allizder--I have an Excel spreadsheet I can give you that is a side-by-side comparison of the structure of a PTA vs. a PTO group. We used it about two years ago for my then-new school that was trying to decide which way to go. It doesn't say one is better than the other, just shows some factual differences between the two. I also have one that shows the $$ cost difference between the two. Both would have to be updated/customized to your state, but it's better that starting from scratch. Email me at mum24kidsathotmaildotcom if you want a copy (replace "at" and "dot" with symbols).

Hi guest, you say that your membership is low, in which case the money may very well be working in your favor as opposed to against.
If you are getting insurance at PTA rates (in Nevada, full coverage for PTAs is $155 a year compared to NPN's $539 for similiar coverage, even their liability only is more than our state's unit's full coverage)
You also need to remember that in doing your comparisons and utilizing this site as a resource, that it is PTO today not PTA today and that there are many people on here that would disagree with the picture of PTA that is painted here. Rocket gave you some very good advice and if you are utilizing this website for the pro-PTO then you should really get the pro-PTA from an equal source (State is going to be slanted towards PTA obviously)
I personally disagree with a lot of "myths" about PTA in these pages and with Tim's take on the PTA in his, what I see to be considerably biased opinions of PTA in his articles. If you want the discussion to be fair and balanced, keep it in mind...

Great information here.

I have agreed to be nominated as PTA pres for next year. However, after going to several PTA meetings - at our school, and at the local level - I am not happy with the direction of our PTA.
I brought up PTO at our last PTA meeting and was "shot down" by our PTA Parlimentarian, with what I now see as "myths". After reading through this website, and especially after finding this message thread, I feel I have a clearer picture how I'm going to present this idea to our principal, our current and future PTA Board and the members.

Our school is cash strapped, and membership in our PTA is LOW to say the least. The board feels PTA is giving us nothing but costing us precious dollars that we need to stay in our school.

Thanks for the info, I look forward to hearing more from all - because we all seem to be in the same boat!

Thanks!

Hi Rocket -

Kudos to you and your group for your analysis here. You're doing what we've counseled on this site for years.

Get an accurate look at the costs of PTA affiliation. Determine which benefits of PTA affiliation are used/valued by your group and what those are worth to you. Reach out to your general parent population and determine what the goals of your parent group really are.

And then make a great decision and get back to the work of helping to create a great school.

Good luck. No matter which way you decide, we'll look forward to helping you keep up your important work.

Tim

We, too, are currently a PTA and are considering making the move to become a PTO. For us, it's not really about dues or the money. In the big picture, our PTA can afford dues and still run effectively. Our dues are less than a latte or cafe mocha per member! Of course, it does add up if you consider our school of 380 children has 600 members in our PTA every year. So nearly $2,000 goes to State/National PTA combined. We are fortunate to have a great parent group and school that supports parent involvement, provides wonderful children programs and family programs throughout the year.

At our first PTA meeting this year, a member brought the issue to the floor to disband our PTA and become a PTO. After discussion, it was voted to form a committee to research both positions and bring it back to membership to discuss in November. We've had more discussion in our general meetings. Here's some of the points covered. I hesitate to give much feedback from the group, because your membership should discuss it and form their own opinions.

1: Are we receiving value and service from PTA when we pay dues? (list services and others...)
2. Does State/National PTA meet our needs as a local unit? (list our needs, are they meeting them?)
3. How important is advocating for children through supporting PTA lobbyist to our community? (poll parents about lobbying)
4. Can PTO provide the resources, answer our questions and provide training that we need to operate our local parent group? (research and list services, etc)
5. Do parents really want to be a member of PTA or are they joining to support our parent group, children, programs and school? (poll parents)
6. How does our staff, principal and teachers feel about PTA vs. PTO? (poll staff at school)
7. Bring information and polling results to November general meeting for discussion.

Also, to your comment about not being able to buy classroom supplies if your are a PTA. Totally, UNTRUE. Your PTA can buy whatever they vote to buy. The State/National PTA does not tell you what you can and can't buy with your PTA funds. However, they say that if PTA's buy equipment, supplies, and basic neccessities that they feel the government funds (taxes) should provide, then you hurt the greater cause; which is to have more tax money going towards public education. So, in a way, you hurt the PTA's fight for more of the tax dollars to be budgeted for schools. But, in no way, does the PTA tell you what you can and can't buy with your funds.

Good luck with your decision! We're voting in April to stay a PTA or disband and start a PTO.

First of all, you can purchase things for the classroom. That isn't true at all. Secondly, I would contact your state or council representative for information on what your state is giving you for benefits. National PTA does not have a PTA v PTO section on their website but rather focuses on everything that PTA gives you. Remember, the information you receive here is coming from PTOToday, so this is just one side of things.
There are many good reasons for being a PTA and I for one am proud to serve one and be part of it. The dues that I pay to be a member is 100% worth it.