School-parent associations vary widely in their duties and in the amount of power they have to effect change. Some focus their efforts on volunteer work, organizing school fundraisers, helping in the library and classrooms and helping during recess. Others are involved on a much deeper level, writing policies for handbooks or writing and sending monthly school newsletters. Some officials, such as the president of the association, may even sit on the school board.
PTOs, or parent-teacher organizations, are informal groups that have total autonomy. They report to their schools only, although they may be guided by school and district rules. The majority of school-parent associations are PTOs. PTAs, or parent-teacher associations, are formal groups that are affiliated with a national organization. PTAs must pay membership dues and follow the organization's guidelines and rules. In return, PTAs get membership benefits and the protection and support of a large umbrella organization.
Whether to elect officers is often a contentious issue in a school-parent association. Small groups may choose to forgo this step, while large groups may need the organization formal officers provide. Even if officers aren't elected, most groups still appoint someone to work as the treasurer, since one of the primary duties of most school associations is fund raising. Record keeping is also important, especially when it becomes time to decide how all those funds will be spent. For these reasons, it is usually a good idea to elect officers.
Most schools welcome parent associations with open arms. The parents provide a valuable service to the school. Still, issues can arise. Groups that focus too much on fund raising may alienate potential members who feel like their pockets have already been picked clean. Instead, parent associations should start the school year with a free event, and gradually work their way to raising funds. Communication is also often an issue. School-parent associations must remember to clear their ideas with the school administration team before starting to plan anything. Finally, teachers who are involved with school-parent associations must show the volunteers how much they are appreciated rather than treating them as free labor.