How To Start PTA/PTO In Your School

Starting a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) in your school can be beneficial for both students and teachers. These groups play a vital role in creating strong community relationships, making students' educational experiences even better, and providing critical support for schools. 

In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to create a PTA or PTO. Join us as we explore how you can make a significant impact in your school community, ensuring every child has the resources and support they need to succeed.

What is a PTA and PTO?

A PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. It's a group where teachers and parent volunteers team up to improve the school for students. 

Parents who want to be part of a PTA usually have to pay a fee. PTAs are connected to a bigger group called the National Parent Teacher Association.

A PTO, or Parent Teacher Organization, is a bit different. It's a general name for when parents and teachers work together for the school's benefit, but it's not part of the national group like PTAs are. 

PTOs make their own rules and focus on what their specific school or town needs. Not all PTOs ask for membership fees.

Difference Between the Two

• National Affiliation vs. Independence

PTAs are affiliated with the National Parent Teacher Association, following its policies and contributing to national initiatives. PTOs operate independently, creating their own bylaws and focusing efforts on local school needs without national affiliation​​​​.

• Membership Dues

PTA members typically pay dues, part of which supports the broader national organization. PTOs may or may not require dues, and any funds raised usually stay within the local school community​​.

• Resource Access

PTAs have access to a wide array of resources and programs developed over more than a century, thanks to their affiliation with the National PTA. PTOs, while independent, must source or develop their resources but have greater flexibility in choosing what best fits their school's needs​​​​.

The big choice between starting a PTA or PTO at your school depends on what you think will work best for your community.

Talk to Other Parents

Begin by sharing your idea of starting a PTA/PTO with other parents to see who's interested. Your first step is all about getting support and seeing who's on board. 

It's a great way to connect with others who care about improving your school and making a positive impact together.

Draft Your Mission Statement

After gathering interest from other parents, the next step is to draft your PTA/PTO's mission statement. 

In this step, you clearly outline your goals and what you aim to achieve. Think about the positive changes you want to bring to your school and how you plan to support students and teachers. 

Your mission statement will serve as the foundation for all your PTA/PTO activities, guiding your actions and decisions.

Meet with the School Principal

With your mission statement in place, meeting with the school principal is an essential next step. 

During this meeting, discuss your plans and seek their support. It's a great opportunity to ensure your objectives complement the school's priorities and to gain valuable insights from the principal. 

Their backing can significantly boost your efforts, making it easier to mobilize resources and encourage wider participation from the school community.

Elect Officers

The next step is to elect a dedicated team of officers for your PTA/PTO. This team should include key roles like a president, treasurer, and secretary. 

These officers will lead the organization, ensuring that your PTA/PTO operates smoothly and effectively. Choosing committed individuals for these positions is critical, as they will be responsible for guiding the group toward achieving its mission and goals.

Draft Bylaws and Standing Rules

One of the vital steps in starting PTA/PTO in your school is drafting bylaws and standing rules. 

Bylaws are the fundamental rules that guide how your organization operates. They cover important aspects like the roles of officers, how often meetings are held, and the structure of membership dues. 

Standing rules, on the other hand, detail the day-to-day operations and can be more easily amended than bylaws. 

Register your PTA/PTO 

After setting your bylaws and rules, it's vital to register your PTA/PTO as a nonprofit organization. This crucial step offers protection for members and unlocks legal benefits. 

To do this, you'll need to complete the necessary paperwork with state and federal agencies, ensuring your group is recognized as a tax-exempt entity. It is a formal recognition that not only safeguards your organization but also increases its credibility and ability to support school initiatives effectively.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Next, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It is necessary not just for filing for tax-exempt status but also for practical matters like opening a bank account for your organization. 

Applying for an EIN is an easy process that can be done online through the IRS website. It's a critical step in formalizing your PTA/PTO, allowing you to manage finances effectively and ensure compliance with tax laws.

Open a Bank Account

Setting up a bank account in your PTA/PTO's name is important for managing your organization's funds securely and transparently. 

Choosing the right bank account ensures your PTA/PTO's funds are managed effectively and transparently, laying a solid foundation for your financial operations.

