“to explore the ability to combine the District 73 1/2 PTA and Foundation for 2009-2010…

1. “to explore the ability to combine the District 731/2 PTA and Foundation for 2009-2010… Main Idea/Proposal …and establish a PTO

2. PTA vs. PTO?So what's the difference?* • Whereas the PTA is a national organization with representation in Washington and state capitols, PTOs are autonomous, local initiatives. • Supporters of PTOs say the organizations keep funds within the community and do a better job of managing local issues. • PTA officials, on the other hand, stress the importance of their organization's political reach and its extensive resources and leadership-training programs. • PTAs represent less than 25% of the parent-school organizations (2007) • *see more resources online (last page)

3. Positive Benefits… • Combines the (human and monetary) resources to support our schools and enhance our children’s education. • Allows the organization to obtain legal 501(c)(3) status • “tax-deductible donations to the fullest extent allowed by law”

4. More Benefits… 3. Will allow each organization to retain the event(s) and program(s) that remain consistent with their original mission • “keep what’s near and dear…” • While allowing the continuation of the collaborative events of recent years • Family Fun Fair • International Night …and those not yet created!

5. And more benefits… 5. Facilitate change necessary to adapt to the changing face of our district: • Economy • Demographics • Level of volunteer commitment • Property tax (loss of business tax base)

6. Even more benefits… 6. Easier name recognition and identification with the reason for our organization: • “PTO” is easier to understand/identify with than “Foundation” • Our multicultural community/ immigrant families are inexperienced with philanthropy and “giving” concepts. • They DO support teachers and schools!

7. Bottom Line… • “We are a small district with few resources, yet yield large outcomes! • The parent volunteers who have led our organizations are facing new (real) challenges-- “why do we need two separate organizations that essentially have the same goal? …to enhance the educational opportunities of our children?” • “Celebrate the Past--Build for the Future”

8. Draw-Backs • Historical significance of contributions by past leaders and volunteers • Have we “failed” our respective organizations? • Will take effort, time and resources to establish NEW organization concurrently during year (forms, legal counsel, timeliness, educating community of plans)

9. Questions, Concerns, Comments?

10. Sponsor/Participate in community-building/social activities Teacher Grants Promote positive Home & School Communication Provide civic leadership, responsibilities Enrich and enhance the educational opportunities for our school children Family Nights FUNdraisers District 73.5 PTO NSS Walk-a-Thon Calendar $ Cultural Arts International Night Environmental Issues Pumpkin Night Directory $ ELL Center $ Room Parents Family Fun Fair Alumni Donations $ $ Teacher Socials

11. Online Resources • PTA s. PTO • pto-vs-pta-differences-at-a-glance • Illinois Loop- Parent Organizations • 501(c)(3)'s for PTO's • Ed Week Blog