What do your bylaws say? Follow those for next steps.

Yep, that’s totally fine!

thanks for the feedback. I'll keep it in mind going forward.

Individual PTA usually units funnel up into a Council (school district level) and then to a regional district (with an advisor) and then the State PTA, so that's the route to go instead of the Principal. I'd start by seeking out the Council President and having a conversation with them.

So glad you're enjoying the videos and that you're interested in getting involved in a leadership role! I'm sorry your experience has been less than ideal so far. The nominating process for PTAs generally begins in January/February with slates of officers announced at the March meeting and then elections are held in April. Start with regularly attending meetings and then volunteer to help when you can /where your interest is. When it comes time for nominating, let the chair know you're interested in a board position. If you're not slated for a position, you can always run from the floor. The PTA's bylaws and standing rules have this entire process (nominating, elections, etc) all laid out, so you'll know what to expect. If you don't have a copy already, ask for them so you can understand how the group works. If the website isn't updated it probably because the leaders are spread a little thin. I was a PTA President myself last school year and completely forgot to update our site. That's just one reason I knew I needed a break from the position (I'd been President of one PTA unit or another for 8 years by then). Maybe offer to update it for them? Hope this is helpful! If you're looking for more support, come join us in the Super Star PTO Leaders Facebook Group. You'll find a ton of information / inspiration / motivation there.

You're so welcome 😊

Great question! It really depends on what's in your bylaws. My experience has been that the President appoints committee chairs (because that's why my PTOs' bylaws indicate). The executive board is made up of the core elected officers (President, Treasurer, VPs, etc.), which are different from committee chairs. The officers handle the biggest job responsibilities that likely span the entire year and committees are for smaller, but definitely not less important, projects. I'll do a separate video explaining this more in depth. Thanks for the idea and your question!

Ha! Maybe some got lost in the editing process or I forgot to talk about them. :) The companion blog post has all 11 spelled out. Check it out here: ptoanswers.com/pto-treasurer-forms/

All of the templates are included in the Treasurer's Planner, which is in this kit: ptoanswers.com/treasurers-planner/

Thanks for asking- basically, try to document the source of where money is coming from and where it should be credited to in the annual budget (helpful if you have a subcommittee raising and spending funds for a specific cause. Usually this comes up for a special project or the graduating class).

Good for you for stepping up when so many others can't or won't. It really takes a certain kind of fabulous person to do that. As much as you can, shake off the haters and just keep on keeping on doing the wonderful work you're doing!

@@PTOAnswers thank you so much

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

Good for you for stepping up! You have the right attitude- just keep at it and if you do some good things for your school community, everyone’s better for it.

That sounds like a totally doable plan that won’t leave you stressed out or overworked. Love that you’ve set some boundaries for yourself and are prepared with how to talk to potentially disappointed parents!

Good for you for stepping up! Find a bank that is close to your school so it'll be convenient for all. Ask the bank if they're familiar with PTO/PTAs and their banking needs. For example, some banks don't get how volunteers change roles and there's at least the annual shift of people on and off the account. Have at least 2 people on the bank account at all times- the Treasurer and the President at a minimum. Other than that, just make sure the bank will offer free banking with no minimum deposit required. You'll need documentation (minutes showing you've been elected/appointed as Treasurer and documents about your organization's legal status like your 501c3 paperwork, etc) and the bank can give you a list of other requirements. Good luck and let me know if you need recommendations for accounting/budgeting/reporting tools.

With rising costs, restaurants are feeling the pinch, which I get, but it creates another obstacle for groups to earn. Check to see if they'll give you code to use all year long so that you can share it at the beginning of the year and parents will have it on hand. Easier than tracking down the new flyer each month!

