This is a rare situation where if it were me, and the BOE told me their hands were tied, I'd go to the media. "Union clause forces cancellation of childrens' events" is an attention grabbing headline, isn't it?
Keep up the educatin' and advocatin' for the importance of PTOs.
One thing I know I'd do: that $13,000 promised to support the school board would be dropped to $10,000. I wouldn't let this policy undermine your involvement efforts. If they can make financial decisions that decide involvement can be sacrificed, you can (if not you, who?) similarly make financial decisions that show you put involvement above all else.
Thanks all for your comments. I have put together some research on the impact that parental involvement in the school does to test grades and their overall education, never mind the enjoyment of the events we sponsor. That, along with the fact that with the "slashed" budgets this year, we are supplementing the BOE's budget by some $13,400, and that is what we have already promised - it will probably be much more.
I have met with some BOE members, our Superintendent, the Business Manager and our Director of Facilities - they claim their hands are tied. They showed me a copy of the custodial union contract that clearly states anytime a custodian has to so much as empty a garbage can over and above his usual duties of that evening, he gets 3 hour minimum overtime. Last year, the BOE covered these fees for us. However, this year, all custodial overtime was cut from the budget.
Now, I am not saying the BOE can't do anything, and I think they should fight for us. I have 100 or so "riled up" parents planning on attending our BOE meeting next week armed with the research information I put together. I hope it gets us somewhere. As of now, all of our events are on hold pending approval from our parents for us to spend this $3,000+ of their fundraising dollars on these fees. I hope it does not end up that we need to cancel all of our events, for the school community's sake, but like my heading states, handing over this money is a little hard to swallow!
I completely agree with you. I just put that because that is what I think the BOE should think about. There have always been Parent groups, but their role has become so much bigger then in the old days because they (the parent groups) have really had to step up to pick up the slack financially for the things the BOE could no longer provide as budgets got slashed.
When I was a kid growing up there was a parent group, but all they really did was chaperone class trips and parties. We never had to fundraise and the BOE paid for all the trips and assemblies and even school supplies. At least in my neck of the woods the Parent groups have become an essential part of the schools because they are providing the finances to take care of all this stuff. Along the way with doing that they got involoved in all the family nights, building school community, and all the fun stuff.
Your right on the money about CTptoMoms BOE it seems they don't have a clue and need to be educated on exactly what this group does. They need to realize what their school would go without if they walked.
Originally posted by Serendipity: The bottom line is that your group exists to financially give the school the things that the BOE cannot afford to give them.
Sounds to me like your Board has a complete lack of knowledge or respect for the essential role played by parent groups/parent involvement in creating a great/effective school.
Serendipity -- I quoted your message regarding the $$ role of PTOs, because -- while that's a common view -- I think it too is too dismissive of PTOs. The $$ are obviously importnat, but PTOs and PTAs shouldn't be valued because of those dollars; they should be valued because volumes of research points to the fact that increased parental involvement is essential for a well-running school.
The parent group isn't a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. The Board should no more be charging and putting road blocks in front of the PTO than it should be charging the reading teacher to teach reading or the gym teacher to hold gym class.
These folks need to be educated. CTptoMom -- I hope you and your fellow leaders will do the educatin'. Perhaps this conflict will lead to the conversation that helps put involvement on the front burner in your schools.
After hearing all that you have had to say on this matter it really sounds like you are being taken advantage of. Your entire board should attend the next BOE meeting and ask why you are being charged if a janitor is on duty at that time and why you are being charged more then outside groups. The bottom line is that your group exists to financially give the school the things that the BOE cannot afford to give them. It sounds like terrible treatment and lack of regard for what your group does. Good Luck!
