Unfortunately our By Laws do not specify actions taken if a problem occurs. I have been trying for 2 years to get people to help rewrite and amend our By Laws and the idea has always been shot donw. Of course now these people want to follow them to a tee - when its convenient for them that is. Actually the By Laws do say she must complete reports, etc and have them available to others - and she has but only to her friends and not to the Officers. Sometimes I just dont feel that its worth all the hassle. I know I'll continue to help as I can but I'm just not sure I want to be a part of this new group wanting the "power".

I guess we have a small group and have never had someone bring their followers to try and overthrow a meeting, but isn't this why most groups have Executive Meetings where things like this are discussed? If it was voted and agreed upon and notices were sent home, then that should be the final word. Everyone had a chance. And, speaking as Treasurer, I try not to carry my receipts everywhere with me but I do carry an itemized expense sheet, profit and loss statement, and a copy of the agreed upon budget as well as the checkbook to every meeting incase there are any questions. I don't think it's in our bylaws about audits but they do say that the Treasurer must be prepared to show current financial statements at the meetings. Well, when you finally do get through the muck, you have some good ideas for clarifying your bylaws and checks and balances with a Treasurer. Good luck.

What do your bylaws say about the treasurers position and her unwillingness to let anyone see anything? According to many peoples bylaws she would be in violation of them.

It would be rather sweet if it is covered in your bylaws. Since she is shooting her mouth off about who is in violation of what and what needs to be null and void.

Ai yi y--OUCH. Could it get any MORE Hellish?

It seems to me you have two choices: Hash it out in a public meeting, ot throw up your hands and let them handle things if they're so scary smart. (If they're as charming as they seem, I can't imagine they'll be getting too much help).

You sound like a much better and more mature person than me! One of my faults is letting myself get caught up in this sort of drama too much. I would admittedly probably be working my magic through the grapevine, send out a school-wide notice listing the agenda of the next meeting, make sure the next meeting was packed in MY favor, then let the chips fall where they may.

Yes, bylaws should be followed. But they aren't engraved on the same tablet with the ten commandments, so I tend to take a more pragmatic view of them and feel they RULE when it comes to things financially and legally. This sort of personnel crap is a little more dicey, because while on one hand you want to follow "da rules" if you never bend you ultimately break. Assuming your PTO is under the school's umbrella the principal can pretty much direct the events, and anything decided prior to now, in my opinion, would hold. The principal's lack of action and support is bothering me. For someone who seems to have been the catalyst for all this they should be speaking to these people to keep things in order.

I suppose you could have another vote, and seeing as this lot doesn't seem to be too interested in what's good for the group as opposed to themselves you could angle that against them. Just make sure the slate you'd pick to run with would be comprised of people you can trust and are well-liked.

I've got my detractors who claim we've let our group become just like the one before us (controlling, unwelcoming and untrustworthy ). At first it REALLY bothered me, because it's SO not true. While it does continue to aggravate me on some level, I've calmed down and seen this bunch for the ever-whining, never happy, peeing on parade bunch they are. They love you when things go their way but when you have to take a stance or don't agree--watch out. :eek: They're so loud it seems like they speak for many, and have everyone's ear if you were believe everything they say. I've come to depend on my faithful friends and supporters whom I trust don't go for their crap and find my sanity there.

Fight the good fight, and if the fight isn't a good one, at least get in a few good parting shots!

[ 03-26-2005, 02:40 AM: Message edited by: kmamom ]

Well I called the meeting to go over the finances and the problems we are having. Nothing was resolved because the Treasurer brought her own agenda and dominated the entire evening! I attemtped to bring things under control a number of times- the principal did nothing.
This group has decided that we have been too comfortable for too long and that a change is needed. This group is upset that our spring carnival the year before last was cancelled claiming that the reason was because the Co Prez and VP did not step up in my place. We have listed in our By Laws a fundraising committee but do not use it as the principal chooses the fundraisers herself and all aspects of it. They are accusing us of not utilizing our commitees therefore making people feel unwelcome - though we actually have volunteers calling to help with events. I know that aside from the attitude of the current Treasurer - we have nothing to be ashamed of and can hold our heads high. These people have taken a personal issue and turned everything around so that they look like the hero and can slip into our spots. They do think I may be beneficial (as I have worked w/ the PTO and know it inside out for years) however I dont feel comfortable with the way they want to do things. I think they are nitpicking and thinking of only themselves. I cant imagine working along side them - they want to force the BOE to keep the principal out of their business. Yes I havent always agreed with her decisions but I dont think she has done anything except what she feels is best for her school. I dont want to fight or argue with anyone - we should be there as good role models. This group feels that means to let the kids know we wont take crap from anyone including the principal. I am so stressed out!!! HELP!!

[ 05-04-2005, 01:11 AM: Message edited by: EaglesPrez ]

It really bothers me that she wont let you see the checkbook. First thing Monday I would be calling the bank to check the balance and if there seemed to be a problem I would have them print off a statement for me.