I agree with JHB on this one, we changed banks when our new board took office because the principal had been pointing out for years the huge fees we were paying and the other board wouldn't budge. They were charging us a per check fee on deposits from fundraisers because we exceeded our max for that month...even though we pointed out that we only really deposited checks one month out of the year because we do only one fundraiser. It was also a non interest bearing account which seemed silly. Maybe if you get to the heart of the matter and let the principal explain why he feels a change is in order it would shed some light on the situation.

Even though the PTO is a separate legal entity, it's not always as simple as that. The PTO exists to serve the school and is inextricably linked to the administration. No, the Principal shouldn't try to contol the PTO, but he probably does merit considerable influence (if this influence isn't abused). PTO activity or not, when parents don't like something in any way realted to school - it's the Principal they call and who often has to shoulder at least some of the blame.

I question WHY the principal wants a change. If he's just doing this on whim, then I'd agree to resist it. But you mention "problems with funding last year". Does any of that have to do with the bank? Was the bank difficult to work with? Fees too high? Did they fail to enforce things like 2 signatures? We don't know enough about your history, but if there were some type of problems that give cause to his request, your Board should discuss it.

Would we change banks just because our Principal wanted us to? No - but we would take his request seriously enough to investigate the idea and make an appropriate decision based on the circumstances.

PTO is a seperate entity of the school. No the principal doesn't have a say so as to what bank you put your money in. It's funny how principals (the ways that make waves with their power)that when it's time for PTO to give funds to the campus oh they are just great. But the minute that something doesn't go their way or you speak up for what's right. You find yourself in the hot seat. I do have a problem with that. There are By-Laws that are to be followed to protect the members and they should be enforced. Not just because the principal wants something their way that's when I have heard the threat of "I can disband the PTO if I want". True they can. The ones to lose out are the kids. I cannot see the reason behind the bank issue.

Okay, I have a question? Can our schools principle force us to close out a current pto account and switch to another bank. We are a new board, and there was alot of problems with funding last year with the old board. Our principle feels she has a say in this. PLEASE HELP, We are trying not to make waves.