Super,
I think you need to remember that a person voted in can be voted out. They answer to the people that voted for them. The organization needs to get involved in changing the bylaws to make it a document that supports the organization not it's executive board alone. You need to get the principal involved as the direct laision with the other teachers and the administration.
We have a good example of the things your bylaws should say. If you want, I'll email them to you. Let me know. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What a mess!!! My recommendation is to start a petition and ask the general membership to sign it. This will do two things, first, alert the membership to what's going on with the board, and second, give you a leg to stand on when you object to the changes the board is attempting to make. When you present the petition, do it at a meeting at a general membership, make a motion, get a second and call for a vote. (Try to get as many members as you can to attend this meeting.) If this doesn't work, you may need to follow ColumbusPTO's advice. Boycott PTO activities so the board is a "leader with no followers." Good luck!
You have some issues that are beyond a PTO's wildest nightmare. I thought we had some problems here. I am a "voted" member of our PTO (Treasurer). All board members for our PTO must be voted in. We however, are in the same boat as you. Our by-laws do not address such things as how and who can change the laws/rules. We do have terms set and what officers are required but that's about all we have. I am also looking to get our by-laws amended to prevent things like this from happening in the future. The biggest problem you have is the other 2 members are picked by the Pres and aren't likely to vote against him/her and the Principal isn't willing to get involved. The Principal doesn't have any say so however, the actions of the PTO directly affect the school, the children and the teachers and that should be the concern of the Principal to want to get involved. Our Principal has an open door policy with those of us on the board and is actually an authorized signature on the checks for the PTO. She has provided us with endless information that helps decide where and how the money should be spent. She has also worked to get the teachers more involved as well.
My only advice to you would be: If the President is unwilling to work with the entire Organization instead of filling a personal agenda, then boycott the PTO. Get with the other members and refuse to support the board. Without your assistance for fundraisers and such, there won't be much need for the board to be there. The President is using his position to bend the rules to his/her favor, you as a parent/teacher and PTO member have the right to do the same.
Wow Super,
First, the Principal doesn't really carry much authority in the case of the PTO. While it is best to work with him/her, remember that your organization should be able to manage itself.
Now, as for managing itself, it sounds like the organization's membership needs to get informed of the goings of the Board. They need to get involved in the bylaw enforcement as well as any changes that are proposed. Most bylaws refer to Robert's Rules for instances that are not specifically addressed.
Keep us informed and I hope this helped.
I just attended a meeting of the executive board of our PTO and am very disturbed by what occurred. The board which is only 1/3 elected, the other 2/3 appointed based on only the President's say so (no vote) are now getting ready ot vote/sign-off on changing the By-LAWS to RETROACTIVELY make their term in office two-years vice the current one year (per current BY-LAWS.) Just to make it clear 1/3 was elected last May to a one-year term of office; the other 2/3 placed in office by the PTO pres and now they are voting themselves an extension of office. I am very disturbed by this for three reasons: (1) 2/3 of the exec board the minimum necessary to pass any By-LAW ammendments was hand-picked by the current President (not likely to bite the hand that feeds you); (2)one of the appointees is not even a valid/legitimate PTO member based upon current BY-LAWS; (3) and while the suggestion was strongly and clearly made that such a significant departure from current BY-LAWS should be presented to the general membership (this is not required by current BY-LAWS.. but then who would think that such a board would be so self-serving). Another SCARY thought is the VP really wants to make the term of office indefinite... basically until they resign. In addition to this there are additional red-flags that I don't think can be adequately addressed/resolved while the current VP and past Treasurer holds a seat; this person is strongly backed by the Pres.
The principal is not likely to actively intervene in this matter; the parlimentarian while apparently learned and conscientious is very new to the board and unlikely to rock the boat.
Based upon the violation of BY-LAWS, improper appointments and the proposed change to BY-LAWS which in effect violates the current BY-LAWS; they stated in the BY-LAWS that elections would not be held again until 2005 (every odd year) [How very odd]; is this enough to remove the President and appointed board members? How exactly is this done? With a petition of the general membership, and brought to whom?
This isn't the only wacky change they've proposed
Super,
It sounds like there is a severe integrity issue with the President. If the organization has a problem with this person, maybe you should look into removing them and voting in someone else.
