Thanks for all of your replies. I got an answer to the situation, however it's not a good one.
The vice-pres. (who doesn't have kids at our school anymore) wrote the bylaws a few years ago and in them is written that the Pres. can appoint the officers - anyone they choose. She is not only on our PTO, but also an officer on the Jr. high and High School PTO's also.
The other thing is that this lady has a lot of contacts in local, state and national government and is using her pull to get large things for the school district ... this is why the school board won't touch her. They like all the extra's she is bringing in (large multi million dollar buildings etc. )
So our principal can't touch her and the school board won't. We, the little people who pay the dues, are out of the loop. We have been told there won't be any votes this year or elections because they will appoint the officers.
I would say that you need to go face to face to your Principal one more time and explain what exactly you are looking for. Specifically that you would like the Principal to help facilitate a meeting of the PTO at the school. Explain to her that there have been no meetings and that there are numerous parents that are looking to be involved. Drop the fact that you feel that the current President may be acting illegally and that that may affect the school.
I think if you take the lead then she might be willing to "assist". Have a letter generated that you can show the Principal. The purpose of the letter would be to go home to all families, including the current "President", explaining that a PTO meeting is being called to address the fact that the current Parent-Teacher Organization is not adhering to proper methodology. Have a copy of Rebert's Rules, found on this sight, to support your beliefs. Now it is possible that the group already has a set of Bylaws, and you might be able to find them at the City Hall. Definitely try that.
Hopefully this will spur the current "President" to respond/attend. Maybe she'll reach out to you, maybe not. At least this way you might get things moving in the proper direction.
It would be best if the Principal would set up a meeting between you/others and the current "President", but if not then this might be the best next option.
You may need to explain to the Principal that your next step would be to be talking with the Superintendant of Schools and/or the School Committee. This will likely get the Principal motivated.
I do like Jewels3 idea of talking with a previous President or members. Having the Bylaws would be a big help. But it's hard for me to believe that any set of Bylaws would allow the President to re-elect herself or even have a member that doesn't even have a child attending the school.
The financial situation would be a big concern here. You might want to inquire with the Principal as to what she knows that the PTO funded the previous year, as well as the fundraisers. She may not know specific amounts, but the general info should be helpful. Does the group have a Treasurer? If not then this President may have even more to answer for. This could be a good way to motivate the Principal. Imagine if each year a $10K fundraiser is held, but only $1000 is being spent (or something like that). Now imagine if the parents found out?
Just saying that if you explain things in the right way to the Principal she should end up being much more accommodating.
You might have to go back in time and track down one of the previous board presidents or any of the officers to see if they have a copy of the by-laws.
Something similar has happened to us. We ended up confronting the president. She had made such a mess of the checking account-she was acting treasurer-and you guessed it-there is now almost 10,000.00 dollars worth of checks written to her, by her. With no receipts. She flat out lied about some of the expenditures. What the heck do you say to the parents? We have taken the whole thing down to the PD and filed a complaint. There is just so much more to the story, but it would take all night to type! So I think you need to confront this person and take your concerns to the parents at the school.
Good Luck-
Mrs. Smith
You could check with your state to see if they have a copy of the articles of incorporation or by-laws; Massachusetts has some of this available on-line (don't know what state you're in).
Also, you can call the IRS and see if your tax returns have been filed. If your PTO is a 501c3 exempt organization, then its returns are public information, and must be available for inspection. If she hasn't filed returns, then there's a $20/day late fee adding up ...
Where does the PTO's money come from? Why is anyone contributing anything if there's no accounting?
I would think a meeting is in order-- why is your principal saying she can't do anything-- she can facilitate a meeting with the President-- it is a P (Parent) T (Teacher) O (Organization)
The principal is a part of the PTO so she should be involved-- and where are your by-laws-- there should be a copy somewhere to look over.
Do they use PTO Manager-- and are you connected with your school district like we are-- if you are, you can so go to the district and see if they can look into it as well.... but I think I would start at the school and internally first. Good luck!
