Wow--I'm really sad to hear that--I've the feeling that there's more going on than you were made aware of. There's nothing quite as bad as being forced to do something you don't want to do.
In our case we're PTA, and no one really has a massive problem with it, but when we suggested going PTO officially the PTA board in our school went APE. It turns out the our county chapter has a very...strong management style, and can make life VERY difficult for those wishing to buck the system, and with their ties to our community and school system, no one wants to bother rocking the boat. I don't see our superintendent or BOE having a problem, but the principal's head would explode from that type of aggravation. This type of situation may have more to do with it than the ridiculus reason's they gave you.
We ended up starting our own group and are easing our way in--the principal is one of those that is set against us (like Tim said--WHY anyone would have an issue like that defies logic, but there it is) so the going hasn't been as easy as it could be. We're hoping she comes around--she's not overtly nasty (that I'd rather--it's easier to deal with), but very passive-aggresive.
Politics triumphs once again over people just trying to help.Regarding my original post "We
changed from PTA to PTO. I have a meeting with my school principal in the morning because the school district is not happy with the change. Can they make us change back help." When they gave us a reason stating the training and support that PTA gives and PTO doesn't and we were able to counter that argument, they then came back with the reason that because of the thefts that occur that the district can't go after the people but PTA can. When I asked for something in writing to take to my members, the district area director said she'd ask her boss but she didn't think they would want anything in writing so they couldn't get sued. I had to laugh even though there's nothing funny about this mess. We're changing back and I told my principal I would stay on and I will for the year because I'm here for my school and my kids but it will be my last year in charge! Next year, I'll just be the best homeroom mom they've ever had. PTA is definately proved to me how strong there ties are with my school board.
I could tell you who is a PTA (that list is available at the National website if not at your state website) but the only way to find out if any other schools are PTO is to call them, ask the district (which isn't an option I assume) or search the internet. There is not, as of yet, a full directory of independent parent groups that I am aware of. They are independent.
It depends really. For example, I was recently introduced to the NYC parent groups and they have mandates that require a certain kind of parent group to be in place (in this case, PTA as the National Organization, could never be in any of their schools because they don't allow membership dues)
Our own school district is partial to PTAs but does not require it. Their reasoning is this, PTAs are required to carry insurance, required to be trained, and have rules they are supposed to follow. Although they are self governed, the school district knows they must be accountable to someone. In addition, PTA was instrumental (okay, the only driving force) in getting our Parent Involvement Initiative in place prior to NCLB, our PTAs are more active in their schools and community, (sorry but it's true) and follow a lot of the regulations put forth by NCLB for parent involvement-less work for them to impliment.
As for whether the school district can do this? NYC does so yes, they can. Do most? Not usually. But they can make life very difficult for you if they want to.
Hope this doesn't get you and your other leaders down. Involvement, no matter the acronym, is too important for this stuff to get in the way.
No, they can't "make" you change back. You're an independent group of parents organizing to help the school. Now, that doesn't mean the district can't make volunteering more difficult (ludicrous, I know) if they so choose. Because of this, you're better off working collaboratively with district on explaining the reasoning for your move and why you think it's for the best.
Why is the district displeased? Often, that initial displeasure comes from not knowing much about PTOs and/or only having experience with PTAs.
District may think that PTOs are odd (does district know that 75%+ of parent groups are now independent?) or that PTOs do things the wrong way (tens of thousands of PTOs are 501(c)(3) and pay taxes, etc.)or that PTOs have no training or learning opportunities or support(ahem, ahem).
You get the picture. I'm sure you folks did a lot of research in making your decision.
I'd emphasize the power of parent involvement. If district truly believes in parent involvement and empowering parents (and we hope district does, right?), then mandating what parents do is opposite that. You great volunteers are the lifeblood of his schools; you're smart, able, energetic. And more than talented enough to make these decisions on your own. District far greater things to worry about/fix, rather than jumping in telling the folks who are already doing great things how to do them.
