parliamentarian.
I filled out the Bylaws given to us by the district. This is really the crux of why people opt for a PTO vs. a PTA. The hoops we have to jump through. In the bylaws it spells out what we have to do in order to disband.
I have a feeling that we will have to invite someone from the district to our meeting.
I just remembered also that we (my Professional Organization) even wrote to the State Legislative Ethics Board. And when you write these letters to the various congressman, BBB, etc. make sure you cc the state PTA you're having issue with. This is a very clear formal way of letting that PTA know that their misconduct will not go unannounced.
All the avenues suggested to retreive you money are good ones. However, I disagree with the advice of NOT writing your congressman. My experience has been very positive as to getting as many eyes on your problems with your state PTA as possible helps you not only in BAD press for PTA, but I suggest if you have a parent whose husband, brother, etc is an attorney to write a letter on his office heading for you for free. I have been amazed at attorney letters getting a proper response. I would also write to your state Education board making them aware, the Better Business Bureau, etc. Trust me, it will get attention.
Good luck.
There are lots of ways to answer that question and different interpretations from different people.
My advice: cash the check and spend those funds directly on things you want for the kids and/or the school. Just make it a direct link that the PTA funds were spent on things that fit the PTA mission. Then you're done with it and there's nothing else to worry about.
Other things you could (likely) do would just be more complicated or possibly invite questions.
So, it seems the check is on its way. I have a question, however. It will be in the amount of aprox $2500. What we want to know is if the PTA can just sign the money over to the PTO as a donation or will there be a problem if the PTA gives the money to the PTO.
The PTA can cash the check at the bank where it is drawn, right? Can it then deposit the money into the PTO account? We no longer have a PTA account. Because of the fraud they had to close it.
I know there are things that people who signed up for the PTA (in order to become active) would like, such as a new BBQ for the school and some other equipment that the PTO would like to use for events. Is anyone going to complain or is it all perfectly ok to do this?
I'm pretty sure the check is made payable to the PTA and they are supposed to then cut us a check. I can't remember why, but it seems like they were like our representative with the insurance company.
Like it was their account and we were a sub-account if that makes sense. Not sure.
Before we became a PTO I refused to be a PTA member because I don't like their connection to politics and to the teacher's union. I just think they're dishonest and they are probably feeling their uselessness by the vast number of schools switching to PTOs.
