QUESTION:
Our school district is planning on holding a levy election next spring, and a committee has been organized to campaign in favor of the levy. Our PTA has historically contributed to such campaigns, and the budget for 2012-13 includes a line item for a contribution. The committee would like us to make a contribution now that the new fiscal year has begun. Is this appropriate, or should we wait until the entire membership votes to endorse the levy? ANSWER:
Including a line item in the budget is a necessary step but it is not in and of itself sufficient to justify making the contribution. A budget creates the authority for the board of directors to expend funds, but the board must actually approve the expenditure before it is made.
Therefore, because there is a line item for the campaign contribution in the budget approved by the membership, IF the board votes to authorize the contribution, an endorsement vote by the membership is not required to make the contribution. Of course, an endorsement vote by the membership is the best practice and should be conducted when the timeline permits.
Therefore, because there is a line item for the campaign contribution in the budget approved by the membership, IF the board votes to authorize the contribution, an endorsement vote by the membership is not required to make the contribution. Of course, an endorsement vote by the membership is the best practice and should be conducted when the timeline permits.
