We've discussed this a bit in various postings over the last few years, and it appears the vast majority of parent groups (that participate in the Forum)are independent, financial organizations that control their own fundraising and expenditures.

I'm not saying I side with your district, but I can understand their position. Many school officials are sick to death of the ups and downs of parent groups. Of course they appreciate the volunteers and the support. But how stable a group is from one year to the next can vary dramatically. Petty infighting and "turf wars" can be a problem. Some do a horrible job of managing their finances. One year might be great, the next a disaster. Some of the best intentions go awry like buying wonderful equipment the school can't use without an additional investment the district can't afford.

And I can tell you from experience, when a PTO faces a financial crisis, the school doesn't get off the hook just because "the PTO is an independent entity". Angry parents contact the principal and the district wanting to know how THEY let this happen.

As I said, I'm not supporting this idea, but I can see where some would prefer the model where a parent group is a volunteer arm of the school with no independent financial presence. Lots of other groups do it that way: churches, many private schools, libraries, various charities. Support organizations exist to hold events, recruit volunteers, coordinate fundraisers, etc. -but the funds go directly to the primary organization.

In our school we do a combination, but it's always very clear in the initial plan where the money is going. Fall fundraiser goes to the PTO, Spring fundraiser to the school, bookfair to the school, Spring event to PTO. Our role in organizing and running the events doesn't change. And, honestly - parents don't care who is depositing their check, who has "control" over the funds as long as they believe they are helping the school.

In your case, here are my recommendations (for whatever they are worth):
1) Figure out what exactly their worries are and be able to point to a solution (insurance, cash controls, establishment of policies, etc.)
2) Find out what is happening in other schools within the districts in case there is something you can use as a precedent.
3) Offer a compromise where some fundraisers belong to the school, even though the PTO will run them.
4) If all else fails and they really only want a volunteer group, then at least try to negotiate input into the purpose of funds raised. (If the goal is to equip a science lab, and you all agree, so be it. At least you are achieving the goal you helped set.)

Good luck with this, and please keep us posted as to the progress.

[ 12-18-2002: Message edited by: JHB ]</p>

It sounds like the board is concerned with the liability issue.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>I'm sure we didn't do this in the right order, but we got our tax ID number and started to do the paper work on the 501(c)(3). <hr></blockquote>

Sounds right, but have you thought about insuring your group against liability and theft? That might ease the board's anxiety. Many parent groups peacefully co-exist with the district handling funds and the liability.

Please remember that once you establish yourself as a seperate entity from the school, the board still has say in how your group actually operates in the school. If there is animosity now, you want to make sure that your group works to build a good working relationship with board and administration.

I think that the key is to get insurance. If you do so, the board may back off if they see you taking some of the liability off of the district.

Good luck!

How sad that the Board is resistant to your good intentions. Anyway...to address your question specifically: we are an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit organization with our own mission statement, officers, and bank account. We cooperate with the school since all of our work is for the school. However, the staff and Board of Ed have no official say in what we do or how we raise/spend our money. They can only advise and request. In our school, I have never seen the Board get involved in PTO matters. I don't know the legal implications, but maybe someone else from the forum has had a similar experience. Good luck!

Try sharing this web site ID with your School Board members - they might come away inspired!

I have a question... We are a new PTO (or at least we are trying to be). Our Board of Education is fighting us all the way. As parents we have fundraisers and then are expected to turn all of the money into them! Does anyone else do this? This year we decided to go and start to be the schools PTO. I'm sure we didn't do this in the right order, but we got our tax ID number and started to do the paper work on the 501(c)(3). Last night we were told that we couldn't do it! If we did then we would be held responsible for anything that went wrong and was paid for by PTO funds. And they are hiring a lawyer to get the funds back that we have collected from the fall fundraiser. HELP!!!!