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.

Treasurer

Verify the 990 confirmation is in the binder

The acceptance email or stamped copy, saved where next year's treasurer will find it.
Prep the holiday shop cash plan

Float, price stickers, two counters per shift, daily reconciliation. Small buyers, lots of cash, easy to lose track.
Mid-fall budget check

Fall fundraiser actuals vs. budget — if income missed, trim spring plans now while there's still runway.

⏰ 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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