Hi concerned -

Let me try and help a bit.

Grab a cup of coffee and do some reading by following the links here:

www.ptotoday.com/ptovpta.html

It's got a lot of PTO Today stuff and a link to the pta web site.

Independent groups (PTOs) can get insurance on their own or they can get insurance at an even better rate by joining PTO Today Plus. But that's completely optional. The largest parent group focused insurance broker is AIM Insurance. They're the PTO Today Plus insurance partner as well as the preferred insurance provider for most state PTAs. Their website is www.aim-companies.com

Once you've done some reading, come back and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Or you can contact me directly by using the contact us info on the very bottom of this page.

Tim

Concerned - There's no harm in doing the research! It may bring you right back to the decision that you like things best the way they are. But at least then you'll know that it's the BEST choice for your school and not the ONLY choice.

Pals is right, there's TONS of useful information on these boards. There's some propaganda from other parent groups but it's easy to weed through. It won't take you long to recognize credible screen names (like our friend pals!)

If you'd like to see just one example of PTO bylaws send an email message to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . I'd be happy to share mine with you.

Hi! If you take the time there is ALOT of info here on the benifts of being self suffient and not answering to anyone. Each school needs to look at their picture and what is right for them, the dues of the pta was a huge downfall in our school and was one of the reasons we switched five years ago. As far as national pto there is no such organization so there is no set dues, I think if you really want a change skip the dues if you can, welcome every parent as a member of you new pto. <Market a whole new look! Have fun and although you may read negative stuff about switching realize that only you and your members know what is going on at your school and why you are thinking about changing. Alot of us have made the change and things at my school have never been better!

Why? Why? Why?

I am sure there may be reasons you are looking to change. But plese remember there are many benifits to belonging to the largest parent involvement group in the country.
Contact the National PTA, there may be programs and resources that you are not even aware of!

Hi everyone,

I am currently a board member on our PTA and have been elected to serve on the board for next year. There are a group of us that would like to research switching from a PTA to a PTO. Will you please share where we might be able to find out how we start this process? Also, is there somewhere on line that we might be able to find out the cost(s) of insurance and membership?

Many thanks!