Better late than never! Glad you found it now. :)

Good for you for stepping up! Check out this blog post if you haven't already- so many ideas to help you! ptoanswers.com/the-ultimate-pto-president-guide

I purchased your package!​@@PTOAnswers

Oh fabulous! Glad you have some tools to help support and guide you :)

Hi! Take a look at this post for roles every PTO should have. Take out the fundraising chair for your group though and you should have a good list of roles to fill! Good luck this year :)

Hope you take the idea and run with it! I think it's a fundraising concept with a lot of potential. :) Let me know how it goes if you give it a try.

If you have the money, I think this is a fine use of PTO funds. You're essentially giving them money for books (because I'm sure that's what they'll buy with their profits).

I believe Google offers free workspace accounts for non-profits. I don't yet have experience setting this up for a PTO. It's on the to do list for my own group this year!

Hopefully the PTO in your school is doing some fun things to make it more enjoyable!

I don't know where she got them, sorry. I believe she offered the charms most of the time the concession stand was open for football and basketball games. She was surprised by how readily they sold. Give it a try by purchasing a small quantity, so you can test out your school and see how the kids respond. Good luck!

Good for you for stepping up as a leader in such a big way! Give your best - that’s all you can do. :)

You're right! Good for you for stepping up. All parents can positively contribute to their child's education and it doesn't matter if they're a woman or man. The vast majority of involved parents do happen to be women, so I have a (bad) habit of referring to gendered roles. I'll do better going forward.

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching and for your lovely feedback. :)

Thank you for watching!

Thanks for watching!

I do the same thing! We're very smart like that. :)

Hi John, all of my videos are about Parent Teacher Organizations. But the information about bylaws and standing rules are good for just about any organization. Thanks for watching!

Volunteers are usually posing for pictures, so they have the opportunity right then to let me know if they're not interested in having their picture taken/shared. And the picture can always be taken down if they change their mind later.

thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. :)

Shower everyone at the school with love for teacher appreciation/staff appreciation events. One exception may be the custodial staff since they may have multiple shifts and the evening shift crew won't be able to enjoy the appreciation breakfast you put on, for example. How I've handled that in the past is to arrange for something just for them. One time I ordered pizza, drinks and a salad and had it sent for dinner. They loved the gesture and it was so easy to do!

@PTOAnswers you are so thoughtful, thank you!

@@PTOAnswers so good that they still got something special even tho they couldn't participate in the main event!

you got it! Might be a few weeks, but look for it relatively soon. :)

yeah its such a good idea right?

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! Hope you try it at your next event and get a good reception from your volunteers. :)

Absolutely have the letter in hand when you go. Strike that iron when it's hot!

Oh that's great to hear you've had a good experience!

I'm sorry you've had this experience. Hopefully you've also dealt with many more wonderfully supportive and kind volunteers!

It really varies on what you get in the end. I'm seeing that the percentage being offered is going down with our regular restaurant night partners in recent years. I'm ok with the decrease because we are still getting between $250-$450 a month. In the past we've gotten a check for $80, which to me isn't worth it to repeat with that particular restaurant. It's more important to seek partnerships who offer a percentage based on total number of orders versus those who show the flyer/use a code. You'll always make more and it's more of a true partnership that way too. Even if you are not driving sales on the particular night, you're still advertising for the business and they'll benefit another night / in other ways. Thanks for watching and commenting with your question!

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching.

So glad! Thanks for watching!

Good for you for stepping up! Glad you found me. :)

Here's the link: ptoanswers.com/presidents-success-kit Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions

Thanks! Hope the organizing tips are helpful.

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching. :)

So glad you're finding the videos helpful and thanks for your kind words! Good for you for getting involved.

Hello! Thanks for watching

You are so welcome! I have another video coming out soon about organizing group paperwork, digital files, etc. :)

Glad it was helpful! The best way is to post (anonymously if you prefer) in the Super Star Leaders Facebook Group. (facebook.com/groups/ptoleaders) Your situation is probably not entirely unique and other group members can chime in and we can all learn together. Tag me in the post too so I'll see it and can give you my best advice.