The vast majority of parent-teacher groups in the U.S. are actually independents, rather than formally affiliated PTAs.
Utah is one of only 4 states where there are more PTAs than PTOs. (The others are Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, where the PTA has it’s national headquarters.) PTA membership has been dropping steadily over the years, and there are reasons why. Many groups have a hard time justifying the rising expense and sometimes question the practical benefits of belonging to the PTA. Muir Elementary, in Davis County, is one of these groups. In 2012, they voted to disband their PTA, in favor of establishing a PTO. I asked Shelly McKenna, former Muir PTO President, if their switch was worth it. She gave me a resounding, “Yes!”. According to McKenna, parents were skeptical of the change at first, but after the first year, they were able to see and appreciate the benefits of switching. Parents were more willing to support PTO fundraising efforts, because they felt like they knew (and agreed with) where the money was being spent. Muir PTO was able to grant money to the school earmarked for teachers to use for classroom supplies. (No more notes requesting funds or donations!) They were able to fund better field trips for each grade. They were able to establish a program called “Expressions,” to replace the PTA’s “Reflections,” and give cash prizes to top winners. This makes me feel like as a school, we are missing out! I think the PTA has its place and does much good; but, I think that a PTO would be a better fit for Silver Mesa and offer much more.
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