Actually as a PTA we can't support any particular candidate but we can support a position if it is aligned with our mission and resolutions.
We can't spend more than a certain percentage of funds on legislation. This is because of our 501c3 status. If you are a 501c3 then this is the gospel according to the IRS-

To be tax-exempt as an organization described in IRC Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for one or more of the purposes set forth in IRC Section 501(c)(3) and none of the earnings of the organization may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate at all in campaign activity for or against political candidates.

So in other words, if this was not a substantial effort and a large portion of the groups funds weren't used and it was not promoting a specific candidate, then it's okay.
If this was not voted on and it is in your bylaws that something of this nature (budgeted etc) must be voted on than depending on your state laws, it may be enforced as a violation of a contract. However, is it worth it to take it that far?
If your group is not a 501c3 than these rules do not apply.

Our PTO does not support pushing the budget either way, I try to promote getting out to vote to our volunteers. we don't send out anything on it, the district handles that, our school has had a concert or art show on voting night for the past two years and we have had the highest voter turnout those two years!! We do not promote board candiates at all...this year my husband was up for election and I kept my mouth shut the whole time!!! That was tough....when he lost by two votes I wanted to scream at everyone who didnt vote, but thats a different story!!! I truly don't think a PTO should promote yes or no...just vote!!But i think if our budget came down to cutting alot of programs, activities we would want to fight for our kids. tough call...

Our PTO bylaws state that we cannot promote any position on politcal canidates. However school board election are not concidered political "for the sole perpose of organizing canidate debates" The sole perpose clause allows us to sponsor and organize debates but not to back any paticular canidate.

We are a PTO and while we do not support the election of school board candidates, but we do support the budget. Our PTO sends home flyers reminding people to vote. We also have our class mothers phone the parents in their class the night before reminding and urging them to get out and vote for the budget. But like Kmamom said...you should check your bylaws. Evryone's may be different.

I'm not a legal expert. but I think it depends on your bylaws. If you're 501(c)(3) you have to be careful about how much money and time you spend promoting the budget, but since you're not lobbying to change legislation you're OK in that realm (I just spoke to the IRS agent that's decding our letter of determination :eek: ).

On a personal note I have a problem with a PTO supporting or NOT supporting a budget unless they've gone over it line by line and know where EVERY dollar is going FOR SURE. Why waste time and money in something unless you know FOR SURE?

And as for that "spending the kids' money"...if the supporting or not supporting of a budget is going to have a positive effect on the kids--what better way to spend it? People get too caught up in material spending of monies--a lot of good comes from things that you can't put a price tag on.

Hope that helps!

I know from being a past PTA board member that we were not allowed as an organization to support a school board candidate, NOR support or not support the budget vote. We can encourage parents to vote but not tell them in which way to vote.

Does the PTO have any basic rule like that? Or is it all up to the local ones within our district setting up their oen By-Laws. One school is a PTA and the others PTO, if the PTA gave money for signage and ads, then they are in violation of the national guidleines. Just curious as to the PTO's ability to promote a budget.

Hope someone knows and if you have info in print would appreciate it as parents here are up in arms on what the PTO has done. Spending the kids hard earned money for electioneering.

TIA!
CArol [img]smile.gif[/img]