PTA Finance FAQs

Please note that the data used to answer the questions below includes 2023-2024 spending numbers and 2024-2025 budget numbers (as most recently reviewed by the PTA Finance Committee in January 2025, including recommended budget amendments to be voted on by the general PTA membership on February 13, 2025).

Who decides how the PTA spends money?

PTA budgets can only be ratified and approved by PTA members. PTA funds raised by PTA members belong exclusively to PTA and can only be used for purposes approved by its members through the budgetary and amending process.

The way this typically works in the Lily B. Clayton PTA is:

• The PTA's Finance Committee makes recommendations for annual budgets and budget amendments to the entire PTA membership.

• The PTA's general membership votes to approve the annual budget and any budget amendments at PTA general meetings.

The Finance Committee generally uses the prior year's budget to help create each year's budget, with input from school administrators regarding current needs. Feedback from all PTA members is welcome. In 2024, we solicited additional feedback through a survey to help assess community spending priorities, and we will solicit additional feedback in 2025.

What requirements apply to the PTA, the PTA Board, and the Finance Committee with respect to its financial assets?

As a nonprofit organization, the PTA is obligated by the IRS to use "all but an insubstantial portion" of its funds for programs and services that support one of the six PTA purposes. The six PTA purposes are:

• To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, places of worship, and throughout the community;

• To raise the standards of home life;

• To advocate for laws that further the education, physical and mental health, welfare, and safety of children and youth;

• To promote the collaboration and engagement of families and educators in the education of children and youth;

• To engage the public in united efforts to secure the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social well-being of all children and youth; and

• To advocate for fiscal responsibility regarding public tax dollars in public education funding.

In addition, the members of the PTA Finance Committee and PTA Board act as fiduciaries with respect to the organization’s assets and must exercise due diligence and oversight to ensure that the organization is well-managed and that its financial position remains sound. 

How is the PTA budget set up?

The PTA budget includes income and expense items that are generally intended to offset each other unless a budget surplus has accumulated over prior periods.

What goes into the PTA's income?

The following line items appear as income in the PTA budget:

• After School Activities. After School Activities "income" is a flow-through from the After School Activities expense. The PTA collects payment for certain after school activities, such as Spanish lessons with Sra. Soto, and those amounts are paid directly to the teacher facilitating the after school program. For 2023-2024, After School Activities income was $2,925, and After School Activities expense was $7,350. The net expense reflects the PTA's cost of subsidizing certain after school programming in the amount of $4,425.

• Auction. The Spring Auction is the PTA's biggest fundraiser. For 2023-2024, Auction income was $169,770.02, and Auction expense was $41,199.97. Auction income is attributable to sponsorships, ticket sales, and purchases made through the live and silent auctions. Auction expenses are incurred to pay for venue, food and drink, entertainment, auctioneer, bidding software and other costs. The net income for Auction was $128,570.05.

• Clayton Corner. For 2023-2024, the amount collected for the Clayton Corner Holiday Shop was $12,135.17, and the amount spent was $9,476.20. This resulted in a net income of $2,658.97. Note: The PTA Finance Committee determined in January 2025 that, in future years, Clayton Corner pricing should be set up so that the PTA does not earn income (i.e., so that the expense and income line items align more closely and the PTA serves merely as a pass-through for facilitating funding for this program).

• Fifth Grade Trip. Fifth Grade Trip "income" is a flow-through from the Fifth Grade Trip expense. The PTA sells Valentine Grams, and those amounts are used to offset the subsidy the PTA provides for the Fifth Grade Trip. For 2023-2024, Fifth Grade Trip income was $817.51, and Fifth Grade Trip expense was $3,477.65. The net expense reflects the PTA's cost of subsidizing the Fifth Grade Trip in the amount of $2,660.14.

• Membership. For 2023-2024, the amount collected for PTA membership dues was $1,600.72, and the amount spent to pay for National PTA dues, Texas PTA dues, and membership swag was $1,433.50. This resulted in a net income of $167.22.

• Merchant Incentives. For 2023-2024, the amount earned through Community Partnerships was $1,500.

• School Store. For 2023-2024, the amount collected for the School Store was $12,234.50, and the amount spent was $11,479.56. This resulted in a net income of $754.94. Note: The School Store is generally designed to be revenue neutral and serve as a pass-through to charge an at-cost price for spirit wear items. It occasionally has a net income or net expense due to rounding, sales of outdated inventory not reflected in the current year's budget, etc.

