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PTAs, PTOs & Foundations

PTAs	PTOs	Foundations
The largest children’s advocacy group in the US since 1897 Membership dues provide programs and enrichment at the school site Dues also allow State and Federal advocation on behalf of children and families	Generic term for an independent organization that self-governs according to their bylaws No umbrella support organization	Provide technology and equipment in the classroom, and infrastructure enhancements Academic support and student services such as Impact/PE teachers, peer counseling programs, and instructional aides

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PTAs, PTOs & Foundations Comparison

	PTA	PTO	Foundation
Leadership Continuity	✓
Volunteer Training	✓
Parent Oversight	✓	Dictated by bylaws	Limited
Insurance & Loss Coverage	✓	✓	✓
Guidance and Support	✓
Reflections Art Program	✓
Information and Resources	✓	Limited	Limited
State and Federal Legislative Advocacy	✓

What will PTA give us that PTO and Foundation won’t?

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Leadership Continuity

Parent volunteers turn over frequently and skill sets vary widely -- future leaders may not have the expertise of your current board

PTA	PTO	Foundation
PTA provides ongoing one-on-one leadership support from experienced volunteers Access to training from council, district and state PTA leadership Council in-service training sessions District workshops and drop-in sessions June leadership conference offers a full range of workshops on running your PTA	No formal training provided ‘PTO Today’ website offers articles and a newsletter	No formal training provided

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Parent Oversight

PTA	PTO	Foundation
PTA expenditures must be approved by the executive board AND the members PTA’s bylaws ensure parents have a say in how their funds are allocated PTA’s business practices protect funds from mismanagement	Varies by organization, according to their bylaws	Typically an executive board manages all expenditures

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Insurance & Loss Coverage

PTA	PTO & Foundation
CA PTA provides excellent insurance coverage for $232 per year through AIM Insurance	Same insurance coverage from AIM would cost between $4,500 - $6,500 per year and would not include Worker’s Comp Basic AIM insurance for PTOs and Foundations is $475 per year for less coverage (see chart)

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AIM PTA Insurance vs Basic AIM Insurance

Coverage	CAPTA	PTO/Foundation
Fire Damage	$1M	$50k
Sexual Molestation	$1M	$500k
Hired & Non Owned Auto	$1M	Not included
Extended Medical	$20k	$25k
Employee Benefits Liability	$1M	Not included
Fidelity Bond (Crime) Policy	$25k	$25k
Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability	$1M	$1M
General Liability Umbrella	$10M	Not included
Umbrella D&O	$5M	Not included
ELP (employment practices liability)	$1M	Not included
Workers compensation	$1M	Not included

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Guidance and Support

When your PTA unit faces legal challenges

Palomar Council & 9^th District PTA support
CAPTA legal team
AIM Insurance dedicated representatives

IRS or Franchise Tax Board audit assistance
Help with understanding and complying with Attorney General’s 501(c)3 requirements (also oversight to ensure units stay compliant)

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Reflections Art Program

PTA-sponsored art competition allows students of all levels to be recognized up to the national level

Any PTA in good standing may participate – current bylaws, at least 15 members, and insurance paid

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Information & Resources

PTA presidents meet bi-monthly with PUSD administration and school board members

Regular speakers, presentations, and workshops provide useful information to pass along to your board and association

Extensive online and print PTA resources (capta.org, Toolkit, leadership mailings, etc)

PTO Today offers a website and a ‘Startup Toolkit’ for $49 and no umbrella organization for support

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“Every Child, One Voice”

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PTA: Speaking Up For All Kids

Teachers have a voice (California Teachers Association/CTA)

Principals have a voice (Association of California School Administrators/ACSA)

So do classified staff (California School Employees Association/CSEA)

PTA is the ONLY organization in Sacramento and Washington D.C. speaking up for children and families

One of the purposes of PTA is “to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth” but it is NOT a political organization and does not endorse candidates for office

Are you comfortable with others making decisions that affect your children?

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PTA Legislative Advocacy Successes

In California

AB 2878: Added family engagement guidance and practice into the Ed Code
AB 1505/1507 and SB 126: New rules for charter schools
SB 419: No more willful defiance suspensions (1^st – 5^th, and 6^th - 8^th through 2025)
AB 1: Limiting contact in youth football
AB 493: LGBTQ training for CA teachers
AB 1319: Stability for migrant students
SB 265: No more school lunch shaming
AB 272: Cell phone ban/limit authority for schools
AB 1871: Provides low-income students with one adequate free/reduced price meal each day

At the Federal level

Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)
National PTA position on student data privacy and security
H.R. 852 ‘Get the Lead Out of Schools Act’
H.R. 865 provides for long-term improvement of public school facilities