I haven't seen this issue addressed on the boards and am hoping for some help. Our present board consists of our president (a school employee), VP, treasurer, and secretary. We have only 4 meetings scheduled for the year (Oct, Jan, Mar, May) and so far only the president and one other officer ever bother to show up for the meetings. The secretary hasn't made any of the meetings this year. We have not had elections for over 4 years although a couple of parents have brought it up each year. Our by-laws call for annual elections. The principal is no help in this case as she is covertly running the PTO, to the point that she appointed officers and they look to her for all answers to questions at meetings. She also will not allow any fundraisers that she has not approved. By-laws are not being followed at all. The parents have no say in the budget process -- last year we were presented at the May meeting with an already approved budget. (Our by-laws say that Roberts' Rules should be followed). Needless to say that attendance at our meetings is ridiculously low and our fundraisers have dropped off by more than 35% in the last 4 years despite an increase of 160+ students to our school. Parents have complained to our school board and been told that the PTO is an independent organization and they do not control it. Although we do not believe that money is missing, it is not reported clearly so we cannot be sure. Only board members' ideas are ever considered and it is completely frustrating to general members that we are constantly ignored, even though we are the ones raising the funds for our PTO. There is a group of parents who would like to see changes occur, but most are intimidated by the principal. Since our school administration will not take action, there are never any elections to allow the general members to take action, and our board thinks everything is just fine, what recourse do the general members have? Is there some legal body to complain to? What legal actions can we take against the present board? I know most responses are going to be sit back and wait, but I've been doing that for 4 years and things have just gotten worse so give me something constructive to work with, Please!