Question: PTO President without kids at the school

Can a parent or grandparent that no longer have children attending the school still be PTO president and can a teacher or assistant teacher be PTO president?

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Community Advice

mum24kids writes:
Depends on what your bylaws say. If they are allowed to be members, then unless your bylaws specifically prohibit it, they are most likely allowed to be officers.

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Yup, mum24kids' point about the bylaws is key. We'd also say that we think it is great when teachers can participate in PTOs, even as an officer . They bring so much to the table and can really lend a great perspective to the group.

Community Advice

ainielel writes:
Can board members be related?

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
ainielel -- The answer is yes, unless there's a specific bylaw against it. It's not common, but I have heard of groups having a bylaw against husband and wife both holding board positions. In general, my philosophy is that anyone willing to spend the time and effort to be a parent group leader should be welcomed. If there's a concern about a conflict, that can be addressed at election time by the members.

Community Advice

ainielel writes:
How can I view my PTO's bylaws? We don't mind that they are related, its just 3 out of 5 board memebers are. The last 3 years there have only been 5 memebers, and this year new parents and teachers have joined this year. They don't have minutes from previous meetings, the board has been changing their mind how much schools will get. So new parents and teachers are just looking into it. They kept making a point talking about elections, but we are looking at it as a transition year. Just want to make sure that the next 5 years are smooth, would hate for 2 schools to loose money because of the board. Thanks This is more like grandmother and 2 daughters I believe. Dont know specifics, just learning more about PTO. The principles attend the meetings, so luckily we have their support. Just didn't know anything about bylaws. Thanks again

Community Advice

gjcoram writes:
Our by-laws require officers to be a parent or guardian of a child in the school. Unfortunately, one often has to ask the board to get a copy of the by-laws, and sometimes no one seems to know where they are.

Community Advice

Ash writes:
The by-laws must be made available to all PTO members regardless of whether or not you are on the board or a general member. The by-laws need to clearly specify who can hold any given position. I would say that most PTO's require a board member to have a child currently enrolled at the school where they serve. If that is not in your by-laws then it should be added if there are parents of currently enrolled students willing to serve on the board. A teacher should only be a board member as a faculty representative and not in any other role, it is a conflict of interest. The teachers should have a board representative. If your school refuses to give copies of the by-laws call your district public information director or let the IRS know they are not providing requested documents which are requirements to maintain non-profit status.