If you do a movie night you can not charge unless you do more than show a movie-- you are infringing on copy right issues-- make sure you let your principal know that.
It's always hard to come together--- but remember it's for the children- work on compromises to make it work... Good luck!

MAybe you could work on some policy documents. Thee document might state some ranges, aa%-bb% must be used on direct student benefits only. cc%-dd% may be used on teachers needs. ee-ff% can be used as the PTO sees fit. I'd suggest you privately approach the active participants in the PTO to ask them what they think the %'s should be, including the principal. I would tell everyone that you don't want to share any individuals results and even request they not do so either so you can get everyone's untainted opinion Then summarize the data categorically. School employees and parents might be one way to group the data.

This way you help remove emotion.

You opinion should not be voiced! If you do, there will be a suspicion of bias.

You can them think up ways to close gaps if they are substantial.

You can also work to determine peoples flexibililty to accept change and compromise.

PTO/PTA is one of the hardest things I've ever done it seems. No one wants to be on it and I'm coming up against so many road blocks. I could use all the advice I can get.

1) My Principal alters our ideas into something we never intended. ie: Movie night. I pitched the idea and he wants it to be by grade so that if a parent has a second grader and a 4th grader one of them has to stay home if it's not their "grade night". He also wants us to charge a nominal fee. I don't really think that is family friendly and totally not what I planned.

2) We always did afterschool arts and crafts every two months. The parents loved it. The Principal brought in an afterschool program this month that has their own arts and crafts from 2:30 to 5:30pm. Leaving us no room (or students for that matter) for programs. The worst part is that instead of being fun it's only extended the children's work day.

3) Teacher's don't come to the meetings, don't participate in our fundraisers but are looking for a GRAND teacher's appreciation luncheon.

4) We usually have 1 winter magic show in the auditorium during lunches. We now have a dance theory instructor there EVERYDAY.

How do you get around this? How can I spend the children's money on THEM instead of the faculty?