• Walkathon. The Walkathon is the PTA's fall fundraiser. For 2023-2024, Walkathon income was $57,294.23, and Walkathon expense was $6,878.25. Walkathon income is attributable to sponsorships and student fundraising. Walkathon expenses are incurred to pay for permits, police presence, the donation website, and prize costs. The net income for Walkathon was $50,415.98.

For 2024-2025, an additional line item was added to the PTA budget for "general income" to reflect income items received over the course of the year that are not associated with a specific fundraising program.

What is the percentage breakdown of the items that brought in income in 2023-2024?

The percentage of income for each net income item for 2023-2024 is as follows:

• Auction: 70%

• Walkathon: 27%

• Clayton Corner: 1%

• Merchant Incentives: 1%

• School Store: <1%

• Membership: <1%

What does the PTA regularly spend money on?

The following line items appear as operating expenses in the PTA budget:

• Academics and Student Support:

  • Academic Materials. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $8,000 ($6,313.68 of which was spent) for supplemental curriculum materials (such as class book sets, magazine subscriptions, and puzzles) and teacher trainings. Note: These funds are in addition to the teacher and office staffer funds provided for supplies, described further below. 

  • Accelerated Reader Program. For 2023-2024, the PTA spent its full $8,500 budget for the Accelerated Reader program, covering the cost of the Renaissance software (through which MyOn and Accelerated Reader are available) as well as prizes for students who achieved their Accelerated Reader goals each grading period. Note: Based on feedback received through the 2024 budget survey, the budget for Accelerated Reader increased to $9,500 for 2024-2025.

  • After School Activities. As noted in the discussion of income above, there is also an After School Activities income line item that serves as a flow-through for when the PTA collects payment for certain after school activities, such as Spanish lessons with Sra. Soto, and then pays those amounts directly to the teacher. For 2023-2024, After School Activities income was $2,925, and After School Activities expense was $7,350. The net expense reflects the PTA's cost of subsidizing certain after school programming in the amount of $4,425.

  • Cultural Arts. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $5,500 ($3,254.43 of which was spent for Cultural Arts Day (aka Marvelous Monday)). Note: For 2024-2025, the PTA increased the annual budget for Cultural Arts to $8,000 to support Hispanic Heritage Month programming and a Multicultural Fair.

  • Fifth Grade Activities. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $6,000 ($1,681.37 of which was spent) for fifth grade activities including the fifth grade zoo field trip, ice cream for the family picnic, and a reception following fifth grade graduation.

  • Fifth Grade Trip. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $6,600 ($3,477.65 of which was spent) for the Fifth Grade Trip to Austin and San Antonio, which was used to subsidize costs of the trip and provide snacks on bus rides. As noted in the discussion of income above, there is also a Fifth Grade Trip income line item attributable to Valentine Grams, and those amounts are used to offset the subsidy the PTA provides for the Fifth Grade Trip. For 2023-2024, Fifth Grade Trip income was $817.51, and Fifth Grade Trip expense was $3,477.65. The net expense reflects the PTA's cost of subsidizing the Fifth Grade Trip in the amount of $2,660.14.

  • Health and Fitness. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $4,300 ($3,834.13 of which was spent) for health and fitness programming and support including Math & Fitness Night activities, Field Day shirts for every student, and snow cones for Field Day.

  • Library. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $10,000 ($9,908.97 of which was spent) for Mrs. Bradshaw to use to purchase new library books and replacements for damaged books and to pay visiting author fees. Note: For 2024-2025, the PTA Finance Committee has recommended an increase in the annual Library budget to $13,600 to cover costs associated with replacing damaged books and adding popular new titles. 

  • Math & Science Liaison. For 2023-2024, the PTA spent its full $1,000 budget for the math & science liaison on math and science programming and support including Family Museum Night at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and Math & Fitness night activities.

  • Mrs. Cook's Books. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $4,000 ($2,042.71 of which was spent) to provide three free books for every student through Mrs. Cook's Books. Note: The May 2024 invoice for books was not paid until the PTA's 2024-2025 fiscal year began. The budget for Mrs. Cook's Books was increased to $7,200 for 2024-2025 to account for this and to allow the PTA to provide four books to every student during the year.

  • UIL. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $500 ($412.57 of which was spent) to provide shirts for Lily B.'s UIL team members and snacks for the day of the competition.

