I'm in the same boat as you are. We are a small school dist (approx. 1000 students). I've been volunteering at my childrens' schools for the past 6 years and recently have become an active participant of our PTA. I've been so active that I've been nominated for president for the next school year. After reviewing the PTA info and bringing it up at the meetings, we are now entertaining the idea of changing to a PTO.
But like you, I have no clue where to start. This is a great website and it's giving me alot to think about. But where do we begin?
I was just looking in to applying for a tax exempt # (on the IRS website). I think I have to start here. It looks like it might take a while for the application to go through. Plus I think there's a fee. Then, there's insurance. I know going PTO will be to the children's benefit in the long run, but like any business, the start up is tough.
I'd like to go through this process with you, if I could. We could be "newbies" together.

We are in desperate need of getting a PTO started and organized. I need to understand what bylaws are and would like any help thats offered in organizing a new group!!!!!!!!DESPERATE GROUP OF PARENTS