Question: Check bouncer wants to run for PTO board

We have a parent at our school who wants to run for a position on our executive board. The problem is that she has an outstanding debt to the PTO from a fundraiser. Her check bounced and she has been gradually paying us but still has this debt. I have not been able to find anything in Robert’s Rules concerning this. In our bylaws, it states that any parent who wants to run for any position on the executive board is allowed as long as they have paid their membership fee. I myself do not think that this is OK for her to run. What do you think about this?

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Advice from PTO Today

Elly writes:

If this mom has paid her membership fee, then it sounds like under your current bylaws she is in good standing and has every right to run. Elly understands that you might feel reluctant to let this mom run for office in light of the bounced check, but if she’s made a good faith effort to repay the money up to this point, then you really have no choice. (Just for the record, your own bylaws determine your group’s policies for officers and members; Robert’s Rules is merely a set of guidelines that explain how to follow parliamentary procedures and manage your meetings.)

If any parent refuses to make good on a substantial debt or hefty amount of unpaid fundraiser product, you might consider working with a professional collections agency and let them handle the matter. Assuming she’s a first-time offender, however, the offense is forgivable for the time being. In Elly’s opinion, one bounced check doesn’t warrant any sort of brick wall between this woman and your group’s ranks. The truth is that discussing a parent member’s financial status, either privately among your fellow officers or publicly at a PTO meeting, is not appropriate or healthy for your group. It could also spell legal trouble down the line.

If you have other legitimate concerns about this mom’s ability to perform her duties as an officer, whether it’s her lack of experience or organizational skills, Elly has an idea: Why not implement a leader-in-training system or assistant positions within your group? Perhaps you could pair her with one of your group’s veteran leaders so your group can ensure that she’s carrying out her duties effectively.

Finally, Elly would like to suggest changing your membership policy. By their very nature, fees are exclusive. By imposing membership dues and then granting certain privileges just to those folks who pay up, you’re creating a barrier to involvement. You also run the risk that some will see your group as selective—and that’s likely to turn them off from getting involved.

Community Advice

jenilou28 writes:
I see no reason why she should not be allowed to participated, as long as she is not responsible for the handling of money in anyway. As long as a parent has paid their dues and can pass a SLED check (as required in our district), then they have the right to participate.