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.

November: Gratitude and the 990

November is the deadline-and-gratitude month: the IRS Form 990 is due November 15 for June-30 fiscal years, and staff hit the pre-break wall. In November a PTO board should confirm the 990 is actually filed, thank volunteers and sponsors visibly, prep the holiday shop, and land one small unexpected staff appreciation before the break.

President

Confirm the 990 was filed — personally

Ask to see the confirmation, not "yes we're on it." Presidents inherit the blame when exempt status lapses.
Thank volunteers by name

Newsletter shout-outs, a note home, a minute at the meeting. November thanks is why people say yes again in January.
Confirm December's calendar with the school

Concerts, class parties, shop days — December coordination happens now or not at all.

⏰ Deadlines that bite

IRS Form 990 — November 15

For fiscal years ending June 30. Three consecutive missed years = automatic revocation of tax-exempt status. This is the one deadline that can kill a PTO.

📅 Start now, thank yourself later

January re-engagement plan

Attendance always dips after break — pick January's draw (speaker, bingo night) now.
Spring vendor booking

Fun-run and auction vendors book spring slots in December–January.

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

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