Silver Mesa United

We are a group of Silver Mesa parents who want what is best for our school staff, teachers and students. We believe this can be achieved through a PTO. The district has a policy allowing parents a vote. We first must complete a Notice of Intent and petition and then we will be allowed a vote. This blog will help educate, inform and unite through this process. Keep updated on what is going on here. UPDATE: You should have received a ballot in the mail. If you didn't and want to vote, contact the district. We encourage everyone to study both organizations and vote for the group they believe best represents their ideals.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Starting a PTO

For the amount in dues we sent away this year, we could easily have paid for any start-up costs associated with a PTO. The biggest start-up cost is filing a 501(c)3 (non-profit) application with the IRS. This is a one-time fee. After the initial year, our school would be saving around $1,000 in dues that we typically send away to national, state, and council levels of the PTA.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Plight or Fight?

Other schools in the Nation talk about their experiences switching to PTO
http://www.ptotoday.com/boards/14-pto-v-pta/155472-local-unit-threated-by-state-pta-over-pto-plans

Thursday, November 12, 2015

About a Choice

Campaign is such a strong word

Have you wondered what all the hubbub is about? I have! Why is there so much controversy surrounding a choice?

What is a PTO

PTO is a generic term for an independent Parent Teacher Organization operating at the local school level. Approximately 75% of public schools in the U.S. currently have a PTO.

Compare the benefits of a PTO: here or here

Monday, November 9, 2015

PTO: Strong Future

PTO: Sustaining a strong leadership structure into the future

There is a long-established tradition of PTA as the governing parent association in public schools in Utah. Maybe it’s hard to imagine moving away from that tradition and exploring another option. Some

Isn't Broken???

Why consider changing to a PTO if the PTA isn’t broken?

I’ve heard several parents ask this thoughtful question. It’s true

Today

Today, we had a great meeting with the superintendent (Dr. Briscoe) and Susan Edwards. They approved our notice of intent (NOI), which means