  • Yearbook. For 2023-2024 the PTA budgeted $14,200 ($14,157.76 of which was spent) to provide yearbooks at no charge to every student and staff member. Note: Based on community input on PTA spending priorities and feedback from school administrators regarding yearbooks, the PTA reduced its contribution for yearbooks to 50% this year. The PTA is contributing $15 for every yearbook purchased this year, reducing the cost per student to $15.

• Campus Support and Maintenance:

  • Environmental. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $1,200 ($1,173.24 of which was spent) to maintain the Learning Garden and provide seeds to every student to celebrate Earth Day.

  • Historian and Preservation. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $500 ($0 of which was spent) on Historian and preservation expenses. This line item is intended to cover archiving costs and other expenses associated with maintaining the historical integrity of the school.

  • Landscaping. For 2023-2024, the PTA spent its full $6,000 budget on landscaping expenses including sprinkler repairs and maintenance work to supplement the caretaking the district provides.

  • Traffic & Safety. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $3,000 ($1,600 of which was spent) on traffic and safety expenses such as FWPD officer support during the first two weeks of school and signage for school carpool and bus zones.

• Fundraising and Income-Related Expenses:

  • Online Transaction Fees. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $1,200 ($969.56 of which was spent) for online transaction fees associated with our Square account.

  • Note that the PTA's budget includes in this category expense line items for Auction, Clayton Corner, Membership, School Store, and Walkathon. However, as noted in the discussion of income above, each of these expenses has an associated income line item, and the net result is income to the PTA as discussed in more detail above.

• PTA Operations:

  • PTA Administration. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $4,500 ($4,333.48 of which was spent) for PTA administration expenses including dues owed to the FWISD Council of PTAs, tax preparation, insurance, bank fees, accounting software, Amazon fees, antivirus software, and two volunteer social events.

  • PTA Scholarships & Donations. For 2023-2024, the PTA spent its full $1,000 budget on a donation to McLean 6th Grade Center. This contribution is offset by the portion of Auction income that is attributable to events associated with McLean for outgoing fifth graders, such as McLean 6th Field Day in August.

• Social and Community Outreach:

  • Communications. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $1,000 ($950.20 of which was spent) for communication expenses including Constant Contact access needed to produce the weekly "Happenings in the Hive" email newsletter.

  • Dads' Club. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $350 ($0 of which was spent) for Dads' Club expenses.

  • Family Engagement. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $3,500 ($2,516.33 of which was spent) for family engagement events including Muffins with Moms, Donuts with Dads, Goodies with Grandparents, and the Spelling Bee reception.

  • Newcomers. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $1,200 ($558.46 of which was spent) for newcomers events and programming such as the Yahoo Boohoo breakfast on the first day of school and refreshments at Stay and Plays.

  • Programs/Publicity. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $2,000 ($0 of which was spent) for PTA programs. Last year's PTA programs included the McLean informational panel (which did not result in any expenses to the PTA). Examples of other programs that the PTA has offered at some cost include CPR and water safety classes, online safety programs, and the Birds and the Bees course.

  • Prospective Students. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $1,600 ($1,175.00 of which was spent) for the Pre-K/Kindergarten Coffee and Pre-K/Kindergarten Round-Up events.

  • Social Events. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $20,000 ($16,686.46 of which was spent) for PTA social events including Family Spirit Night, the Bumblebee Ball, and the Bumblebee Ball Games.

  • Volunteer Coordinator. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $5,200 ($4,218.28 of which was spent) for Room Parents to use to pay for class parties and other classroom events. Note: The per-class Room Parent budget was increased from $200 to $300 for 2024-2025.

• Teacher and Staff Support:

  • Admin and Office Staff Support. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $2,000 ($544.50 of which was spent) for $500 supply budgets for the Assistant Principal and other office staff.

  • Principal's Fund. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $1,000 ($955.40 of which was spent) for the Principal's Fund, providing supplies and supporting other school needs of the Principal.

  • PTA Fund. For 2023-2024, the PTA spent the full $5,000 budgeted for the PTA Fund, which is used to support various school and PTA needs that arise during the year, such as the school's booth at Arts Goggle, a dyslexia group event, charging carts for student devices, PTA meeting supplies and fees to attend the Founders' Day Lunch.

  • Student Planners/Supplies. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $2,450 ($1,729 of which was spent) for student planners and other supplies.

