I agree that $100,000 is way to much money to just be sitting in the bank. Did you also say "you" have spent almost $100 already this year? Why?
I definitly think you need to speak up, but you need to make sure it is not in a way that the board and members feel attacked. Make sure you are smiling when you ask! [img]smile.gif[/img] At the next meeting find something on the agenda that will help you bring this topic up.
To me it seems foolish to have that kind of money just sitting around! The money was raised in order to spend it on the students! To give them things that help make there school years more enjoyable and educational. That is one of the reasons you have a PTO. Right? You just need to make sure you don't put them in the defensive mode or they will never "hear" what you are trying to say.
Also, you may want to check in to your local and state laws on non profit org. and if there are limits to what they are allowed to carry over into the next year. I don't know if there is or not. I've never had a problem like that before! Usually the concern is making sure you leave enough in the account to start the new year with!
Wow! The things I could do with $100,000!

[ 02-23-2003: Message edited by: Tamilyn ]</p>

Did you really say $100,000? I doubt you'll find too many of us who have walked in THOSE shoes!

I'm choking too. What do they think all that money is going to get the kids while it sits in the bank? A little more interest? A good credit rating?! Some security if times get tough?

A.1. - find out if there's a long range plan to use the money - a playground or technology upgrades, maybe. Surely there's something.

You need to decide if you want to ruffle some feathers or not. Obviously you know the situation and personalities the best. And of course Tim's right when he says the group is made up of well-intentioned parents. But if it were me, I'd SCREAM!

I've only got this year and one more to be involved with this school, and don't want to step on toes. I've tried offering to help already - and while I know you have to walk before you run, I've been allowed to make and/or serve food. The money thing is just killing me - the school is in budget crisis and the PTO has all this $$$. Don't get me wrong, I do not agree with PTO funding school programs. Just wish I knew that before I paid dues to join and have spent close to $100 already on PTO activities.

Thanks, Tim - look forward to hearing from others who may have walked in my shoes.

Wow! Public school? That does seem like a lot, especially if it's not being saved for something particular. I drool over the prospect of all the great family/involvement event syou guys could put on.

I think you're right to be careful with how you approach making change. The worst thing you could do -- in my opinion -- is to charge in and say -- "this is all wrong." I presume the group is full of well-intentioned folks, and they've obviously been doing some things right.

I say: Get involved, make great contributions, and before long you'll be in a good spot to help make changes.

Tim

I can't decide whether to drop off the face of the earth or what. I know - to those who know me, you were wondering if I already did that. Recently moved, and miss my PTO activities like you wouldn't believe. Attended first meeting just as a parent recently. When I saw that the budget carryover exceeds $100 thousand, I almost choked. Don't want to step on any toes, but doesn't appear that there are long range financial plans. Just wondering what you folks' opinion is. Should I just shut up and stay out of this since I'm new? I can tell you that come fundraising time it will be difficult (at the very least) to go all out in helping to raise money.