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bozatwork OP t1_j8ol0fx wrote

Reply to comment by dr_nerdface in Fox Elementary Fundraiser Next Friday Night by bozatwork

Let me take a few minutes to list out all of the things that a public school in the City of Richmond needs for its students, teachers, and staff that aren't provided by the city's funding. Just kidding, it's a long list. Ticket sales are going to the PTA's fund like every event they run (Strawberry Street Festival, Christmas Tree sales, etc.). Did you buy tickets and plan to support the school? Happy to discuss all of it in more detail in person if you'll be there, and introduce you to the board volunteers.

In short, the PTA is a registered non-profit whose board votes on allocating funds to programs that have been prioritized by the teachers, the parents, and the students. All financial reporting by law is public, as are the meetings where allocation decisions are voted on by the board. PTAs take a lot of time and energy to effectively run, and Fox has managed to keep its PTA efforts going despite the pandemic and a year of virtual school, and then the fire. It's pretty remarkable that the people volunteering for the board this year have the energy. They, like the PTA of any public school, need more support and more funding and more volunteers, and less critics that assume there must be something amiss. There's never enough money to fund everything that's requested, never enough volunteers for the events, and the board has to work hard to get parents engaged and raise funds creatively every year. It's a full-time job, in addition to the full-time job that most parents already have.

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dr_nerdface t1_j8q2tve wrote

I'm painfully aware of the shortcomings of public education budgets. I have friends who work at schools in RPS far worse off than Fox ever was. frankly, everyone SHOULD wonder where donations go. transparency is vital in crowdfunding efforts. no need to get shitty with someone asking for transparency.

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bozatwork OP t1_j8sdmwk wrote

Sorry, I was a bit cranky after getting attacked yesterday. It is always thankless work, which I've come to expect, but to be called racist for trying to support a school that's been through a lot is a bit overboard. Didn't mean to take it out on you personally.

There does seem to be some assumption that PTA funds are misused, as I've seen skeptical comments before. Maybe it can happen in some places, but my experience is that things are very buttoned up. Anyone can request funds for a project, which the board reviews and votes. The budget meeting is public and anyone can attend, just like anyone can join the board or volunteer. The principal is part of the PTA and there is a teacher advocate as well. Those that have the passion among the parents make the time for the commitment.

As with many things, it's layered and to some degree can be political. I can say that last year after the fire there was a lot of interest in PTA funds across the board. Requests for "wellness" for teachers such as paid lunches or massages or other things that felt to many parents as going overboard and not appropriate for PTA funding (there was a real dearth of wellness for students and parents). But, they were discussed and voted on as part of the process. But every year they review all requests and judge priorities based on the budget available, which is a direct outcome of the fundraising efforts put on by the PTA. So, no events like this parents' night out or the Strawberry Street Festival, then no money for student programs that everyone is used to having and wants to see continue.

I also wish the system was different, but I'm forced to live in reality.

If you want to DM me, happy to discuss further. I encourage teachers and staff to take an interest in the PTA at your schools.

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