When opening a bank account, consider the following:

• Have your EIN, bylaws, and officer list ready.
• Decide who can access and manage the account.
• Look for low fees and good online banking services.
• Think about online donations and easy dues collection.

Apply for 501(c)(3) Status

Filing with the IRS to become a tax-exempt organization is the next step. It allows your organization to receive tax-deductible donations and makes you eligible for certain grants. 

To apply for 501(c)(3) status, you'll need to complete and submit IRS Form 1023. Most PTOs and PTAs may qualify to use the shorter Form 1023-EZ. There's a one-time filing fee, which is $275 for Form 1023-EZ and $600 for the standard Form 1023. 

Getting this status ensures your PTA/PTO operates under legal protections and benefits. For a smooth experience, make sure you've gathered all necessary documentation, including your mission statement, bylaws, a list of officers, and your EIN.

Register with the National PTA or State PTO

If you decide on becoming a PTA, you'll need to register with the National PTA, which involves following their established guidelines and gaining access to a broader network of support and resources.

If you opt for a PTO, your registration process will be guided by state-specific rules, which can vary in terms of requirements and benefits. 

Get Liability Insurance

Securing liability insurance for your PTA/PTO protects your organization against potential claims that might arise during sponsored events. It also safeguards your group from financial losses due to accidents or injuries occurring at events you host. 

When choosing liability insurance, consider coverage options that suit your typical activities and events. 

Look for policies that offer broad coverage for incidents, ensuring that volunteers, members, and participants are all protected under various circumstances.

Develop Committees

Forming committees within your PTA/PTO is a strategic way to manage various tasks and engage your members effectively. 

By establishing groups focused on fundraising, community outreach, and events, you distribute the workload, making projects more manageable. 

Committees create a collaborative environment, ensuring that every member has the opportunity to contribute to the success of the organization in meaningful ways.

Recruit More Members

Encouraging parent involvement is key in recruiting members, and highlighting the benefits of joining can significantly help. 

Stress the importance of their participation in making meaningful contributions to the school's success and their child's education. Point out the opportunity for them to meet other parents, share ideas, and work together towards common goals. 

Showing the positive impact their involvement can have on the school community can motivate more parents to join and actively participate.

Brainstorm Fundraising Ideas

Now, you need to come up with some effective fundraising ideas. Creative strategies are crucial for meeting your financial goals and supporting your school's needs. 

Consider exploring BetterWorld's ultimate guide to PTA fundraising for comprehensive strategies that cover various aspects of fundraising. 

Additionally, 10 unique PTA fundraising ideas from BetterWorld can inspire innovative approaches to engage the community and maximize contributions. These resources offer many ideas to ensure your fundraising efforts are successful and impactful.

Plan Your Year

Following the brainstorming of fundraising ideas, creating an outline of your PTA/PTO's calendar filled with events, meetings, and activities is key to keeping members engaged and well-informed. 

Highlighting important dates, such as fundraising events, community outreach opportunities, and regular member meetings, allows for better organization and maximizes member involvement throughout the year.

Set a Budget

After planning an entire year's activities, set a budget for your PTA/PTO. 

Developing a budget is essential for guiding your organization's spending and financial planning. It should be based on your priorities and goals, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to support various activities, such as fundraising events, community outreach, and school improvement projects.

Remember, a well-defined budget helps maintain financial health and transparency.

Start Your Committees

With your committees formed, it's now time to kick things into gear.  This step involves mobilizing each committee and directing them toward their specific goals and tasks. 

From fundraising to event organization and community outreach, every group should focus on its set responsibilities, working with the overall objectives of your PTA/PTO. 

Make the Big Announcement

Now is the time to publicly announce the formation of your PTA/PTO, clearly outlining your mission and goals.

Highlight the importance of the parent's involvement and the difference it can make in the school community. Use accessible platforms like school newsletters, social media, and community boards to ensure this message reaches every corner of the community.

Since your PTA/PTO is up and running, you're all set to aim for great things. Here's to your future successes and the positive impact you'll have!