Not to be rude at all, but going to the Superintendent seems a little harsh, in my opinion. From experience, I think that you should start out by volunteering with the pto. Possibly getting a position on the Executive Board to get your feet wet to see what really is involved in running a PTO. Trust me, I have been on the Executive Board for 3 years and now this is my first year as President. It is a lot of responsibility, work and very time consuming trying to make everyone as happy as we can. I would start of slow and be a team player. Just my 2 cents.

There should be multiple copies of the bylaws; not just one. What if that copy were lost or destroyed somehow? Politely remind them that duplicate copies should be available or ask to photocopy the principal's copy. You need the OLD version; not the new one. Since you will see in that version who can change the bylaws and who needs to approve them. If they need to be presented at a meeting, then the new version is useless.
Not sure if going to the superintendent this early in the game is a good idea. Try again with the President & Principal for a copy of the bylaws, first. If you are a 501c3 PTO, there is a complaint dept that can be called if an organization is not operating appropriately and according to the bylaws that they filed under.

You can try the super, but since she hired the principal (most likely) dont be surprised if she sides with the principal.

And uslaly, supers dont like to get involved in pto matters becuase they are not directly education related, and not staff business.

but u can always try. its always good to konw the super anyway, so maybe its a good opportutnity to ask for a meeting about that and get to know how things work there.

its amazing what you can learn face to face sometimes.

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I tried to get the by- laws today and was told they were "being revised and were out for approval." When I asked to see the original I was told that a parent on the executive P.T.O. board had them. Everything I read indicates the by-laws need to be on file with the school. I'm just worried that I've blackballed myself as the principal, I've learned, is in support of this current regime. I may elevate this to the superintendent. What do I have to lose?

Any member of the PTO should be able to obtain a copy of the bylaws for the asking. They are not to be held from the members. Start there and read through them. In addition, any changes done to your bylaws must be presented at a meeting with your PTO members and voted on. If your membership does not vote on the changes, they shouldn't be put into effect. Although the PTO's got together to discuss these changes, unless they are voted on by each school and accepted, it doesn't mean that they automatically go into effect. The voting on the changes keeps everything on the "up and up" and nothing sneaky going on. Don't give up and definitely speak up!

Sure sounds like you're being shut out doesn't it?

I second my3's advice. Ask for a copy of the bylaws and see if they are really following what's in them in terms of who is eligible to run for office.

Even if you find yourself unable to get in this year, don't walk away. Attend all those meetings, throw out your ideas(even though they will probably get shot down by the sounds of things) and volunteer, volunteer, and volunteer some more. Get yourself known around the school for your good work, great ideas, and positive attitude, then next election time throw your hat in the ring. It really sounds like this group needs a change of the guard!