As mentioned at our last community PTO meeting in October, we are currently seeking an additional Co-President, a Fundraising Coordinator, and an Education Support Coordinator for terms starting in January 2021 through the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested in stepping into a board role, please feel free to reach out to current Co-Presidents Jenn, Jon, and Pam for more information: info@burrpto.org.
We will plan to publicize the slate of board candidates at the December community meeting on December 16th and hold the election to fill open positions at the January 20th meeting. In addition to general PTO board responsibilities (attendance at board meetings, planning activities, volunteering for events, etc.) specific descriptions for what each role involves can be found below:
Co-President: A Leader of the Pack
Alongside the three current co-presidents, this role will oversee all PTO activities and roles, as well as work closely with the Burr school administration. In addition to setting the calendar for all PTO-related events, the Co-Presidents develop the annual budget (approved by PTO members, at large), and manage the fiscal and 501c3 nonprofit responsibilities of the organization. They are responsible for overseeing the coordination of all PTO activities and events, providing support as needed and in any manner necessary. This includes finding/assigning committee members, balancing financial resources, and managing communications for the PTO. Co-presidents also represent the Burr PTO at the Newton PTO Council, the umbrella organization of all 21 PTOs in Newton.
What you can bring to the role: Strong ability to motivate volunteers and encourage teamwork to the benefit Burr community, strategic planning and organization, creative problem solving, project management, proactive communication with a range of stakeholders (parents, faculty, community members across Newton, other PTOs), and willingness to roll up your sleeves and pitch in wherever necessary
Average time commitment: 10-12 hours/month.
Fundraising Coordinator: Making it Rain for Burr
The Fundraising Coordinator plans, recruits, for and oversees the coordinators/committees for all of the fundraising we do for the PTO. The two biggest fundraisers we do are the Wolf Fund and online auction, but the role also includes organizing smaller fundraisers like bake sales, trivia nights, restaurant nights, and more.
What you can bring to the role: Passion for generating excitement about giving to benefit the Burr community, creative event planning, volunteer engagement, willingness to solicit donations from the community, and any technical acumen related to fundraising is helpful
Average time commitment: 5-7 hours/month
Education Support Coordinator: Enriching the Educational Experience
The educational support coordinator oversees the Creative Arts and Sciences (CAS) committee and the Understanding Our Differences (UOD) committees. They are responsible for working with the teachers and principal to organize these programs at each grade level. CAS runs from Kindergarten through 5th grade and UOD starts in 3rd grade and runs through 5th grade. They will work with the Director of Newton CAS to gather the available programs and then work with the teachers at Burr to select which programs work best for their curricula. The volunteer coordinating portion of this role will help recruit for different committees and/or volunteer roles we have open at Burr.
What you can bring to the role: Commitment to educational enrichment programs, volunteer engagement and coordination, planning and organization, and ability to work effectively with faculty and staff
Average time commitment: 5-7 hours/month
