School Fundraiser Money - Where Does it Go?

The groans start every time there's a school fundraiser. The thought crosses your mind as to why you should be giving the school more money. You pay your taxes, pay when you register for school, and pay to buy all their school supplies. So what do they need extra for?

I thought the same thing before I joined the PTO. Paying for overpriced pizzas and cookie dough just because "it goes to the school" really wasn't a good reason for me. Sure I bought a little just because I knew I was suppose to. But it still angered me. I didn't know what the money was going to.

Once I joined the PTO I saw the big picture. Extra money for the teachers, playground equipment, field trips and school outings, guest speakers and events, plus other things that just aren't given to the schools by the state.

In our tiny school, the PTO budget funds all the types of things listed above. Here are just three of the things our money specifically goes towards.

Teacher Funds
The teachers each get a spending account that goes to extra things in the classroom (reimbursement only - they have to show receipts that show what the money went to). This can be things like decorations in a class for a party or rewards (like stickers) for a job well done.

School Outings
Every year right before Christmas break the PTO sends the kids to the local roller skating rink for half the day. Take a minute and think how much that would cost to take your whole family (including the gas to drive if you don't live close) and a few of your kids' friends. What you personally spent on that last fundraiser doesn't seem like a whole lot now does it?

Library Funds
A specific amount is now set aside just for the librarian to spend on library week. Not only can she buy new books on the theme that week, but other items that are going to get the kids interested in reading and learning. This is huge deal to me, especially since I have a child who absolutely loves books. The more to do in the library, the better.

So the next time you are rolling your eyes at yet another fundraiser, take a minute to think about what your child could be getting out of the extra events funded by fundraisers at school. Rest assure that money doesn't go in the pocket of people in the office who hardly visit - it really goes straight to the kids!