We too are a ptO with 501c3 status. There are some in our district that are not, but its easy to get the status if you go through the process.

And tryinhard, I am amazed to hear you say "We are treated like children or worse. School is almost done and I'm looking forward to it. Parents we need to know the law (NCLB). Maybe when enough of us know it a lot less of the mistreatment of parents will happen. "

Yes, it is true there are many parents who could benefit from more education about the field of education, and everyone should get more informed and care about policies etc. Knowledge is the only way to effect change or attitudes. Thats why we have schools. Its almost ironic that the very ones educating our kids are happiest when the parents remain uneducated (read uninformed) about policies in matters of education.

Ditto here as well...we are PTO and tax exempt and it really isn't as bad as it sounds to get the 501 status!

Ditto what Rockne just noted. We are a PTO and we are tax exempt. Any organization can be tax exempt. You just need to establish yourself that way.

Originally posted by <minac>:
PTA's are tax exempt..PTO's are not.

Important clarification: the above quote is not true. PTOs can be (and many thousands are) every bit as nonprofit/tax-exempt as PTAs.

Tim

Hey there...your principal's decision may have more to do with money than anything else. PTA's are tax exempt..PTO's are not. Our school's PTO pres just found this out and almost owed like 20,000 becasue any money you make from fundraiser's etc is taxed. She got help from a CPA (many wouldnt even help her) and I believe it got straigtened out but man was she stressed!
anyways...that might be a reason NOT to but of course depends on the needs of your school. Our PTO is awesome! If being a PTO is want you want keep fighting!

Good luck!

Mina
Lake Worth, FL

if all else fails, you can always give a call to your state dept of education...or check their website for infos....search word CODE OF CONDUCT will indicate what sorts of duties our school admininistrators should be bound to, including relations with parents and community....if the codes are not upheld, there are procedures in place (confidentiality can be maintained in some cases) to address those concerns in the event a tax paying citizen whose kids attend public school,are dissatisfied with any certificated educator (teacher or administrator).
google your state's dept of education. they are most helpful and in the svc of the public.