Talk to me about being PTA Treasurer

[Anonymous]

Hi folks-- I've recently been "elected" PTA treasurer--I don't mind doing it and nobody else wanted to. But I must admit I feel a little clueless as it's my first time being on a PTA. It's a Title I school and historically the PTA hasn't done anything that involves much money, so there isn't much for me to go on. I guess the first step is to get a bank account? Please share your wisdom. TIA.

[Anonymous]

1. Figure out if your school is already a dues-paying member of the national PTA organization. www.pta.org
2. Find whatever by-laws or previous records you can, don't reinvent the wheel
3. Meet with the principal and other PTA members.

Do a little homework

http://www.ptotoday.com/treasurer

Good luck

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PP. Very helpful website.

[Anonymous]

I'll pass on advice given to me by our PTA's former treasurer:

If nobody wants to do something, maybe it doesn't need to be done.

There's a lot of pressure on the PTA officers to do the things that nobody wants to do. A certain amount of that comes with the responsibility of being an officer. But if you put out the call for volunteers for something, and no one steps forward, think long and hard about whether it's really necessary before doing it yourself. It's the only way to keep your sanity.

[Anonymous]

Develop a system for how money is going to be handled
Make sure it is in writing and distributed to those that will be handling and requesting money.

Create a google account/drive and keep all those items in a place you pass on. You don't want to do this for years.

If you are handling thousands of dollars make sure you have a basic level accounting software and if possible a dedicated laptop.

[Anonymous]

you should make sure there is an approved budget at the beginnning of the year. then expenditures should be made according to the budget. can include "pta president discretionary" or something else for discretionary expenses.

Then, any off-budget items should be approved in advance---this was a huge issue at our school until it got turned around. teachers and others were submitting after the fact bills to be paid that had never been approved to begin with.