Well, tonight was the election. I was running for pres and my sil was running for secretary. Funny, how our ptl told me that "those bylaws are so outdated (1992) that we dont use them"...until they need to for their advantage. The other people won for pres and secretary. The bylaws state that a person can run for two consecutive terms and then they can't run anymore, but the secretary has been in office for about 5 years but no one can find a record of it. I talked with someone tonight who saved the school's newsletters from 5 years ago and she's sure it says that this person was in office way back then. The principal and pastor suddenly "dont have any records" of how long this person's been in office. I guess I must not have donated enough money to the church/school. At least not as much as this person has. Anyway, it's a moot point now.
Oh, my sil and I decided to get the word out on what kinds of changes we'd like to see, so we typed up a paper and distributed it as people were going in to the meeting. We did this because we knew we would not have the opportunity to make any kind of speach on our views during the meeting. My thought on this was, why vote blindly? At least they would know where we stood and could make an informed decision. Well, one of the teachers got hold of the paper and started to spread around that we are NOT supposed to do that, so that made a bad impression from the get-go.
Thanks for listening...
Perusing - check out Punky's other posts on this Bylaws board - Have to Vent! and Can Bylaws Expire?? It seems like there is a real mess going on in that group due to very relaxed bylaws and no term limits.
(btw - My group really is awesome. They make me look good!!!)
I agree with you that a parent should, ideally, be able to work their way through the parent group stepping stones- from general member to board member to executive board/officer. Unfortunately, there can sometimes be folks who get to the top and then want to stay there. No matter how amazing they are, I think it could be trouble for the group. What incentive would new parents have to get involved? If the incumbents think they're so fantastic, how open are they to new ideas?
In my own group, I'm not sure anyone would run against me. And it isn't because I'm so fabulous. (I am, but that's another story... LMAO) It's simply because I haven't screwed up yet. By leaving, I open up a spot for someone who might not have the confidence to run against me but who could probably do an even better job. In fact, I'm sure that our slated president for next year (elections next tuesday) will outrun me in just her first few months. It would be a shame to not see what she's capable of.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
While you're at it, could you recite your whole ByLaws. Just kidding, I'm sure I could piece together from your awesome responses around here.
I would love to have a PTO organization as on top of it as what you have. I won't bother to get into the sticky details, but we've been going as a "informal group" with an income - well - over the $25K by double plus.
So in all seriousness, we need to do some real updating and organizing this spring/summer.
Punky,
I'm curious why you don't want someone to go from one position to another. I'd be more concerned about staying in one position for years. I always thought the positions were kind of like a stepping stone progression. Start as a board member and then serve on the exec board as treasurer, secretary, vp & on to president. Someone who has served a vp would have a good grasp of the working knowledge of the group.
Are you fearful that person will win simply because they are the vp and not necessarily the best qualified?
Section 4 - Term Restrictions
No officer may be eligible for the same position for more than three consecutive years. No person may serve as an officer on the Board for more than five consecutive years.
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same."
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the true perfection of one's character."
Just put a statement to the fact that "All board members are limited to two consecutive years of service on the board regardless of the position for which they are applying. After a one year pause in board service, they are then eligable for nomination and election into another board position."
I'm in need of sample bylaw language for not allowing a board member who is currently in office being able to run for another board vacancy. For example, Tuesday is the elections for President and Secretary. The current VP is running for the Pres position. I'm running against her and our bylaws are very outdated (1992). If I'm elected Pres, I'd like to revise the bylaws and put some language in there so people who are currently in a board position cannot run for another open board position. Can anyone help?
Thanks!!
