It is up to the individual schools (the parents and teachers) to determine if they will be a PTO or a PTA.
At this level there is little differance between how the two organizations work or the purpose for their existance. They are both made up of volunteers that want to do some good things to improve, enhance and enable educational needs of the school.
Beyond that level there are major differances. Any group exploring being either one need to understand those differances and select which would most accomplish what it is they wish to accomplish.
As for how the two organizations get along with each other, I dont think that needs to be an issue unless they are trying to co exist in the same school. The PT(xs) normally are exclusive to a single school not the district. There may be some district level organization (Many PTAs have this - few PTOs) in which common issues and solutions are discussed, but that organization rarely has any control over the member organizations.
The major differance between PTA and PTO is normally money at this level. The dues for the PTA are mandated and shared across the organization.
I am looking for feedback from districts that house both PTO's and PTA's. My district has PTO's in each school and a new PTA is being formed. However, there is significant opposition to the formation from PTO presidents. I would really appreciate hearing how the two organizations can and do work together from systems where this already occurs. I know they can! I can be reached directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This is a wonderful forum, by the way, and the website is terrific!
