SCHOOLS: Effort isn't exploitation

On March 14, I read an opinion stating “…the misguided PTA of a local elementary school exploiting the children of that school for money.” What a strong and harsh statement to publicly accuse and attack the PTA parent volunteers who work many hours throughout the year to raise funds for our school.

Your statement is not only insensitive but ignorant to compare a parent volunteer group (without knowledge how these funds are used) to third-world countries and how they exploit their children. That is insulting and hurtful.

Your rant about costs related to transportation, teacher salaries and overall spending does not rest on the shoulders of a school’s PTA. WE DO NOT USE AND EXPLOIT CHILDREN. Our fundraising projects have always been elective and most students enjoy the experience.

If you were so concerned about what the money is used for perhaps you should attend a monthly PTA meeting. These meetings clearly spell out what the fundraising efforts go toward. As a courtesy to you I’ll list some: the Idaho VISTA Reads program, field trips for each grade level, ELMO projectors for every classroom, playground equipment, library and classroom books, cross country and Run for Fun programs, music room equipment, audio equipment, and the list goes on. Basically, these are invaluable projects and programs that the district does not cover.

In the future I suggest you contact “this” PTA and give them the opportunity to respond privately to your issues and concerns, NOT publicly. In my opinion your assuming approach was wrong and hurtful to me, our PTA organization and the parents who are passionate and care about our school and ALL the children who attend in the community.

SHERI MARTIN

Proud School & PTA Parent Volunteer

Coeur d’Alene