  • Teacher Appreciation. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $6,000 ($5,730.88 of which was spent) for teacher appreciation lunches, gifts and treats. Note: For 2024-2025, this budget was increased to $8,500 based on community feedback in the 2024 budget survey indicating strong support for Teacher Appreciation events, with an emphasis on ensuring that implementation is as easy as possible for both staff members and parents. Based on this feedback, our PTA is increasing the Teacher Appreciation budget by $2,500 so that monthly staff lunches can be catered. 

  • Teacher & Classroom Supplies. For 2023-2024, the PTA budgeted $15,500 ($14,555.36 of which was spent) for teacher and classroom supplies. The budgeted amount reflected a budget of $500 per teacher for supplies and classroom furnishings to enhance their students' learning environments. Note: Based on the feedback received on the 2024 Budget Survey, for 2024-2025 our PTA increased the annual budget for teachers from $500 to $700. 

What changes were made to the operating expense budgets for 2024-2025?

As noted above, the PTA made certain changes to the 2024-2025 budget based on feedback received from the community in its 2024 budget survey and actual costs incurred during the fall 2024 semester. Changes for 2024-2025 include:

• Increased the Accelerated Reader budget from $8,500 to $9,500 to fully cover the cost of prizes and awards.

• Decreased net After School Activities expense from $4,275 to $800 to reflect fall enrollment numbers in Sra. Soto's Spanish lessons. Adjustments to this budget number will be recommended as additional subsidies are provided in the spring.

• Increased the Cultural Arts budget from $5,500 to $8,000 to support Hispanic Heritage Month programming and a Multicultural Fair.

• Bought shirts for Running Club members. Note that this purchase has not yet affected the PTA budget, but the Finance Committee may recommend changes to the Health and Fitness budget if this new expenditure results in costs that exceed the current budget.

• Proposed increase in Library budget from $10,000 to $13,600 to cover costs associated with replacing damaged books and adding popular new titles. This budget amendment has been recommended by the Finance Committee to be voted on by the PTA general membership at the February 13 general meeting.

• Increased Mrs. Cook's Budget from $4,000 to $7,200 to account for the spring 2024 invoice being paid during the 2024-2025 fiscal year and to increase the number of books given to each student from three to four.

• Decreased Yearbook expense from $14,200 to $7,100 to reflect community input on PTA spending priorities and feedback from school administrators regarding yearbooks. The PTA reduced its contribution for yearbooks to 50% this year. The PTA's contribution reduces the cost per yearbook from $30 to $15.

• Provided free spirit shirts for every pre-K and kindergarten student to start the year with.

• Decreased the Environmental budget from $1,200 to $1,000 to reflect ongoing costs.

• Increased Landscaping budget from $6,000 to $7,200 to reflect ongoing costs.

• Decreased Traffic & Safety budget from $3,000 to $2,500 to reflect ongoing costs.

• Proposed increase in PTA Administration budget from $4,500 to $5,500 to reflect ongoing costs. This budget amendment has been recommended by the Finance Committee to be voted on by the PTA general membership at the February 13 general meeting.

• Increased Programs/Publicity budget from $2,000 to $2,500 to fund the Birds and the Bees program being offered this spring.

• Increased Volunteer Coordinator budget from $5,200 to $6,300. This increase reflects the per-class Room Parent budget increase from $200 to $300, with an adjustment to reflect past usage of the allotted budget by Room Parents (i.e., $300 x 25 grade level classrooms = $7,500, but the $6,300 budgeted reflects expected spending). In the event Room Parents exceed the $6,300 currently allocated, the Finance Committee will recommend a budget amendment.

• Increased PTA Fund budget from $5,000 to $5,500 to account for printer ink provided in the fall.

• Decreased Student Planners/Supplied budget from $2,450 to $2,000 to reflect ongoing costs.

• Increased Teacher Appreciation budget from $6,000 to $8,500 so that monthly staff lunches can be catered. 

• Increased Teacher & Classroom Supplies budget from $15,500 to $22,000. This reflects the 2024 budget survey showing an overwhelming priority placed on ensuring that teachers have a sufficient budget to cover their classroom supply needs. Based on the feedback received on the survey, our PTA is increasing the annual budget for teachers from $500 to $700.

What is the percentage breakdown of the the items in the operating expense budget for 2024-2025?

