In my opinion there's nothing necessarily wrong with his asking for support. But -- equally -- you guys have every right to decide to stay out of things.

There's nothing technically wrong with a PTO or PTA advocating in support of a particular cause (in this case: increased school funding). It's advocating in support of a particular candidate that is verboten.

And there are no "PTOs are supposed tos" in this, as each PTO is independent. There are PTOs out there that are extremely active politically, which is fine.

All that said, you're right to tread carefully here. Getting active on one side of this issue is sure to create difficulty with the many parents in your school/district who don't support the levy.

If your group's focus is on growing involvement and community, then the political stance-taking and advocating can make broad community-building difficult. If political activism is an outright goal of your organization, then you're free to go with it. Why not discuss it openly as a group and see what your membership thinks about the general concept of "supporting political efforts"? If the answer is no, then there's nothing to talk about. If the answer is yes, then you need to decide if this particular political effort makes the cut.

Tim

Hi!!! I would not do this either. PTO's are suppose to remain neutral. It was wrong of the super. to try & put you in the middle. PTO's aren't suppose to be "political".

I personally would not do it, sounds too political for me. I also question if your district is so in need why does your superintendent want to go through your group and not your school board? There have been numerous times around here that if a budget is defeated or question it is made a public issue within the whole community. I get the feeling that he is trying to use the parent group to show that the parents support this warrant. It seems like if parents get upset and show up then he has the backing of more numbers. I know that you probably do support more funds for your school but it can get nasty to do what he is asking. My husband is a school board member and sure there are times that I want to push something but I also know that in my role I can't abuse it for other reasons, I can tell parents to get involved and think about voting (not how to vote). But beyond that it is an abuse of what I am there for. If this is something that your whole school board is for then it seems that they would be able to put together a campaign for it, what are the feelings of your school board members? Also remember that the community supports you in so many ways and politics can be ugly and hurt what you do have.

Help!! I am the prez of our elementary school pto. Tonight, at our general meeting, the Superintendent of Schools came to speak with us about a group he is forming. He wants parent involvment in creating a five year plan for our shcool district. Great idea!! The bad part is...he also was there to speak to parents about a special town meeting next month. Last year, the town rejected an overide vote, leaving us with no school library, computer labs or science tech labs. He is appearing with a warrant to request additional monies for the school year (?another override try). When asked, he stated he could not send out notices thru the shcool, asking parents to come to the meeting. (most people at town meetings are older adults- not always supportive of the schools). He came out and said he would pass on all information to ME and the PTO could send this out (without using any school resourses, of course). Can we as a PTO send out town meeting information to parents through the school??? The prez from last year did and we heard ALOT of negative feedback. I'm nervous to to it again. :confused: