we do have bi-laws but they aren't very good ones. I have been the treasurer of our PTO for 2years now and am running again this year. We have a person that is a teacher that is trying to get president but she has just showed up at the two fuctions that we had this year but has never volunteered for anything. This year our curent president changed how we were going to vote without discussing it with any of the officers or bringing it up at a meeting. We think that she is just trying to get the teacher elected. She opened the voting up to everyone between the times of 7:30am and 3:30pm and said that it was fair to everyone. But a lot of people work during these times and can't get in to vote but this is very good for all of the teachers. I want our PTO to be more family nights and other things for our children but all the teachers want is money! This certain teacher asked the PTO to pay for a summer softball league for adults. The PTO approved it but I didn't know what that had to do with our kids. I don't think any changes will happen if this person gets president.

How many activities do you all do per year that are free for families?

We have over $5000 sitting in our PTO account and only did 2 free family fuctions this year. I think we should have used more of that money for our children.

I'm just trying to get ideas for next year because we are going to amend the Bi-Laws. Any ideas that you have put in your Bi-Laws that have worked I would to hear them. Our PTO seems to not really pay attention to the Bi-Laws. They do things the way they want to. Hopefully we can change that next year so that they read better and are fair to everyone.

Everything have heard so far is great. I wish I would have found you guys 2years ago. Maybe I could have tried to make some changes this year.

Thank you again for all your input!!!They are wonderful ideas!!!

gaddini

Although I agree that a person running for an elected office should be a volunteer and run a few events first, not everyone feels that way. As a PTO person voting, I would want to know that the person I am electing can handle the responsibility. Without volunteering for as much as a bake sale, how would you know that the person can make a sound decision. You would think they would want to show that they are capable and have what it takes, but not everyone is "wired that way".
I wish our bylaws stated that, but I think they were written as to not exclude anyone or to make it more difficult for people to get involved. This is my last year in my school and I'm stepping down as President with no hopeful signs of a replacement. So they may get a parent as you described taking over because the others that ARE involved, don't want the added responsibility.

Do any of you have bylaws that require a person must serve as an officer of the PTO BEFORE being elected as President? We don't but it seems to me this would allow the presidential hopeful the opportunity to get to know the nitty gritty of the PTO prior to becoming the head tuna.

Last year we had a newcomer who was not involved in any activities and did not attend meetings run for president vs the incumbent who had volunteered hundreds of hours and previously served as secretary. The incumbent won and the newcomer hasn't volunteered or attended any meetings since.

Any thoughts?

Our voters must be a PTO member and either have attended 2 PTO meetings prior to the election or have volunteered during the year. The intention is that voters are those that have put an effort into the events during the year have a better view of what is involved and the workings of the PTO itself. A person that is a member only & never gets involved would not necessarily know who is best suited for the job.

As mentioned - check into what the by-laws for your group says. Our group would answer the following ways:

Q1. The May meeting must be attended to vote. However, we send a notice 30 days before that meeting stating the nominees for the open positions and that the election will be taking place at May's meeting.

Q2. If you are a parent with a child in our school, you can run for any open position.

Here's what our bylaws have to say. Does your group have bylaws? We also require only members who have paid their dues and are present at the election night can vote....


a. The nomination committee at the May meeting will present a slate of nominees for office. A nomination committee consisting of three people from the general membership, and one board member will prepare the slate. The nominating committee shall select a candidate for each office and present the slate at a meeting held one month prior to the election. Nominations can be made from the floor, provided that the consent of the nominee has been given. Voting shall be by voice vote if a slate is presented. If more than one person is running for an office, a ballot vote shall be taken.
b. Members are eligible for office if they are members in good standing before the nominating committee presents its slate.
c. Officers are elected for one year (July 1 to June 30). Each person elected shall serve only one office at a time.
d. If there is a vacancy in the office of president, vice-president will become president. At the next regularly scheduled meeting, a new vice-president will be elected. If there is a vacancy in any other office, members will fill the vacancy through an election at the next regular meeting.
e. Officers can be removed from office with or without cause by two-thirds vote of those present (assuming a quorum) at a regular meeting where previous notice has been given.