1. PTO Information Meeting February 28, 2012

2. Why are we discussing PTO? • Financial Concerns – Dues going to National PTA and GA PTA. A PTO would be a natural extension of our shift to Direct Giving to keep all money for use at SAE. • Flexibility & Independence - Due to PTA restrictions many area schools have a PTA plus an Educational Foundation. The formation of a PTO gives us the flexibility to enrich our school as we see fit with just one Board. • Cost / Benefit – Are we benefitting from PTA training or services? • No Politics – National PTA is quite active as a lobbying organization. We think it is more appropriate to let SAE families choose what political issues they wish to financially support and keep the parent – teacher group entirely focused on our school and its students. • 75% of parent groups across the nation are NOT affiliated with the National PTA. In Georgia, only about 30-45% of parent organizations remain affiliated with the PTA

3. Percentage of Schools with PTA Memberships

4. Differences between PTA & PTO? PTAs are formally affiliated with National / State PTA PTOs are independent PTAs require members to pay dues PTOs do not require dues, but if dues are charged, 100% of the dues would stay at the school PTAs strongly encourage political participation ie placing signs out before elections for SPLOST, setting up voter registration tables at events, emails telling us to call our State/US Senators and Reps on pending legislation. PTOs do not get involved in politics

5. Cost of Belonging to PTA? SAE PTA collects $7.50/PTA member. From that, National PTA gets $2.25/member. Georgia PTA gets $1.00 to be increased to $1.50/member in 2012/13. We have 473 members To date, SAE PTA has paid $ 1533 to Georgia PTA/National PTA for 2011/12 SAE PTA has contributed $150 to North Fulton PTA Chapter for 2011/12 $600 Budgeted for PTA Events and Training. To date, Board members have not expressed interest in attending training and events An estimated $24,000 in dues has been paid to GA/National PTA since the opening of our school 14 years ago.

6. Benefits of PTA Invite to annual Georgia PTA Conference (for a fee) Georgia PTA Website of policies and procedures Access to the paid staff of GA PTA and National PTA Local PTA Meetings & Functions Reflections Art Show Discounts offered by PTA on website

7. What would “look”different if we had a PTO? • New bylaws which we could modify as we see fit. GA PTA rules severely restrict our ability to create and amend our bylaws. • Flexibility in funding initiatives - Capital Improvements, Technology, Salaries, Gift Cards, etc • Autonomy in governing events, finances, etc. We would not answer to a higher governing body. • We would not charge annual membership dues. All SAE families & employees would be eligible members

8. What would “look”different if we had a PTO? • Streamlined Operations - Updated treasurer ppwk; fewer VP positions • Board members would not be invited / pressured to attend North Fulton PTA or GA PTA events • New Art Show if desired • We would not engage in political issues

9. Examples of things that would be the same…. • Annual financial audit • Term Limits • Cash Handling Procedures • Nomination Committee (although process/procedure could be streamlined) • Remain Engaged in Community Initiatives (Batter Up for North Fulton Charities, Mimosa Valentine Exchange)

10. How do you feel about PTO?