re: School PTO question (ethics/standards)

Any chance this is Katy ISD?

Some of the PTOs out there are like small businesses.

Anywho, the Principal needs the PTO for additional funding and support, and the PTO needs the Principal for access to the school, etc. Ideally there would be a good relationship.

The PTO should have the right to distribute the funds in whatever way they wish... and the principal can decide whether or not to accept those conditions. If the principal is diverting those funds for other purposes, it's probably an ethical violation as long as they are still being used for the school. If they are being taken for personal use, obviously that's a criminal issue.

I've always felt it's better for PTO-type groups to buy things for the school (i.e. books, gym equipmnent, etc) and donate the hard asset to the school, as opposed to just giving the principal money. Most principals are gifted educators, and not exactly good businessmen and businesswomen.

If it's a big enough district, the district office may have someone who works with PTO clubs, or there may be an association of PTO clubs that can help.