What your board should be doing right now

Every month of the PTO year, by role — the tasks, the deadlines that bite, and the things to start now so they're ready later. Assumes a July–June fiscal year; adjust if yours differs.

January: The restart

January is the re-engagement month: families went quiet over break and won't return on their own. In January a PTO board should restart with an easy, fun draw rather than a business meeting, re-recruit volunteers with a fresh "new year" ask, issue any 1099s by January 31, book spring vendors, and quietly start succession conversations about who's leaving in June.

President

Restart with a draw, not a business meeting

A speaker on something parents care about, family bingo, a movie night. Get people back in the building first; the agenda can wait for February.
Run the "new year, new help" volunteer ask

January's resolution energy is real — a fresh, specific ask lands better now than a guilt reminder.
Start succession conversations early

Ask each officer privately: "are you thinking about next year?" Knowing who's leaving in June changes everything about spring.

Treasurer

Issue 1099-NEC forms by January 31

Any unincorporated contractor you paid $600+ last calendar year — the DJ, the assembly performer, the bounce-house guy. Collect W-9s before you pay people and this is painless.
Post-holiday budget check

Holiday shop actuals in, spring commitments not yet made — this is the moment to adjust.

Secretary

Refresh the public-facing info

Website, social bios, the office handout — half of it went stale since August.
File fall event notes into the binder

Every fall chair's "what I'd do differently" captured before it evaporates.

Events & volunteers

Lock spring vendor contracts

Fun run, auction, field day inflatables — spring calendars fill now. Signed contracts go to the treasurer and the binder.
Run the January family event

Low-cost, high-warmth: bingo, movie night, game night. The goal is faces in the building, not revenue.

⏰ Deadlines that bite

1099-NEC — January 31

For contractors paid $600+ in the prior calendar year. Applies to people, not incorporated companies.

📅 Start now, thank yourself later

Auction donation letters

Item solicitation needs 8–10 weeks of runway before a spring auction.
Nominating committee

Many bylaws require forming it 60–90 days before spring elections — check yours now.

Prefer the readable version? Read the January guide · or see the whole PTO year at a glance.

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