[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Pubmom, when we were in Texas the local schools had dropped their affiliation with the national PTA - partially because they didn't want to pay dues and partially because they felt it just wasn't necessary to be a part of that group.

Our local district here in PA did the same thing - PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) still does the fund raising for the school and even hosts some seminars but without the national involvement -

Since you are a member, what benefit does PTA have for the school?

[pubmom]

In my view not very much. Last year several members questioned exactly what PTA has done for us. Other than the 'Reflections' art contest for our students, nothing would be my honest answer.

They give awards, big deal.
I don't need a plaque on the wall telling me we have excellent parent involvement.

Our parent volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, the ones who trample wet and soggy with a group of rowdy fifth graders through Gettsburg, the ones who bake cookies for meetings, the brave souls who chaperone the 6th grade trip to Washington DC each year, those that attend every party, assembly and volunteer for each special event. Those are the things these people care about, not some lofty political agenda pushed by national.

Several parents, including the most recent past President is supportive of dropping PTA for a PTO. She too felt they really had nothing to offer. I hope to begin discussing a change with my board members at the next executive meeting, I already know several will support the idea.