The percentage of expenses for each net expense item for 2024-2025 is budgeted to be (note that this does not include long range plan expenses):

• Academics and Student Support: 42.6%. Underlying line item percentages are:

  • Academic Materials: 4.8%

  • Accelerated Reader Program: 5.7%

  • After School Activities (net of income): 0.5%

  • Cultural Arts: 4.8%

  • Fifth Grade Activities: 3.6%

  • Fifth Grade Trip (net of income): 3.3%

  • Health and Fitness: 2.6%

  • Library: 8.1% 

  • Math & Science Liaison: 0.6%

  • Mrs. Cook's Books: 4.3%

  • UIL: 0.3%

  • Yearbook: 4.2%

• Campus Support and Maintenance: 6.7%. Underlying line item percentages are:

  • Environmental: 0.6%

  • Historian and Preservation: 0.3%

  • Landscaping: 4.3%

  • Traffic & Safety: 1.5%

• Fundraising and Income-Related Expenses: 0.7%. This percentage reflects the line item percentage for Online Transaction Fees. The other line items in this expense category (Auction, Clayton Corner, Membership, the School Store, and Walkathon) result in a net income as opposed to a net expense, so they are not included in the expense percentage calculations. 

• PTA Operations: 3.9%. Underlying line item percentages are:

  • PTA Administration: 3.3%

  • PTA Scholarships & Donations: 0.6%

• Social and Community Outreach: 21.7%. Underlying line item percentages are:

  • Communications: 0.6%

  • Dads' Club: 0.2%

  • Family Engagement: 2.1%

  • Newcomers: 0.7%

  • Programs/Publicity: 1.5%

  • Prospective Students: 1%

  • Social Events: 11.9%

  • Volunteer Coordinator (Room Parent Fund): 3.8%

• Teacher and Staff Support: 24.4%. Underlying line item percentages are:

  • Admin and Office Staff Support: 1.2%

  • Principal's Fund: 0.6%

  • PTA Fund: 3.3%

  • Student Planners/Supplies: 1.2%

  • Teacher Appreciation: 5.1%

  • Teacher & Classroom Supplies: 13.1%

Why don't the budgeted amounts get used fully?

As noted above, not all funds budgeted for 2023-2024 were used. A number of different circumstances result in this scenario, including PTA events costing less than anticipated due to in-kind donations, PTA volunteers opting to spend money differently than their predecessors, and Room Parents and teachers not fully utilizing their allotted reimbursement budgets. 

The Finance Committee reviews amounts spent each year to try to fine tune the budget to make it more reflective of current spending needs. Its aim is for operating expense budgets to be fully utilized to support their intended goals.

What happens to the surplus when budgets are not used fully?

When a surplus builds up in the PTA budget because budgeted amounts are not fully utilized or fundraising goals are surpassed, the Finance Committee assesses different strategies for using the surplus, which may include:

• Allocating more money across the different operating expense budgets on an annual basis, and/or

• Setting aside funds for special projects.

What are Long Range Plan expenses?

In addition to its annual operating expenses, the PTA's budgeted expenses include "Long Range Plan" items that include:

• Paddles Up Funds. Each year, the PTA Auction includes a "Paddles Up" donation moment during which everyone in attendance has the opportunity to donate to a specific PTA project. These funds are set aside to be used for that project. Paddles Up amounts currently reflected in the PTA budget are:

  • Paddles Up 2023: $11,188 remains to be spent on outdoor improvements. Funds have already been spent on items such as basketball court re-striping, additional soccer goal nets, mulch for the covered playground, and rented lighting for Family Spirit Night. Several of the projects that the funds were originally set aside for were instead paid for by the district, and the Finance Committee is looking at ways to utilize the remaining funds in the school's outdoor spaces (specifically, the Finance Committee is assessing the feasibility of using the remaining funds as seed money for a track/soccer field project).

  • Paddles Up 2024: $7,995 remains to be spent on auditorium improvements. Funds have already been spent on new stage plants and audio updates, and remaining amounts are intended to be used for a new projector, additional audio updates, and curtain cleaning or replacement.

• Indoor Master Plan: $5,000 has been set aside for potential indoor improvements. To the extent the school administrators do not have any needs that require funding, this amount carries over in the PTA's budget each year.

