The activity level of the PTO can also vary widely from school to school. You might want to talk to some parents about what they can tell you about the PTO. It may be very laid back -- ask politely about the minutes, you don't want the secretary to get defensive about how the PTO never has done minutes, they've never seemed important ...
Yes, that would concern me too and it's something that jumped out at me in your first post but I let it go. Considering that the former VP was apparently incommunicado with the PTO, one would think that the President would be "all over" getting together with a replacement anxious to be involved. Perhaps there is a lot more to this story from the former VP's perspective than has been told to you........
Anyway, the secretary of the PTO is the "keeper of the keys" as far as being the person to ask for copies of the minutes, etc. if the President doesn't respond. If the PTO has a website, the reports/minutes might be posted there as well.
If the president hasn't contacted you within two weeks prior to the next PTO meeting, pick up the phone and call her.
I am a little concerned that the president has not contacted me yet. I sent her an email requesting a briefing, documents and perhaps a meeting to understand her vision and goals so I could provide the appropriate support, but I have yet to receive a response. I am very excited about my position and I don't want to wait until the last minute to catch up on what has been going on. Traditionally, who keeps this information? Could I gather these documents at the school? I know the school personnel are incredibly busy, so I am hesitant of bothering the principal at this point with all my questions. The next meeting is in a month, how long should I wait for the president's response and what should be my next step in case she doesn't contact me?
The role of the VP can vary dramatically from one situation to another. I've been in situations where the person literally never had a responsibility except to run the meeting the rare instance the Pres was absent. And that's a shame.
You need to work out your role with President. Yes, the VP is a understudy for the position of president, filling in when that person isn't available. But it's so much better if you have specific responsibilities. This, of course, means the pres has to delegate and that's hard for some people.
You might have something specific in your bylaws, but probably not. Figure out your strengths and availability and work out tasks where you complement the pres and work well as a team.
Assuming that your PTO meets monthly, ask the PTO secretary for copies of the minutes and treasurer's reports since the beginning of the school year. Then, contact the president and set up a meeting so you can better understand the events that have already occured, the events scheduled for the remainder of the school year, and where your assistance is best needed at this point.
On my first PTO meeting I was selected VP. The last VP was not returning calls of attending meetings. I am really excited about this, but I have no experience whatsoever. I would like to know what is expected of me (I was told I was going to be the president's sidekick). Also, the president has not contacted me or introduced me to anyone. Next meeting won't be until mid December, so would it be appropriate to introduce myself by email? What kind of information do I need to be brought up to date? Financial records, calendar of events of past and future activities, contact lists, PTO rules, vision? My daughter started this school last week so I really want to start on the right foot with everyone by introducing myself properly and knowing what is expected of me. I became a new member to this site, so I think I am on the right track! I appreciate any help.
