What state are you in? And when you say "corporation", does that mean that you are at private school run by a commercial concern?

I think the PTO could serve in globally pushing for open communication, opportunity for public comment, and parental involvement. Groups of parents can certainly band together to make their wishes known on any particular topic.

But I just don't see the PTO/PTA taking on every issue. Especially in the case of controversial ones. Our district considered moving to a strict, uniform-style dress code for secondary school last year. Parents took dramatically different positions on this. There were meetings, petitions, blogs, everything but picketing.

This was most definitely a parent concern, but how could the PTO - representing ALL parents - have taken a side?

I agree with JHB that the scope of the PTO should be a bit more focused. You are on the same team as the school board. If you set yourself up to be the avenue through which parents approach them with concerns, you're sure to have a contentious relationship with the BOE. At my last two schools, the BOE had a Parent Teacher Advisory Committee that provided this much needed forum.

I believe the primary role of a PTO is to enhance the learning environment. It's up to each team to decide how their own environment can be enhanced. There are so many ways to add to the school: Fundraising activities, curriculum enhancement items, field trips, assemblies, family nights, art supplies, science consumables, teacher appreciation activities, increasing parent volunteer involvement.

Thanks for your response. Our corporation has no extra committies in which to get involved. There is the PTO, parents, teachers, school staff, administration and the school board. The school boards meetings are closed except for the first 1/2 hour, which is open to the public. So then, where does the responsibility for parental concerns fall? Should it be left to individual parents to bring these matters before someone? What about power in numbers?

From my perspective, that's way too broad a statement.

There are many things that concern me as a parent that are outside the scope of the PTO/PTA, which I suppose is why I serve on so many campus and district committees. For instance, right now as a parent delegate for various school committees, I weigh in on:

• Development of school calendar for next year
• Policy regarding inclusion of healthy food served at concession stands and extracurricular events
• Campus strategic plans
• Re-allocation of computers during technology refresh
• Textbook selection for future years
• Performance metrics for current school bus contract
• Selection of health curriculum for elementary
• School dress code policy
• Whether or not to move to a block schedule for secondary campuses
• Who is allowed to use school space; related costs and policies

These are just a few "parental concerns" - often ones with great controversy (i.e. dress code) on who wants what. On many of these there are committees, community meetings, surveys, etc. The PTO may be affected by some, but I don't see these as falling in the realm of PTO concerns. For many of these the PTO has no role or needs to be careful to stay neutral since they represent all parents. And these are just a few examples. There are lots more.

I am the incoming PTO president (have experience from a former school) and have a question. What do you think is the "realm" of the PTO?

I believe that anything that concerns a parent is the PTO's concern. I understand that not concern the PTO will be able to address (dislike of a certain teacher, bus routes, etc.).

What are your thoughts on this? Does your school support that view?

Thanks,
PTO Pres to be