Send her a copy of the "working with your principal" article from the PTO today magazine! LOL [img]smile.gif[/img]

You have to start your own account and file for your tax id numbers and all. I would start the group from scratch using the help sections on this site.

Walk with caution, amazing how our own children can reap the wrath from experiences with their parents. Not that that's right, but it happens.

I can't answer the legal question, but have you tried sitting down with the prinicipal and discussing what her expectations of are of your group and what your goals are for helping the school? You say you're a new group so maybe she is so used to having to run things that she just can't let go. Try talking to her frankly and openly about what the parents in your group expect their role to be and that you want to work together.

I am the newly elected president of a newly 'formed' PTO. We have actually been struggling for a few years and finally decided to go pro. I am getting the distinct feeling why it hasn't taken off before now because our principal runs a totalitarian institution.
She does events, spends money, and makes some really big decisions without contacting the PTO.
I feel my responsibility is to the parents on the board, not to keep the 'peace' with the principal, but I obviously don't want to get on her bad side.
How do we gain control of our checkbook? How do we get her to involve us in planning and executing events?
We are an incredibly active community and have so much to offer, but the principal thinks she knows our values and strengths better than we do.
Any legal way to get control of our PTO?