We do not have anything in our bylaws stating how many years someone can hold a position. The lady who was president before me was our president for 11 years before me. She was a great president and it's hard following in her footsteps. She resigned due to family problems, but is always waiting for me to call on her for anything she can help with. She has saved me many times and has been a big help. I will probably not run next year as my children will no longer attend school there. If it was up to me alone, I would love to see her come back and do it again (I don't see it happening though). If someone is doing a great job as our former president, I don't see why you shouldn't keep them in, regardless of by laws. But if they are acting as you say there are, VOTE THEM OUT!
As everyone else here has said, this should definitely be stated in your bylaws! I am in a situation here at my children's school where the bylaws are completely disregarded unless it assists a Board member with their personal agenda. I don't know how things are done everywhere else but, here in New York City, all PAs are "regulated" by the Board of Ed with what they call "The Blue Book". It's a bunch of guidelines that we are supposed to follow. This is regarded the same way as our bylaws. Well, I tried to address my concerns to the Board but, all I got from them were lies or half-truths. So, the next step was to take it up with our Presidents Council. I thought that I hadn't gotten anywhere this time either. But, I just found out that the District Office has put together a template for us to follow when we revise our bylaws this year. We are required to get a Bylaws Committee together, also! I don't know the last time our PA ever had a subcommittee of any kind! Things here are so bad that for any monthly meetings held in the morning the only parents that attend are the ones that are already there for an English as a Second Language class. Make sure that your bylaws state the nomination/election process and that it's followed to the best of your ability. If the election is handled properly I can't imagine the membership voting for her again. Good luck.
Our by-laws also state a person cannot hold the same office on the board for more than 2 consecutive years. I would suggest talking wtih the other "co-president" who should have access to your by-laws if they are in existence. You should investigate what they say and also check with the other board members to what their understanding of the total situation. As a professional group you might collectively be able to refer to your by-laws in a matter of fact way and restate that no one can hold the same office for more than 2 consecutive years (If, in fact, that is what yours state) This way it would be done politely and not aimed at any one person in particular. It sounds like the strong co-president has her heart in the right place but has gotten way off track somewhere along the line. Possible "burn-out" syndrome or just needs the attention. Good luck to you on this.
Time to band together and 'gently' let her know that she needs to step down. Unfortunately alot of people are afraid of their 'elected officers'. You know what I mean...cliche here, cliche there.
But if you get a group together and speak out...I think it could work for your benefit. I cannot see having a president that thinks she is the one and only that can do everything. What a shame.....
Please don't do anything behind anyone's back though...what sort of message will that send to the rest of the group? Keep it out in the open...after all..this is YOUR school too!! You have every right to voice an opinion. So voice it.
As president of our school's PTO, I am appalled that someone would actually get elected into a position like that.
We work as a group. Noone is any higher up than anyone else. There needs to be 'team leaders' involved. Make sure you have elections at the PTO meeting next time. Remember why we are doing this.....for the kids...not for our own status quo.
I hope I didnt come across too harshly...I'm sure you are doing the best you can.
Wish you luck with this problem! If I can help...just let me know!
Val
Our bylaws also state that the officers can not serve more than 2 years(unless no objections). I would ask for a copy of your bylaws. Also ask the secretary to send a note home as to when the meeting for elections is. She should make it as big of a deal as possible. You can also get it out by word of mouth. It sounds like someone needs to speak up and boot her out. Good luck!
