School Fundraisers

I have always been torn on the school fundraisers subject. I do not believe they should be sending their students out on the streets to find money for them to run their schools. Those fundraisers begin the second week of school every year and as soon as one ends, another is yet to begin. I believe there should be more involvement from say the PTO. I used to go to every PTO meeting but left feeling like I just sat there listening to their plans and how they were going to accomplish their goals. Not once was there ever a time where someone could really put in their ideas, so I gave up and stopped going. Seemed like they had it all under control from their stand point. However, in the inside, I feel these people should really be more involved in say finding money for the school through grants or even marketing the school out to community figures. I do realize that the lottery is supposed to be helping out the school systems too, however every time you get help from the, the politicians then lower the budget given to the schools from the state and local government. I also feel the pinch of the class room sizes. They say teaching assistants are going to help this problem, but really we have SO many people who have not been able to find jobs, why can't some of these moms and dads, go volunteer and help out in the classrooms. If maybe one position was a paid position of volunteer coordinator, you may actually have enough volunteers that you would not have to hire as many teaching assistants. Maybe the government could make it a win win situation by allowing volunteers to volunteer so many hours and take a paid for training after so many volunteer hours that can help them reach a certified teaching assistants certification. They will then be helping themselves as well as helping the school system in this very tough economy. Just a thought!