The Panthers PTO is organized for the purpose of supporting the education of children at DG Cooley Elementary by fostering relationships among the school, parents, and teachers.  These objectives are accomplished through various efforts including ongoing communication, educational enhancements, social activities, and fundraising programs for students, parents, and the school staff at DG Cooley.

• ByLaws_R4_20170503.pdf

Teacher Reimbursements

All reimbursements requests must be for items that will be used in the current school year, in the classroom for an educational purpose.  

To remain in compliance with our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, the PTO may only reimburse expenses that serve a clear educational purpose or directly support student learning and development.

For the 2025 – 2026 school year, the Panthers PTO will purchase a maximum of $125 for all teachers.

If all involved agree, reimbursements may be combined (between teachers and/or between grade levels).  If this is planned, all involved must email the PTO treasurer stating that they are in agreement.  

Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to:

• Classroom supplies and instructional materials
• Books for classroom or school libraries
• Educational games, manipulatives, and learning tools
• Flexible seating or furniture that supports engagement and comfort
• Technology, software, or subscriptions used for instruction

All reimbursed items must remain in the classroom or with the school for continued educational use. Personal or decorative items without an educational purpose are not eligible. If you’re unsure whether an expense qualifies, please contact the PTO Treasurer before purchase.

Reimbursement Process:

• All reimbursements must be submitted by March 31st of the current school year.
• All receipts must be dated after August 1st of the current school year due to our fiscal year with the IRS.  
• When possible, the receipt should only contain items that are to be reimbursed (This may not always be possible, but we are unable to calculate or reimburse tax on mixed receipts).  
• All reimbursement forms should be accompanied with receipts. The new Google Form allows you to upload digital copies of your receipt.  If you are unable to do so, you can still email them or put them in the PTO Mailbox.  
• The new form will automatically be sent to the PTO for review. Send any questions to treasurer@pantherspto.org 

Google Form For Staff Reimbursement

Field Trip Reimbursements:

• For the 2025 – 2026 school year, the Panthers PTO will fund a maximum of $15 per attending student.  The maximum amount can be split between multiple field trips.  
• This form should be submitted AFTER you have attended the field trip so you have an accurate head count. 
• If payment is required ahead of time, please reach out to Tara Vaught, Panthers PTO Treasurer by way of an email at treasurer@pantherspto.org prior to going on the Field Trip to discuss reimbursement.  
• All Field Trip Reimbursements should be submitted by May 31st of the current school year to ensure time for reimbursement by the end of the school year.

• Field Trip-Reimbursement-Form.pdf

  Fill out this form for Field Trip reimbursements.

This process is specific to events that have been pre-approved to be funded by the PTO (this is not including Teacher Stipend Reimbursements).  Please review the Teacher Stipend Reimbursement tab for questions related to that process. 

• All PTO funded reimbursements (outside of the Teacher Stipend Reimbursement) must be pre-approved. 
• All reimbursements requests must be for items that will be used in the current school year. 
• Any item reimbursed by the PTO is property of the school.   

Reimbursement Process:

• All receipts must be dated after August 1st of the current school year due to our fiscal year with the IRS.  
• When possible, the receipt should only contain items that are to be reimbursed. (this may not always be possible, but we are unable to calculate or reimburse tax on mixed receipts).  
• All reimbursement forms should be accompanied with receipts. 
• The reimbursement form should be filled out electronically as the form will automatically add up your total.  
• Forms must be fully completed including a description of what the items are to be used for.  
• Forms should be submitted electronically to the treasurer email address and pictures of receipts should be attached.  

Timeline for Reimbursements:  

• Completed forms submitted by the 10th of the month, will be reimbursed by the end of the month.  
• Completed forms submitted after the 10th of the month will be reimbursed the next month.  

• PTO Funded Reimbursement.xlsx

President

The PTO President serves as the leader of the group and a key contact for members, officers and constituents. The President presides at all meetings and events and ensures all efforts are being directed toward meeting the group’s goals and objectives.
Status: Filled

Vice President

The Vice President shall act as aide to the President and shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of that officer.
Status: Filled

Treasurer

The PTO Treasurer is responsible for all funds that pass through the organization’s doors. This includes money collected at events and fundraisers as well as the disbursement of funds. The treasurer is also responsible for ensuring accurate bookkeeping.
Status: Filled

Secretary

The PTO Secretary maintains the group’s calendar of events and keeps a log of important notes from all general meetings. Maintaining an accurate history of key points discussed at each meeting is vital to keeping communication open and transparent.
Status: Filled

Membership Chair

The Membership Chair is responsible for recruiting parents and teachers to become members and be involved through the year.  Ensure all volunteers have completed their background check and by-laws forms.
Status: Vacant

Teacher Appreciation Chair*

Teacher Appreciation Chair is responsible for recognizing school staff/teachers throughout the year by organizing events as well as Teacher Appreciation Week.
Status: Vacant

Technology/Communications Chair

The PTO Communications Chair handles the creation and distribution of all PTO-related media and marketing. This includes newsletters, our website, social media, etc. 
Status: Vacant

Fundraising Chair*

The PTO Fundraising Chair works with school volunteers, parents, students, staff and community members to oversee all fundraising activities for the PTO. The Chair must develop and manage sponsorship and procurement and work closely with school administration to plan key fundraising dates.
Status: Vacant

Spirit Night Chair*

Organize fundraising opportunities at local restaurants, ensuring that we get the best percentage possible. Track past restaurant nights to determine which are the most successful. Help ensure restaurants send proceeds, as promised. Organize the events in a timely manner and communicate them to the Officers, social media and marketing volunteers.
Status: Filled

Family Fun Chair*

Responsible for organizing a fun event that the whole family can participate in, such as Bingo 4 Books and the Glow Dance. The chair coordinates the date with the PTO and administration, selects the event's theme, publicizes the event, and is responsible for the smooth running of the event. 

Status: Vacant

Spirit Wear Chair*

Coordinate D.G Cooley Panther gear so the whole school may show off their panther pride. Work with the vendor, organize order details, and distribute order forms or post online, and collaborate with staff to set up delivery details for spirit wear.
Status: Filled

Bulletin Board Chair*

Responsible for decorating the cafeteria bulletin board once a quarter.
Status: Filled 

School Beautification Chair*

Responsible for the upkeep of D.G Cooley's flower bed. This involves purchasing mulch and plants twice a year and coordinating volunteers.
Status: Vacant

* - Position can be held by two people working cooperatively. Bring a friend!

Blue text links to more information on the position.