• Outdoor Master Plan: $50,000 has been set aside for development of a master plan for the school's outdoor spaces. The goal of having a master plan would be that the PTA would be able to thoughtfully fundraise (through Paddles Up or other focused fundraising efforts) and implement projects in a cohesive and well-designed way for years to come. Although this money is currently set aside as part of the long-range plan, the Finance Committee continues to assess whether to proceed with this master planning project as architectural master planning projects are very costly.

• Teacher Training/Assistance: $8,940 remains set aside for teacher training programs.

I heard Walkathon funds were used for special projects. Is that right?

Generally, no. In our current PTA budget, the amounts expected to be raised by Walkathon and Auction (other than Paddles Up funds) are used to fund the PTA's operating expenses, described in detail above. Our major fundraising events occur in the fall and the spring to provide timely funding for all of the expenses that the PTA incurs over the year.

However, in some circumstances, Walkathon and Auction proceeds have been or may be used for special projects. For example:

• If Walkathon or Auction raise more net income than is expected, those funds may be set aside for special projects or utilized for other school needs that arise during the year.

• If the full operating budget is not utilized, as described above, excess funds may be set aside for special projects.

• If the PTA goes into the year with a surplus that covers regular operating expenses normally covered by Walkathon fundraising, Walkathon may become a special project-specific fundraiser. This was the case a few years ago when, due to Covid, a significant surplus had accumulated (because so many PTA and school events were canceled and did not result in expenses, but our generous school community continued to support the PTA). At that time, the surplus was used to cover regular operating expenses so that the Walkathon could become a fundraiser specifically for outdoor landscaping improvements including significant sprinkler repairs and plantings.

I have an idea for a special project I think the PTA should support financially to improve the school. Who should I contact?

If you have input on special projects the PTA may consider for Paddles Up or future budget surpluses, please reach out to president@lilybclayton.org or treasurer@lilybclayton.org. We will also be conducting a more detailed budget survey later this spring.

Whew. I'm overwhelmed by all the budget data. Do you have a more user-friendly explanation of where the PTA spends money?

Yes. Please check out this page that includes a helpful infographic describing the PTA's financial impact.

I saw that a slide is broken and the covered playground needs repairs. Why hasn't the PTA fixed that?

In most cases, necessary repairs are the responsibility of the district. As the PTA aims to prudently steward its financial resources, PTA funds generally are not used to cover expenses that should be covered by the district. 

In addition, projects done at the school must be completed by FWISD-approved vendors in coordination with the appropriate district department. So even when the PTA opts to do projects above and beyond what the district provides, coordination with the district and necessary approvals sometime result in delays.

My family's current financial situation doesn't allow us to pay for the Fifth Grade trip or buy a costume for the Storybook Parade. Can PTA help with that?

PTAs are specifically prohibited from donating money to any person or family. However, the PTA subsidizes the costs of the Fifth Grade Trip to reduce the per-student cost across the board. In addition, outside of the PTA, Ms. Ball organizes a scholarship program to assist families who need financial support to cover half of the trip cost.

The PTA's Library Liaison collaborates with Mrs. Bradshaw to collect donated costumes and books so that every student who wants to participate in the Storybook Parade has the opportunity.

The PTA's Helping Hands volunteers collaborate with the school counselor to assist with community needs as well.

Why do Auction tickets cost so much?

Tickets to Auction are priced consistently with our PTA fundraising goals, keeping in mind the costs that go into making Auction happen (venue, linen and equipment rentals, catering, etc. -- expenses that have gone up in cost significantly in recent years). To remain mission-focused, our PTA is responsible for ensuring that any PTA event serves our charitable purposes, which are described further above. Auction's primary goal is to raise funds to support the PTA's annual budget and all the wonderful work the PTA does each year, so every ticket is priced in a manner that allows us to at least cover the cost of attendance.

I'd like be more involved in the PTA and its spending decisions. How can I do that?

To get more involved in the PTA, you should sign up for a PTA volunteer role next year. If you are a PTA member, you can also attend the PTA's general meetings and Executive Board meetings to learn more and vote on the annual budget and budget amendments.

PTA financials are open to school families and can be requested from our Treasurer at treasurer@lilybclayton.org. They are also shared at every PTA meeting, and our PTA meeting dates are reflected on the calendar.

If you have input on special projects or new programs for the PTA to consider, please reach out to president@lilybclayton.org or treasurer@lilybclayton.org. We will also be conducting a more detailed budget survey later this spring and would love for you to provide helpful feedback through that process.