PTA asked to buy a tractor?

[Anonymous]

The PTA at College Gardens ES was asked to buy a tractor. According to the principal the one provided by the County is not sophisticated enough. Is this a common request? Do PTA spend their funds buying heavy equipment for MCPS? How does this benefit the children?

[Anonymous]

Our PTA replaced playground equipment at our MCPS ES.

[Anonymous]

Our PTA is currently upgrading technology in all the classrooms - it is easy to get the parent's support when they know it benefits their children. But a tractor?

What is the tractor even for?

[Anonymous]

Look at the guidelines for treasurers to determine whether it qualifies as a permissible expense (I doubt it does). For further guidance, I would consult the MCCPTA Treasurer to get his opinion. I took a "treasurer training" class with him and is very well versed in the rules. I assume that you are looking for something concrete to show the principal why you can't purchase it as opposed to just saying "no." But I have the same question as the pp: why do they need a tractor?

[Anonymous]

This is a ridiculous request. I would ask his supervisor if this is allowed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our PTA is currently upgrading technology in all the classrooms - it is easy to get the parent's support when they know it benefits their children. But a tractor?

What is the tractor even for?

For cutting the grass.

[Anonymous]

Rather than purchasing a tractor why doesn't the PTA consider paying for a landscaping business to care for the grounds (if mcps doesn't handle this)? It seems silly to buy a tractor...even a little suspect.

[Anonymous]

Cost of such a tractor: $10k.

Would the PTA say "no" to the principal?

[Anonymous]

It would probably be less expensive for PTA to hire a landscape contractor to do the work or get a local business to sponsor it for a reduced rate.

[Anonymous]

Since the principal just resigned perhaps the PTA should hold off on the purchase..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since the principal just resigned perhaps the PTA should hold off on the purchase..

What happened?

[Anonymous]

I guess the PTA said no to the tractor request

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our PTA is currently upgrading technology in all the classrooms - it is easy to get the parent's support when they know it benefits their children. But a tractor?

What is the tractor even for?

For cutting the grass.

Sure buy the school a tractor that's "sophisticated" and then don't worry about technology or supplies that are needed for the students. :rolleyes: It just simply makes sense for the school to have curb appeal and have crappy materials inside :rolleyes:

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since the principal just resigned perhaps the PTA should hold off on the purchase..

What happened?

He got a new job as superintendent of a district in Delaware.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since the principal just resigned perhaps the PTA should hold off on the purchase..

What happened?

He got a new job as superintendent of a district in Delaware.

They promised him a tractor as a fringe benefit.