2 Be or NOT 2 BE...Now that really is the QuEsTiOn??

Let’s talk about PTOs, PTAs, PACs and ooh Yes – PEP.

Probably the most nationally recognized organization among these acronyms is PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations). Of all the parent groups noted PTAs are the ONLY NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED entity. That is to say, there are rules, regulations, laws and yes dues for membership and there are directives from the national Level body that governs how PTAs are ran in terms of officers, fiscal recording, dues collection, IRS reporting etc…

Now here’s the most important part of this article – ALL OTHER GROUPS that are formed by, made up of, or are for parents with the purpose of empowering, educating and helping to navigate through a school district are by default PTOs (Parent Teacher Organizations). There is NO such thing as a NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PTO (period). There is no governing body “nationally” there are no laws, rules or regulations specific to PTO, however there ARE guiding principles for developing an effective PTO and there are nationally recognized resources (e.g. PTO Today, Inc.) that provide sample by-laws, descriptions of PTO Officers' responsibilities, recommendations for obtaining tax exempt status and all things PTO.

Before I sign off I wanted to leave all Parent Groups in Plainfield a few tidbits for making sure you function effectively, efficiently and within your group's purview with the greatest benefit to our children.

• PTOs, PTA, PACs (which by the way stands for Parent Advisory Council) and PEP should function INDEPENTENTLY from the principals, district or BOE. This DOES NOT mean you go around doing whatever you want to in someone's school – that’s disrespectful! What is does mean is that Parents are responsible for creating the mission, vision and activities of the parent group based on the desires and goals of the parent group body for their respective school. What is DOES mean is that you should work hand and hand with the school administration to come to agreement on the direction and goals of the parent group. In effect -- parent groups and administrators should be PARTNERS in the successful implementation of school based – child focused activities.
• All Parent Groups should have an EIN (Employee Identification Number [this is an IRS Tax ID]) this enables you to open up a bank account and function as a fundraising entity.
• All Parent Groups should CONSIDER applying for 501(c) 3 status. This IRS designation identifies you as a tax-exempt non-profit organization. Which can than legally solicit and receive tax-exempt donations from organizations such as United Way, Employer Charitable Match programs and the like.
• All Parent Groups should secure INSURANCE. I know this is a BIG ONE, but to protect us, the officers of the parent groups and our children – there is NO GETTING AROUND THIS.

Now here’s were PEP comes in. PEP’s goal is to make sure these relationships, organizational structures and protective measures happen! That is the nexus for why I do what I do.

In the final analysis and by definition PEP is a PTO and so it stands to reason that any and all allocations for parent groups with a focus on parental involvement would qualify for NCLB-Title I funds. Right? Well – huh… I tell you more tomorrow.