I am in no way bashing PTA because I have no experience with them.
The reason I do LOVE PTO (or PTSO, PTSA, etc) is because we can adapt our bylaws to fit the specific needs of our communities.
In our school, we agree that the the principal is above the PTO. We are a service branch that works to provide the extras and give parents a way to be active in the school. His official role is to be a liason between us and the BOE. He also attends every meeting so he can be on top of what our group is doing. He has final say on any activities we do, any literature we want to send out and overall how we conduct ourselves within the community.
It works well for us.
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."
Thanks for the input - I have perused at least 15 different bylaws and, while PTAs have standard wording including the Principal, PTOs are split - some mention, some make no mention. Of ones that mention - some sit on the board, some specifically, do not. Most, even if they are on the board, and/or do have a vote, tend not to vote. I am trying to get this across to our Principal - that it is her school - if she doesn't want something it doesn't go, and if she does want something - we try to make it happen.
I'm not sure if I should just advise the inclusion of a vote for the Principal just to appease this particular one or keep trying to explain that she doesn't need a vote - it puts her on 'equal' ground with the board when she isn't - she's above the Board -
I don't think our bylaws are the best ever or the only way to do it, just that they work for us. Also, it's easy to cut and paste from my Word document!!!
Here's what they say:
Section 4 – Principal
The PTO Board will be advised and guided by the principal or other designee of the Board of Education.
Section 5 - Voting Privileges
All members of the Board, with the exception of the principal, may cast one vote. No vote may be cast by proxy. If the chairman of a committee is not present to cast a vote, one person representing that committee may cast one vote.
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."
our principal does have a vote, because he is a member. however, you have to remember, it is still his/her school. normally, ours chooses not to vote. that has worked out fine so far.
I am chairing a committee assigned to revise the bylaws. I have received TONS of guidance, help and support from PTO Today. We are in the 11th second of the 59th minute of the 11th hour...and
...trouble knows no bounds. So, how do most PTO groups out there include the Principal - we all know that we operate under the BOE and have clear wording about not directing the admin...
Does the Principal sit on the Board? A Member? Honorary? Advisor/Counselor?
Mainly - when it comes to Board decisions and voting - does the Principal get a vote?
