My PTA (Parent Teacher Association) at Ohlone Elementary School is currently exploring the option of converting to PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) status. I was originally on board with this idea because of the fact that more of our funds would then go directly into our school, instead of to the national PTA body. I believe 10% of our dues are paid to the parent organization. (Side note: each Hercules PTA charges a different amount for their PTA dues, the range being $5 to $20). I have also had some concerns with some of the PTA/Teacher Union relationships. I support teachers, but I often am at disagreement with their unions.
Having said that, one thing that is important to me as a resident of Hercules is the building and fostering of an "education community." Which entity can have the most impact with this objective? Will 5 Hercules PTOs result in 5 separate entities who do not communicate and work with each other? Do we already have this same situation with PTAs? Hercules currently has 3 PTAs representing our 3 elementary schools, plus a nonprofit parents organization representing Hercules Middle High School. Our PTAs seem to be focusing on their respective school sites, and then the national level, nothing in between. It isn't clear to me if they interact much. The WCCUSD does have the Bayside Council of PTAs, but it isn't clear what their function is.
Hercules has never had an elected representative on the school board, so I have been looking for some other means to help build a cohesive education community. Which entity (PTA or PTO) has the best track record for building such communities? Which do you prefer?
