We just switched from a PTA to a PTO this year. Last years board did a great job, however NO one knew that we also had to reapply for our tax ID number. It was an additional cost of $500. We are able to keep the same number so actually we are just changing our A to an O so to speak. This is just an FYI type of thing. It is something I haven't really seen anywhere on here.
Good Luck!
The resource I am talking about is the "Annual Resources". If you did not receive a copy, the whole thing is on the national PTA site. In Virginia we also receive the local unit resource guide- (it may be different in MD). Your local unit bylaws are kept at the state level. They should be able to send you a copy.
You should also make sure that the state is sending all their information to your school address. Many times, presidents give their home address and when changeover comes nothing gets passed on.
Maybe it is not the same in MD, but we have a great state PTA here. I noticed there is a BIG difference in the state websites (mdpta.org vs vapta.org). The summer training here is outstanding, and our district director holds free training at area schools in the fall (we have a training link on our site). Our state also has a field training team that will send representatives to your school. If you are not getting the help you need from MDPTA, you should definitely send your concerns on to Nationals. Good luck.
Cherilyn--I have a PTA v. PTO spreadsheet that lists some of the differences side by side that may help you. Email me at mum24kidsathotmaildotcom. As a PTA person, I can tell you that IF you make the effort (and it does take effort) to take advantage of all the PTA resources, it can be worth it. But if you don't or can't take advantage of what is out there, the benefit is largely unseen and unnoticed by your school's general membership.
dblreeder--I'm in your state, in a very active district, and an officer or committee chair in 3 different PTAs. There is no free training (although some of it is very inexpensive, and some free things are available from National online), there are not handbooks for all the officers and standing committees (although there are for some), and any free legal advice falls under the category of "you get what you pay for." PTA is a very large organization; it's difficult to make such general comments and have them be true across the board.
First off I never said we were changing. I feel the parents and teachers who came to me about going PTA deserve to know the facts about both. I can give them the facts about PTA since they are clearly stated on their website, but for PTO I don't feel I have enough info to go to them about this matter. It was talked about YEARS before me and was voted against. But like I said, I OWE the members of our PTA the info.
I l ove PTA and am VERY proud to be PTA President. But I have to say, your state sound much different then ours does. I don't have a problem with the dues, sure it would be nice to have that money for the children or things we need at school, but it's not a big deal for us. I'm a new PTA president this year, the old president left NOTHING from what was sent to her last year. The last thing I have from PTA was from 2000. We have asked for the newer items, but I guess she did away with them. So we have yet to get any bylaws, handbooks, we have NO one to talk to in our county and have never once gotten any info about legal services. The only thing we have gotten from PTA this year is our cards and the welcome back to school box/pack. So if we ARE paying for handbooks, bylaws etc. and other schools have gotten them, then my question would be why was our school left out? These items would help us a great deal.
You also need to ask your self why PTA is not working for you. The excuse that it is a money issue does not hold up. Currently the state and national dues for Virginia are $1.75 per member. That typically is not a juge ammount out of a "typical" parent groups income. For that money you get handbooks for all of your officers and standing committees, you get FREE training on the district level, you get free legal advice. Also, the money that reaches the state and national level goes to support lobbying on the behalf of education. NO OTHER ORGANIIZATION DOES THAT. If you are not getting the help and support you need, you should contact your state PTA.
The message boards here I'm sure will be abig help and you can also feel free to call our office anytime.
A couple of clarifications for you:
1. Typically, insurance rates for PTAs are slightly lower than those for PTOs. But that difference is most often more than made up for in what you save in annual dues.
2. Yes, as a PTO you don't have to pay dues to any organization, so any/all dues you do collect stay in your group. The average PTA pays out around $1,000 per year in dues.
3. Not sure what you're referring to with the negative balance at the end of the school year thing? Doesn't sound like anything I know of.
4. Switching is not hard. It's often made to sound very hard by folks who like that perceived barrier. More than 75% of K-8 parent groups around the country are independent PTOs. It's very doable, if it's what your group feels best fits your needs and goals.
