TD33, we do not want the principal to have any control of the funds.
Fencingmom, I tell you, I have been doing this for the last 3 years. We have a parent population that isn't responsible for their children or are constantly moving. Certain decisions made by the school's administration have made it even harder to keep the involved families in our school.
In the long run, I just want ideas, not about parent involvement, but for what our group should do to try to stay alive incase the situation my change in the long run or what to do with our funds with the position we are in.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
I have found the one way to get parents involved. You have to ask them. Not in a newsletter or a note home. You have to talk to the lady that picks up her kid everyday. You have to talk to the mom bringing in the snacks. One on one conversation. Explain exactly what you need them to do and how much time it will take them.
Most people that I start talking to feel they dont know enough about a PTO to be on a board. They are not confident enough to step up and try someting new. Even parents that have been to a meeting or two and have helped out at an event feel this way.
Your not going to talk everyone into helping but you might build someones confidence up enough so that they will try.
Have you discussed with the principal or headmaster? Perhaps he or she could fill in as a treasurer until next year. With a whole new set of parents coming in there should be folks that will want to help. We always welcome new parents and seen to hook some every year. Some PTO officers were new parents last year.
Keep the touch going, you will look back on it in a few years and say “Hey I helped to keep that group goingâ€
TD33, we've been trying these tactics for 3 years. That's why I'm here. I do not like the idea of spending down, but when 3 years goes by and only the same officers are willing to carry on but are to the point where they can't, I'm looking for other options. I would love for our teachers to take over the group (letting the PTO keep going) until more parents would be willing to step up. If that doesn't happen, I wondered what other groups had done or would do. We can't leave money in an account that no one is responsible for. Everyone in our group agrees that they don't want to have any of our funds raised going into the school's general fund because of the way it is handled. I'm just trying to play the cards I've been delt.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Get others involved. Try something new. Offer meetings at different times, talk about new programs (search ptotoday.com for ideas that fit your area).
Remember as one class leaves the school another enters with new parents that want to get involved. Welcome them at the orientation meeting over the summer or in September. Even if you are not involved next year think twice about spending all the funds, a new group coming in next year will need some funds to get started.
