What do the by-laws state about forming committees, especially the Nominating Committee? I would think whoever formed them would have the authority to disband and reappoint a new one IF they have legitimate and serious reasons for doing so.

In our case, the Exec Bd. would have a hard time disbanding a NC. It is defined by our Charter as a standing committee and so there must be one. It is chaired by the Principal but contains between 2-4 parents. I suppose in theory the Exec Bd. could find 4 new parents to serve, but that would be difficult.

Also, our NC is more responsble for checking eligibility to serve rather than deciding who the slate will be. Parents interesting in sefving on the board need to let the NC know and they announce all who are eligible for each position before the election.

I agree with jrzgirl that if the process were patently unfair and against the by-laws, it should be stated before the NC presents the slate and before any election is held. The only thing I would add would be to let the current board know what you are planning to do before the meeting - I don't think it is fair to spring this kind of surprise on them.

Also, if elections are not held at the scheduled meeting, there should be a provision for a special meeting that could be scheduled to do the election. It may not be optimal, but the entire process should be held in accordance with the by-laws (which the PTO organization agreed to be bound by when they approved them).

Good luck!

Had this same problem this year! Vote was definitely fixed (my nominees were never contacted) and person running the committe is not even a paying PTO member (this was a disregarded bylaw). Although I am not involved next year I was torn as to wether do anything about it. I had a speech written, explaining every bylaw broken, my situation with my nominations being tampered with, etc. Since I think I'll enjoy it more sitting in the audience bringing up the broken laws at every meeting so everyone can see how corrupt our current and next-year's president really is, I let it go.

But if your really up for it...write a statement explaining your reasons for beleiving it was corrupted (hopefully with actual facts and not feelings to back you up) and bring it to the membership, either when the board starts to discuss the nominations (stand up & interrupt them!) or during your meetings discussion time (if you have one). Read your statement of facts and then ask for a motion to discuss it further (have a friend second your motion). If nobody wants to discuss besides you, ask for a membership vote to void the nominations and rehold elections.

And don't let them tell you it's too late. The year's not over yet! Maybe it will have to be done quickly, but at least it will be done lawfully!

Good Luck!

Not being a parliamentary authority, I'm only guessing here.....

What exactly does your bylaws say about the role of the Nominating Committee?

If there are specific guidelines for them to follow and they violated them then their work is null and void. I'd say it becomes the executive officers' position to appoint a brand new committee and start from scratch. Since the end of the year is quickly approaching, that doesn't give you much time.

If they followed the guidelines and all slated candidates are eligible then I don't think there is any way to remove them other than having a particular candidate willingly remove him/herself.

That's just my own opinion. There are other people a lot smarter than me posting on these boards so I'm sure you'll get tons of great advice.

Can a board "void" a nominating committee if facts come out that make it not fair, balanced and give off the feel of being corrupted?

I have checked the bylaws and it states nothing about it. I have also checked Roberts Rules and cant find anything there, either.

If we cant null the slate and the committee what are the procedures for removing a name(s) from the slate?

Thanks in advance.