PTO SUSTAINING FUND
A New Beginning!
Near the end of 2008 we began discussions regarding a “Sustaining Fund” and the positive impact it would play on the education of all of our children. After discussions with the administration and at an obvious turning point, it is time to move forward and closer to financial stability for our school.
The State of Arizona has cut education funding in the middle of this school year, and will likely continue to make drastic cuts next year. This greatly and directly impacts the financial viability of our school and others throughout FH and the state. Additionally, state funding has always remained below the baseline needs of our school and fortunately generous parents and community members have underwritten this deficit. Adding to the decreased funding is that the total number of students is down from past years here and at all FH schools. Therefore, it is essential that we begin the development of a "Sustaining Fund" that would meet specific and ongoing needs of our school. This fund would be coordinated with the administration but controlled by the PTO.
Reasons for a Sustaining Fund
- Support continued LOW Teacher: Student ratios for individualized attention.
- Support choir, band, music, physical education, art, science, tech, foreign language, reading.
- Support aides to ensure a good foundation.
- Support staff through competitive salaries to keep and attract good teachers.
- Support field trips for unlimited real world experiences.
- Support continuing education and professional development for teachers.
- Support the updating and upkeep of hands on Montessori materials for diverse learning styles.
- Maintain and upkeep multi-media and tech resources.
- Support the adoption and purchase of new programs, books, and curricula
- Support daily classroom activity through obtaining sufficient amounts of consumable supplies (workbooks, school supplies, office supplies.
- It is our belief that if the FHCS is to maintain and grow as a quality educational choice for our community, we must understand that the PTO has a direct financial responsibility in the success of our school. That direct link must be seen as an ongoing commitment that is planned and coordinated with the administration. Therefore, we must bridge the gap between revenue and expenses as government funding alone does not cover the cost of educating each student. This can be completed through Gala Revenue, General Fund Raising, Direct Parent Donations.
(All contributions to the Sustaining Fund are tax deductible, but increased fees are not.)
Dr. Steve,
PTO President on behalf of the 2008/2009 FHCS PTO Board
“Sustaining Fund” Policies & Procedures
- Sources of revenue for the “Sustaining Fund” (SF) will include the yearly Gala and all other fundraisers organized and operated by the PTO. Additional contributions from donors or parents can also be placed directly in the fund.
- Funds raised throughout the year will enter the SF account and be moved into separately tagged “sub-accounts” and allocated at the percentage set by the PTO:
- 25% Student/Teacher Ratios
- 25% Classroom Resources
- 20% Technical Multi Media
- 5% Professional Development/Sub
- 10% Classroom Supplies
- 2% Field Trips & Assemblies
- 5% Maintenance & Capital Improvements
- 3% FHCS Marketing
- 5% Miscellaneous
- School Administration has the discretion of using 100% of the funds from each “sub-account” for items applicable to that category only.
- Dual approval is needed for purchases (PTO Treasurer & School Principal).
- Checks can be written by the PTO Treasurer or School Principal to purchase the items.
- Each “sub-account” can maintain a balance if Administration requests and PTO approves the future purchase of a high cost item or items. Money may not be transferred from one “sub-account” to another without the written approval of the PTO Board.
- Spending from the SF account will be reported on each month at the PTO meetings.
- Any funds remaining at the end of the school year will stay in the respective “sub-account”.
- At the end of each school year, PTO “seed” money of 10,000 dollars will deposited/transferred in the PTO checking account to be used for expenses relating to fund-raising for the upcoming year. Whenever possible, funds may be transferred to the “seed” account during the school year. Both accounts will be reconciled at year-end.
- End of year review will take place within 3 weeks of the last day of school. At this time, the incoming PTO Board will meet with the Principal to discuss the percentage allocation within each “sub-category”. Upon approval by the PTO Board, percentages may be adjusted.
- During year one, flexibility will be used to adjust the percentage in each “sub-account”. Upon request, the PTO Board and Administration will meet to discuss the viability of the percentage allocation and make adjustments if needed.