I started our PTO last year at a new shcool, we had a gal who wanted to be our treasurer. She never showed to the board meetings, finally after 3 months she came up with a report that was very poor. After numerous attempts to fix it, and many lies on her part (she even lied that she added her name to our bank account) I told her she needed to resign, of course it was the boards decision. It was one of the toughest things I've done, but our new treasurere is wonderful and is never a penny off. You need to do whats best for the kids! Meet with the principle, find out what the problem is with the copier, the time? the money? the volunteer? then fix it. Change the time, voulunteer, or offer to pay for part of the use.
Without records and controls anything could happen. Our schools treasurer very easily embezzeled 35,000. There were no controls in place and we were lucky we got it back but now we have controls in place that are working very nicely. The interesting thing with our case was that no one requested the resignation of our board president--she was the one who was in place when the money was taken as well as when it all came to surface-she was on the board as president for a very long time and was in charge when the money was taken and when it was found out that money had been taken--she did not do her job as far as demanding reports and attendance at meetings etc. Being a board member is a very serious job and should be taken seriously--KEEP ON THEM GATHER SUPPORT FROM PARENTS WHO MAY NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. Stand firm.
Hi Mommytic......this is the first time that a teacher has held the treasurer's position. And this is also the first time we've had this type of problem.
I agree with the parent volunteer who was offended....over the past 5 years, our organization has approved large amounts of money to provide supplies for our school and for our teachers. We have always been given the approval to use the copier to promote PTO events including sending out a monthly newsletter of upcoming dates. I do plan to talk to the principal. I cannot see spending the funds to have copies made at another location, when PTO funds so many supplies for the school already. That, to me, is an unneccesary cost.
Ya' know, it's a crying shame that money is paramount, such as you stated. I will have to commend past PTO officers for the heart that they had while serving the organization and the school. We didn't strive for power, or control....we did it for the students, and because we truly care about our school. That in itself is reason enough to be particular who you vote into these positions.
I feel so badly for you and for your PTO. Our school doesn't allow any parent to be treasurer. Our fourth grade math teacher has been the PTO Treasurer for years. This makes everything so easy.
I agree with dlf. I would definitely talk to the principal regarding this matter. Good luck!
Can't really give better advice than what Critter has offered. There should be a general sit down with the prinicipal anyway to find out how you guys fit into the school supply program. We do everything independently (copier, paper, supplies) but are given a room (which is invaluable). I never presume to have authority to use anything unless the principal has already nodded...
Good luck in the treasurer department. A smart leader told me once that two things will get you into trouble in a leadership position, money and matters having to do with boys and girls (not using the three letter word here). Certainly in a PTO the money thing is paramount so good luck...!
