All PTO members are welcome to join the PTO board, which oversees and guides PTO initiatives and funding. All that’s needed is an interest in helping out the Lawrence School and its community!

PTO board participation involves providing input via email, attending bi-monthly board meetings during the school year and leading 1-2 initiatives of one’s choosing. Each spring, the PTO begins the process of forming a slate and electing a new board for the following school year. However, there are often opportunities to get involved mid-year, including filling any vacant board roles, so email president@lawrenceschoolbrookline.org to learn more!

Current open positions:

- Co-Chair (up to 2 openings)

- General Board Member (METCO Liaison Parent Rep)

PTO Board Role Descriptions

Board positions are typically 1 to 2-year commitments; roles and responsibilities are detailed below. In March or April, the PTO Nomination Committee assembles a slate of officers for the following school year, and then an election is held at the PTO Annual Meeting in June. To express interest for yourself or nominate someone, email president@lawrenceschoolbrookline.org.

Co-Chair (up to 3)

• Oversees scheduling, planning and budgeting for PTO-sponsored activities

• Communicates regularly with Principal and Superintendent on behalf of PTO

• Oversees PTO meetings and communication with PTO members

• Ensures the organization follows the approved budget and remains current with annual reporting requirements

Secretary

• Responsible for updating the organization’s officer listing and annual report to the state

• Oversees reporting of PTO meetings (taking minutes and recording votes)

Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer

• Provides guidance on the PTO’s financial position through regular budget reporting

• Drafts the annual budget for board review and approval and is the liaison with the PTO CPA and bookkeeper

• Manages all financial accounts and executes all deposits, reimbursements and petty cash distributions

Newsletter Coordinator

• Oversees the PTO weekly email newsletter (Membership Toolkit)

• Assists with the PTO’s social media and online presence

Membership Toolkit Coordinator

• Supports events by setting up sales forms and volunteer sign-ups in Membership Toolkit, which is the PTO’s online system

Promotion Coordinator

• Helps the community stay informed about events by designing posters (or working with volunteers on design), printing & distributing take-home flyers to classrooms, and updating the outdoor bulletin boards

Annual Appeal Coordinator

• Manages the Annual Appeal (the primary fundraiser for the Lawrence PTO) in October/November, assisted by a team of volunteers

• Assists with communication to community regarding uses of PTO funds

Technology Coordinator

• Oversees PTO technology platforms such as the website and family directory (Membership Toolkit)

Members At-Large

• Provide guidance and input on PTO activities and initiatives. In addition, each general board member typically supports a major PTO event, committee or initiative.

• Current PTO bylaws allow up to 8 general board members to serve.

• Typically one of the board members also serves as the Room Parent Coordinator, to help organize room parents at the start of each year and to communicate key PTO and school updates to all classrooms via room parent support. Another board member typically serves as a liaison to the METCO community as well.