We have asked for a copy of the by laws with the response....."Oh, We will try to find those if we can." So...? I do believe the polite but firm approach will be taken. Because like I said it is so disheartening to see the focus is not at all where it needs to be. The kids will suffer in the end. I want to thank you all for your help and great advice from your experinces!
Amen to Critter and writermom. There have been a suprising number of threads on embezzelment recently and preventing this from going to far is a must. this all may be aboveboard, but anytime I hear that a board or an individual does not want to share information about the finances - that raises a big red flag with me.
The PTO group belongs to the members of the organization - it is not the plaything of the Exec Bd. The Exec Bd. has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the membership and in their best interests and within the stated will of the membership (i.e., what the membership votes on generally takes precedence over what the board wants to do). But ultimately the Bd. is responsible to the members. Therefore, ANY member has the right (and even the obligation) to understand what is going on and how money is being spent.
I'd say to politely stick to your guns and get to the bottom of it as soon as possible. Expressing your concerns to the new principal and enlisting his support is a good first step. He may want to look into it himself so you are somewhat protected from any backlash.
I agree with Critter. Definately do not let this issue go. If you are a member this year and not on the board, you have every right to press for this information and do not rest until you get what you need. Have a little chat with the new principal. If something fishy is going on, you need to nip it in the bud.
Be polite but firm. What you're asking for is absolutely reasonable. If your group doesn't have bylaws, volunteer to write them. At least then you've taken direct action to tighten up the organization for this year and the future.
I think it all depends on what the By-laws state. Certainly, they state that the financial statments must be available to the general members. Our By-laws state that anything over 200.00 requires a vote from the general members so anything under that amount you wont know about until the monthy or bi-monthy general meeting. I do beleive the the B-laws should also be public knowledge. Just ask one the board members from last year for a copy if you dont already have one.
Lots of Luck,
April Bryant
PTO Treasurer
Cape Coral, Fl
Our PTO is in desperate need of help. We seem to be very close to falling apart at the seams. This years president has decided to no longer make motions at our meetings, which we have done in the past, she has chose not to give us a finicial expense sheet for the year, which has also been done in past years, and there seems to be funds being spent without members knowledge. As outgoing president, I would only spend the funds if the members knew and voted on it. Unless it was an emergency. But for some reason this year, only the officers are having access to this information.
The bad thing is that, we, this year have a new principal that has no idea how it was done previously. So, he cannot really see that it is inappropriate. And, as if that is not bad enough there is only two returnig members from last year. So, the rest of the members are new and do not realize that they have a voice and should have input. My question is what should we do and where should we go from here? What IS appropriate? PLEASE help us. We truly do want the best for our kids! Thanks to all!!!!!
