Question: How do you fill a new positions properly under a bylaw change of adding a new position?

I need help! We are holding a special meeting to update our bylaws to add a co-chair to VP of Student Activities and a VP of membership. We plan to get this approved, but then how do we go about filling these positions correctly. We already have 2 ladies that want to do it. But the question is.... in our bylaws the nomination process takes over 60 days. But that is for regular elections. This was voted in on a special meeting. So can we use the area of filling a vacancy where the BOD appoints the people for these positions. My question is I don't quite understand the 3 days in Article VII Section C Letter B. A vacancy occurring in any elected office, other than president, shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person from the membership appointed by a majority vote of the Executive Board with three (3) days notice being given to the membership. Does this mean we let the general membership know that the board will meet in 3 days to determine who will fill these vacancies and if they have any nominations to please let us know in this time frame or does it mean we post our decision for 3 days after a decision had been made?

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Hi there,
It sounds like the rules you are referring to apply to a vacancy, not new positions. When it comes to changes in the bylaws, you do need to present the proposed changes to the general membership for discussion and then a subsequent vote. We'd suggest that you don't need to rush this. Go through the process of amending the bylaws and in the meantime, these folks can help as volunteers in working on membership and student activities. Once the new positions have been approved, you can hold a special election. Rose

Community Advice

Brandye writes:
Ok. That is what we are planning to do. We are going to vote on the bylaws changes tomorrow. There is no guidance on holding a special election. I was going to state the below info at the end of the approval of the bylaw changes. I had a lawyer look at it and they believe I should go with version 2.. What are your thoughts. Especially since there is no information on how to fill new positions

Version 1

Thank you for attending this special meeting. We are excited for what the PTO can accomplish this year, especially with these added positions.
Next, we will be working to fill these vacancies. Per our Bylaws (Article VII Section 7 letter b) our Executive Board will chose candidates from membership during our next Executive Board Mtg and they will be posted for membership to review for 3 days.

- The meeting is adjourned.
Version 2

Thank you for attending this special meeting. We are excited for what the PTO can accomplish this year, especially with these added positions. Next, we will be working to fill these vacancies. Per our Bylaws (Article VII Section 7) our Executive Board will have a special meeting in 3 day to fill these vacancies. Please lets know of any recommended nominations by Monday August 21 at 5pm. Thank you

- The meeting is adjourned.

b. A vacancy occurring in any elected office, other than president, shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person from the membership appointed by a majority vote of the Executive Board with three (3) days notice being given to the membership.

Advice from PTO Today

Rose H writes:
Hi again Brandye,
If you had a lawyer review this, I'd opt to let that opinion stand. But one other question: Are you a PTA? If so, you can consult your district rep. to find out if the language is appropriate.

Rose