We give a specific dollar amount per student for the teacher to use. Some pay for extra field trips (including bus costs). Others buy supplies for their class. And still others do extra assemblies. We also pay for assemblies as well as scholarships for seniors who attended our schools. We put some money aside for major playground equipment.....
I guess much depends on how much money you have available.

Hi all,
We are a reactivating a PTO at our school and I have a question. What percentage of your funds do you feel reasonable to give to the school for discretionary funds or for large projects? I realize that every answer will be unique to each school's situation. I know I will get several answers. Some information for you. Our parents pay for field trips, we have no assemblies that I am aware of, our school gives no awards for any reading programs,and our library gives one gift certificate a day during bookfair. Our school has done make n take days, and scrapbooking classes and other classes for the parents.