What should a PTO board do in March?

These checklists assume the most common setup — a July 1 – June 30 fiscal year and federal 501(c)(3) status. If your group runs a different year, shift the compliance dates to match.

President — March

• Make personal asks to candidates. "I think you'd be great at this, and I'll show you how" fills boards. A newsletter blurb never has.
• Announce the election formally. Date, positions, how to run — through every channel, matching whatever notice your bylaws require.
• Pair likely successors with current officers. Shadowing in April–May beats a binder in July. Succession is a relay, not a handoff at the cliff edge.

Treasurer — March

• Draft next year's budget from actuals. This year's real numbers, next year's known changes. The incoming board adopts it, but you owe them a real starting point.
• Plan spring fundraiser money handling. Pledge platforms, event-day cash, online payments — same two-person rules as fall, agreed in advance.

Secretary — March

• Send the official election notice. Exactly per the bylaws — timing and channel. Elections have been invalidated over missed notice requirements.
• Collect candidate bios. A short bio per candidate, published ahead, makes the election feel legitimate and helps quiet candidates compete.

Events & volunteers — March

• Run the spring fundraiser. Fun run, auction, readathon — clear goal, tight window, daily leaderboard energy if it fits your school.
• Open TAW volunteer signups. Room parents briefed, signup links live, so early May isn't a scramble.

Deadlines in March

• Election notice (bylaws). Most bylaws set a required notice period before the election meeting — commonly 30 days. Missing it can void the election.

Start in March, needed later

• Order TAW supplies. Custom items need April delivery for early-May execution.
• Reserve field day equipment. May–June rental slots are nearly gone by April.