Question: Can the Teachers Association take over our PTO?

There has been quite a bit of unrest at our school lately brought on ny the Teachers and compensated Staff. At our next meeting they are planning on trying to tell the current PTO officers that they are no longer welcome. Can we regulate how much involvement their association has at our meetings?

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
Yes. Your president (or whoever conducts the meeting) needs to have a firm hand. You can limit discussion on any issue to a certain period of time, and you can limit the time each person is allowed to speak. (say 1 minute each and 10 minutes total, for example) The most effective way to do this is, when you get to the specific agenda item, announce the limits on discussion, then use a watch to time people. If people try to speak on the topic at other points in the meeting, cut them off and say "we'll deal with that issue when we get to it on the agenda. Right now the floor is open to discussion only on (whatever the current topic is). I'm curious to know what you mean by the officer no longer being welcome. Are they trying to ban the PTO from the school? Is this part of a contract dispute?

Community Advice

cweckner writes:
We are an incorporated PTO with elected officers. The Principal had the entire Teacher Association (They are registered with the state as an association) come into our meeting and tell the current officers they are no longer welcome at the school. We tried to explain to them the legalities but they would not listen. I being the Treasurer have decided to resign due to the fact the principal and other staff members are taking retribution out on my child everytime they get mad at me. This situation started because the officers wanted to make sure the PTO was compliant with fed and state laws and we were seeking to become a registered 5013c. The principal does not want that to happen and has stated that it has been ran illegally in the past and she plans on making sure it continues that way.

Community Advice

Cindee writes:
Invite your district /state PTO/PTA to a meeting so they can understand exactly the situation on hand. They will give you the best advice towards what steps/actions are needed to regain control so you can become compliant with fed and state laws and becomes a registered 5013c.