Thanks to all for thoughts, ideas and insights! It is apparent that we will need to include a provision for the removal of officers in our bylaws. If you have such a clause, I would greatly appreciate having a model to work from. In the meantime, I am doing my best to support the president, do what's right for the PTOs and keep us out of court! And looking for the silver lining that is sure to emerge (eventually)! Thanks again.
The others are correct, if the issue cannot be absolutely determined to be PTO business, keep the PTO out of it. It's amazing what personal fights you can be drawn into.
One year we had a mom wanting us to document the various events the PTO had hosted and verify that her (soon to ex) husband had not attended and had never signed up as a PTO member. This was going to be part of her evidence of non-involvement at the custody hearing.
on further thought, why not simply respond to the parent (certified letter) that personal issues with other parents should be handled outside of school and outside of school pto affairs.
you could advise the parent that if they have a DIRECT pto related concern, they outline all their concerns in writing and the board would then address them.
my guess is, the problem (impeachment request) will just disappear.
parent spats should be handled privately (goes without saying) and if its pto business related, there is NO reason to NOT DISCLOSE the matter in full.
it could be a situation where one parent is trying to use the pto for personal reasons, which is of course absurd and inappropriate but that doenst mean some people dont try it.
One question that I have is whether these five groups are independant or not. If so, then they likely have their own Bylaws that govern them, and this single parent should talk with the Principal regarding her "personal problems".
Should the PTO Coordinating Council be involved? That would depend on whther or not these five groups fall under the coordinating council. If not, meaning they are independant, then I recommend informing the school's Principal, maybe setting a meeting with the group's President, and leave it at that.
I'd start by requesting a written request by this parent. The request should outline the reason why including what by-laws have been violated with proof via paperwork or a contact name for validation. Think of it as the start to an investigative probe.
If the parent can not or will not do this chances are the request is a personal problem and they are not willing to go the distance. If they do go the distance you must review and take action with authortative figures overseeing your every move.
<font size=""1"">We must overcome the notion that we must be regular...it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to do the mediocre."</font> (Uta Hagen)</font></font><br /><br> <br /><br>"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments...
get the FACTS and VERIFY THEM.
dismiss rumors and unspecified 'personal reasons'
allow prez to confirm or refute those 'facts'
seems ludicrous to consider any such a request with NO FACTS or supporting details (and NO its not important to share the 'details' here, whats important, is the PROCESS you go thru and that process should be same no matter what the 'reason' is.....and yes you need bylaws clause for ssuch procedures in future).
imagine what people will think of your group if you fire someone based on unspecified, unverified, hearsay (that is what it amounts to, what you know now).
what would the school do, if instead that parent wanted to impeach a teacher or the principal? would they even listen to such an absurd request that is not substantiated?
maybe ask your principal for advice if you are at a loss.
