Parents seek separate PTO bank account; board to clarify SSO/501(c)(3) rules next month

Parents associated with the Canon North PTO asked the board for permission to open a separate bank account so the PTO could manage donations and purchases independently of the school’s general fund.

A parent representative said the PTO reestablished last year but had kept funds in the school’s accounts to avoid a separate account; now that fundraising and parent engagement are growing they want an independent account to allow the PTO to make purchases for teachers and run typical PTO activities. She named Courtney Odom as president and Carrie Overstreet as vice president/treasurer; the school would oversee the account administratively.

Board and administrative discussion clarified three common organizational forms: an in-school SSO (school support organization) that does not raise money, an SSO registered with the state that can be tax-exempt for sales tax purposes, and a full 501(c)(3) nonprofit that enables donors to claim federal tax deductions. A district administrator recommended steps to ensure checks and balances, recordkeeping and principal oversight.

Administrators said the board already has policy (fundraising and SSOs) and suggested each school would bring a specific request to the board for approval at a future meeting; the board agreed to table formal action until next month so language and procedures can be finalized.

Speakers emphasized that, if a PTO opens an account, school-level oversight — typically the principal and administrative designee — should monitor expenditures and financial statements. The parent representative noted the PTO plans a leadership rotation and that the PTO president will attend the district’s Aug. 14 meeting to answer questions if needed.

No vote was recorded at the workshop; staff said schools will bring formal requests to the board in future meetings once paperwork and policy details are clarified.