How much do you trust the principal to have prioritized the list based on true need and not favoritism? At the school where I serve on the PTO board, I'd propose that we accept the principal's recommendations, because he has a good handle on school priorities and I trust him. If your board feels the same way about your principal, I'd recommend that the motion be to spend the money as recommended. What you don't want is a single grade with more parental representation at the meeting to get items on the "want" list if other grades have true needs that you could cover.
Under no circumstances would I go item by item - too painful!
Our PTA has $800 to spend on Gifts To The School this fall and a long list of things they need. I've got it all listed with estimated amounts in order of priority as recommended by the Principal. There are so many combinations of how to spend the money, what is the best way to present it to the membership for a vote? Because they aren't "every day" costs, we need to get their input.
Do I just run down the list and say, "how many people want to buy A?" and those items with the most votes wins (until the money runs out, of course). Do I open the floor to opinions and discussion after presenting the options?
