Wow, I to believe this was a good article. I also believe that if a groups, (PTA or PTO), main focus is for kids than it can't be bad.
I am a service specialist for PTA in my little northwest state and I do have a couple of comments since the local PTA's that I am in constant contact with have been asking what the difference is between the two organizations. Your article and web site has given me great information that reaffims my belief that there is actually a big difference in the two. I to would like to know how the PTO recieves it money for publications like this one and how do they pay thier lobbiest? I assume you have some if not nationally how about locally or is the PTO riding the coat tails of PTAs lobbiest? Please understand this is not a true critisism since our lobyist are working for the betterment of ALL children not just the ones in a paticular school but maybe it would behoove you to,let your members know this. I was looking at alot of your web site which I really like. I looked at many parts of the bulletin board and one thing keep sticking out at me from many PTO's. The same type of questions. How to do this or that? This will be a great example for me to explain the difference between the two. If a PTA service team is doing thier job all of these type of questions would be answered in publications, flyers, conventions, training and quick phone calls to information hounds like my self. All of this is what part of our dues help support.The free legal advise we get from our PTA lawyers also gives us a greart since of security. What access do the PTOs have to legal advise? I would like to know. In completion I would like to restate that, if a organizations main focus is KIDS than that group must not be bad.

I believe the article was fair. The ending is quite true, both PTA's and PTO's are for children. The posting which stated that a person is selfish if they are in a PTO isn't fair. Because they are involved means they care. I am a PTA President and a strong believer in the PTA. The PTA is a vital advocate for children and schools nationally, statewide, and locally. Without the PTA we might not have affordable school lunches, Headstart, and safer school buses. That's what PTA does for everyone, however they also offer publications, not just their magazine (which, by the way, can now be read by all members on their website for the cost of the dues), but also videos, books, and personnel - who come and give presantations on a variety of subjects at no cost to the local unit. They also present leadership training and conventions which are the best way to share ideas and best practices.
PTO's are great for the schools, raising money and volunteering in that individual school. But to make an impact on a community, nothing beats the PTA.

Greetings. I just became aware of this publication and website. I am a PTA supporter and always have been. My town has both PTO and PTA and we have co-existed for nearly 5 years now and many of us belong to both groups. We spent a year in discussion to determine if we needed a PTA in a PTO town. Turns out there were enough differences that we did indeed form a PTA. Our PTA is an issue advocacy group that also offers scholarships and the Reflections Art Program. We do not fundraise, we leave that to the PTO. I am proud to say that we are the most informed parents/community members in our town when it comes to local public school funding, taxation and state funding mechanisms and education issues. I point out that while our PTO raises over $80,000 per year to supplement our students' education, the PTA helps raise over $45 million needed to keep our school district solvent and teachers getting paid. Our PTO does not enter into district funding issues and areas that are deemed too political. Our PTA is educated and informed and can articulate views to administrators, staff, school board and congress members easily. It is PTA training and quick links to information that have made the difference. To me this action is at the heart of true parent and community involvement in the public education system. The research based "National PTA Parent Involvement Standards" are an excellent resource that names the six areas of meaningful parent involvement. Without the engagement of all six areas, parents as citizens and taxpayers stay outside decision-making and any debate over their public schools. Parents are the exact people who should be highly vocal in the debate. Truth is, public schools are political arenas supported by taxes and our children need informed advocates while they are in them. I can not speak for private schools because the public has very limited or no direct access and impact. Parents in private schools must find their way and make their choices about affiliation and level of involvement. PTA is there for them if they want it.
I appreciate all the work that PTO does for our students. They offer a nonpolitical way for parents to be involved. Much of their work has tangible results for the time and money spent. While not a bad thing, it just is not enough.
I want to compliment Mr Sullivan on an excellent article. He has endeavored to write a fair and kindly comparison of the two groups. I think he articulates the reform and changes that will need to happen in order for PTA to keep its standing in the nation and remain relevant to today's parent. He has given PTA members food for thought.
I have a comment about your statistics on number of schools compared with number of PTAs. Please confirm that your school numbers reflect only public schools or include privates and charters.
Since PTO's do not have a link or democratic process to make larger organization decisions, how do the staff of PTO Today know what PTO members across the country want? Where do the funds come from to publish and distribute?
Also, looked at your voting tally and am not surprised to see the weight given to PTO, given that this is a PTO publication.
Any organization must offer a variety of ports of entry and interest. PTA offers them all - fundraising to issue advocacy. Again thank you for the food for thought and for inviting a free discussion to occur on your website.

In response to the article on PTO vs PTA that I recently read I must say this. First of all when I registered as a member of this forum it asked me what school I was affiliated with and my title. I clicked on PTO/PTA President but when my profile came up it listed me as a PTO President. I take offense to this for various reasons. First of all I am a PTA President, proud and true. Secondly it amazes me to see the similar information posted on this website that PTA has been distributing for 103 years. Yes PTA has their problems and ideals. Fortunately PTA has thought far enough ahead to make a difference in the lives of all children. PTO's main concern is today not tomorrow. Where were the PTO's when the hot lunch for all school was lobbied for? Who are the PTO lobbiests? These are just a few of the huge differences between PTA and PTO. I beleive in helping my fellow man and whenever I can help out a neighboring PTO. But my heart lies with PTA because it is the true parent association for all children. And another thing about PTO's is the money issue. How many articles do you see of PTO's prosecuting treasurers who steal PTO funds? You don't because they are not held accountable like PTA treasurers. Maybe that is another reason many schools are turning to PTO due to the ease of manipulating funds and getting away with it. That is a harsh statement and I know it is not happening in all groups but it does make you wonder. It can and does happen even in the best of organizations. I am just glad we do something about it when it happens in our organization.
Anna in Louisiana

[This message has been edited by Anna in Louisiana (edited 08-18-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Anna in Louisiana (edited 04-13-2001).]

It's a good article. I didn't know a lot of that stuff. Thank you. We never even really thought about why we are a PTO but I guess it sounds like the right choice for us. KR