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.

March: Nominations open

March opens election season while the spring fundraiser peaks. In March a PTO board should publish the open positions with honest descriptions, send the election notice their bylaws require, make personal asks to promising candidates (announcements don't recruit — people do), start next year's draft budget from this year's actuals, and execute the spring fundraiser cleanly.

President

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

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

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

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 that bite

Election notice (bylaws)

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

📅 Start now, thank yourself 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.

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

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