By Karen M. Bullock
CORRESPONDENT
There is not a Brookwood student that hasn’t been affected by the efforts of Brookwood Parent Teacher Organization. The group has sponsored assemblies and family events at both the elementary and middle schools for many years, as well as offered services such as the student directory and Spiritwear. Some of the events – movie nights, Fun Fair and the Daddy Daughter Dance, have become tradition. All of the events are well received and well attended according to PTO officials. Therefore, it might seem surprising that the PTO’s future is uncertain.
In a time where funding is the major issue for many non-profits, the lack of people interested in stepping up to fill positions on the board and head committees poses a greater threat to the future of the group.
According to the members of the PTO, the board has been operating a person short for the second straight year. In February, the remaining members of the board – all with several years tenure as board members and years more as participants of the group, announced that they would be stepping down. Each was quick to say that they were leaving on good terms with the organization – they simply wanted to devote more time to their families and other pursuits. They also pointed out that they would be willing to mentor their replacement to ensure a successful and smooth transition.
In recent years, attendance and participation in the group has dwindled. Five years ago, members of the group often filled committees and headed efforts for special events. As people moved on, the officers – along with a small handful of committed volunteers, frequently stepped up to organize and work an event to ensure that it would happen. A typical meeting brings at most, only four or five parents, aside from administration, a teacher or two and the board according to the PTO.
About the PTO
According to PTO history, the organization was established in 1986 as Brookwood Parent Teacher Student Organization. The intent at that time was to have a student serve on the board. At some point, that program ended, but the group still operated as the Brookwood PTSO – providing funding for assemblies and organizing activities. About four years ago, the board learned that the Internal Revenue Service rules had changed and the organization was required to file with the IRS to become recognized as an exempt organization. The process required a great deal of effort. During the course of reviewing the bylaws, the board at that time decided to change the name to Brookwood Parent Teacher Organization – or PTO, as a more recognizable name. The PTO was incorporated, as required by Wisconsin State Law, and achieved official non-profit status under the IRS 501(c)(3) code in September 2010.
At this time, what will happen with the PTO is uncertain unless there are volunteers willing to take on the leadership roles of the organization, head committees for events and help out.
The bylaws of the organization states, “Any Brookwood School District family member who subscribes to the objectives and basic policies of this organization shall become a member of this organization.”
In order to vote or hold office, an adult member must have attended at least three of the general meetings. Elections will be held later in the spring.
The next meeting of Brookwood PTO will take place 7 p.m. April 8 at the Brookwood Middle School library, 1020 Hunters Ridge Dr., Genoa City,
Correspondent Karen Bullock is the treasurer for Brookwood PTO.
