Parent Teacher Organizations in Tahoma Using Donations to Fund Political Measures
Recent data obtained from the Public Disclosure Commission reveals that every Tahoma school's PTA, PTSA, and PTO has been sending funds to the Voice of Tahoma Education Political Action Committee (PAC) for the past 10 years. This union-led PAC appears to stand up whenever a district-related ballot measure is proposed. Its funds are heavily fueled by the Tahoma Education Association (TEA – the district teachers union) and the various parent-teacher organizations throughout the district.
Parent-teacher organization funds are given directly to the PAC with the purpose of promoting the passage of desired ballot measures. While it is certainly expected for the TEA to be involved in politics, many parents are surprised to learn that donations to their child's PTA, PTSA, or PTO may be used for political measures.
Want to learn more about PTA vs PTO? See our guide here.
Most parent-teacher organizations are classified as 501c3 nonprofits, which means they are technically not allowed to donate to any PACs lest they risk losing their nonprofit status. However, there is a gray area when it comes to activities that are seen as "lobbying" vs ”political action." According to the national PTA organization, "Ballot measures are where elections and lobbying meet. The IRS treats ballot measures as a ‘lobbying activity,’ subject to lobbying rules. A nonprofit may advocate for or against a ballot measure up to its normal lobbying limits." As a result, parent-teacher organizations everywhere have been using what some view as a loophole to donate to PACs that advocate for the passage of ballot measures.
It is not surprising that school-based organizations would donate to causes that seek to bring in more school funding. However, it is important for parents who support these organizations financially to have awareness that their money may be used to push for the passage of measures they may not support.
FY 22/23 budget export details the district’s general fund balance vs the excess levy collections for 2023.
Tahoma Parents does not take a position on the ethics of this topic, but believes it is important for PTAs, PTSAs, and PTOs to be transparent about their potential use of donations for political ballot measures. It is important for parents to be informed about where their money is going and to understand the potential consequences of their donations.
