I guess my real worry was that they looked like deer caught in the headlights of a car when they found out that no one else was running and they were shoo-ins. They weren't gung ho about doing it, but were willing. They both have lots of volunteer experience, so you're right, they should be great.

Let me tell you what happened to me. One week after being elected to 1st VP (my very first experience as an officer)the entire board quit!

I became President, rounded up a new board with none of us having any experience. It worked out well. We did more for the kids then any other board did. Our Principal was very happy and still is. He supports everything we do.

If I need help I ask friends who are in other PTA/PTO's or ask here on the boards.There is a wealth of information here on the boards and the people here are witty, fun and most importantly informative.

Just remember, what looks bad can really turn out to be a blessing. It's what you and the group make of it!

I agree with Critter about the co-pres thing. It can get testy enough when others on the board unintentionally undermine authority or overstep their boundaries. Definitely dilineate duties, or have agreements, or they're WILL be problems later on, I guarantee it.

Michelle is right--experience isn't always everything. Would you rather have had them at at least a COUPLE of meetings before taking office--SURE! I know I feel that way about our new PTA treasurer. But, I'll give her a go. Who knows, maybe having this position will get her into being involved. But when I started our group, I had NO experience, with ANY of it, and I'm doing OK. Sure, I've had some stumbles, and I'm sure I'll have some more, but I'm glad everyone is supporting me (at least to my face ), and letting me try as hard as I can.

Don't sweat it too much, yet. And if things get out of control, melloweer and I will round up the posse we were getting together for <Bertha> and bring oder back to Dodge City!

Nonsequitur- Don't sell them short. Passion is 95% of the job. At our school last year, our President had been vice-president the year before and the Treasurer was in her first year. Then, last year, the VP became President and the Treasurer stayed. I was an active parent and secretary in my first year on their board.
They were horrible! And being the peon, I got overruled at every turn. We didn't accomplish much and we had experience. (I take responsiblity that I didn't fight a little harder against them but lessons learned)
Then in the elections, no one decided to return. (I did and there is a story to that and how I became Council President but another time...)
This years board was brand new. The president had never been involved. The VP was a willing volunteer the year before but since that board did nothing, she wasn't used. I pulled the treasurer in as a member two months before elections and the secretary had never been involved prior.
They won 8 awards at the State convention last weekend. They ran a community health and safety fair with 1200 people in attendance from all over the area. They were recognized by our Senator (minority whip) Harry Reid(D)and Congressman Jim Gibbons (R). They recieved awards from the community for their contribution as a PTA and the school did wonderfully this year. They ran a successful fundraiser that raised $54,000. They ran several events and they were completely inexperienced. I can't even begin to describe their many accomplishments but I can say "WOW".
Try to stay positive about this new board and don't worry until they give you a reason to. You may be pleasantly surprised!

I was secretary under co-presidents who had never been to a PTO meeting before, but were good friends with good intentions. It was fine and they did a great job.

But...there is one piece of advice I would give from that experience: get them to clearly define a separation of duties ahead of time. Why? It gets confusing and delays decision making when every decision, even the most mundane, must be made by 2 people. The confusion can also cause tension between them since no one person "owns" the decision or the power.

For example, as secretary, I had to get the minutes and any other PTO communication approved by 2 people, not just one - often one Co-prez would undo revisions suggested by the other co-Prez. People aren't sure who to call if they have an issue about PTO. The principal doesn't know if he can have a meeting with just one co-prez. etc.

If the presidents sit down and consider the job ahead of them (which may take some help if they are new to the PTO), then maybe they can agree on a separate list of duties/responsibilities which can be communicated to your parents.

Incidentally, we revised our bylaws to allow one and only one president (but leaves open the possibility of co-vice presidents which we will have next year).

We had such a hard time getting people to run for the 2 open board positions (Sec and Pres) that they went fishing into the general school. Next year we have 2 Co-presidents that have no idea how to do anything. One had never been to a meeting before the vote.

They were nominated because they are all wonderful class room volunteers and do a ton at the school, but have no experience with the PTA.

I'm sensing a problem arising...