Hi Heather -

I emailed you privately, but I'll also post a response here.

Of course, my first answer is that: You're in luck! We have a PTO Show conference next week in Dallas. www.PTOshows.com It's a great way to get up to speed on the whole parent group thing very quickly.

Secondly, a couple of ideas:

1. Any group of interested folks can start a parent group. The first step is to network with like-minded people at your school and drum up interest. The statistics on the educational value of parental involvement are overwhelmingly positive. Maybe use some of that research (you'll find examples and links all over this site) to get a few folks on your side.

2. No fees to start a PTO. If you really get going, you may have some fees to IRS to become a nonprofit or to incorporate, etc. But that process is not too tricky, nor is it very expensive. And we'll all be here to help.

Hope to see you in Dallas.

Tim

I just moved to Lexington, TX from Fredericksburg, VA and my kids school doesn't even have a PTO/PTA and I want to start one up. I never had to do this before and I need alot of help how to start one. What are the rules for a PTO and the fees and how do I go in front of the school to tell them that this is what we should do. We live in a very small town and they had one 3 years ago and it failed. I have alot of ideas but just need some guidence. Thanks
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[ 02-06-2003: Message edited by: Heathr ]</p>