They are required to file a tax form if they make a certain amount. It they are not 501c3, it is fairly low. You could tip off the IRS. I know that it sounds harsh, but atleast it would get their books in order. If they are 501c3, then they only have to file if they make over 25,000, but there are some pretty strict guidelines there. I think that before I started threatening (using the school) that I would use this as leverage. No one wants to be audited.
Why don't you try and just show up at your childrens school a couple of days a week and see what if anything is going on with the pto or any of the officers. I am a president and would like to have more people to help out, a lot of times the people do not follow through after they find out that the work that needs done is not fun or in the spot light. Maybe just try to dropin on them if possible.
I was fortunate enough to happen upon the election of officers. Names were presented during the nominations. those members stepped outside and the vote was taken with no discussion as to qualifications or previous experience. I tried asking but was politely asked to be quiet because I was being a disruption. I was spoken to this way by the principal.
This is why I am trying hard to either get satisfaction or an outright investigation. I'm designing a flyer to pass out for the parents calling for a general meeting. If I can get enough response then the "powers that be" won't be able to duck me any more.
Widower- WOW! Our group had the same problem but it was the Pricipal that wanted to be included but the PTO Prez would blow her off!
I would go to the district BUT hold off on the serious accusations- but maybe more of an issue with the PTO practices. Have you talked to other parents in the school? You may not be the only one that feels this way. I do applaude you for your involvement! Talk to other parents and teachers, that's how I became President (I didn't like the lack of positive adittude with the school and PTO so that is my personnal goal this year to better that!)
Gee, I think the "powers that be" from your PTO group should get together with the ones from Nicurn's PTA (see other listings in this topic from Nicurn). They would make an interesting group!!!
But seriously folks... What would happen if you organized a "concerned parent" meeting to discuss activities for the children? Kind of along the same lines plw mentioned. Go ahead and start making plans for something. I'd make sure the teachers, principal & your "friends" in the PTO were aware of it.
Do you even have officers? Have you spoken with any of these "preferred members" directly? Are there other parents who would also like to be involved? Are you friendly with any of the teachers? Can they give you a little history on the PTO? Perhaps you can contact a former PTO officer and get copies of the bylaws that way. Maybe then you could get some attention if they are not being adhered to.
Fortunately this is not something I've encountered so I'm just throwing out any idea I can think of.
I've been considering giving the principal an ultimatum. Either there's a publicized PTO meeting within the 1st month of school or I go to the district office and demand an investigation into possible fraud and embezzlement with the principal named as a co-conspirator.
I really doubt that there is any corruption involved but merely a bit of church politics. Either you belong to the local LDS church or you're shunned from "polite society".
I really hate to threaten but I am not willing to put up with the elitist attitudes for another six years until my youngest moves on to middle school.
