kbruinooge;128124 wrote: Thanks for your imput. i agree that the by-laws can be seen by anyone at anytime. i will be making copies for our next meeting and told that to our parent. I hope this appeases her. I really don't feel as if we are hiding things.

thanks again.
k

From your questions and response- I dont think you are either-- I was just using that as an example- we've had issues with other nonprofits Not allowing bylaws to be seen because they were hidng something.

It was an example of how even good intentions can be seen in a bad light by some (or cynics like me)

Good luck... glad to see dialouge is ensuing even if the ohther may have (an agenda) you dont agree with..

Sounds like someone tried to put a move on you. She knew full well what she was doing when she attempted to slide onto your agenda at the last minute. She probably assumed that you'd get flustered, allow her in and regret it later. Sneaky. Good for you for keeping a clear head about it, seeking further input and giving the appropriate answer.

You say she is a non-parent so what was her purpose in coming to speak at a PTO meeting? I do think it's ok for non-parents to speak at meetings but only about PTO related issues.

You ask about any parent being put on the agenda. When I was president, anyone who called me ahead of time was offically on the agenda. I respected their time and asked if they'd like to speak early and then skip the rest of the 'business' or hang around and speak at the end of the meeting. Folks who showed up at the last minute had to save their comments until the "Other New Business" portion of the agenda, which is the very last item.

I don't think you'd want to discourage any parent from speaking, whether they're an official agenda item or other business. However, I would determine if they plan to discuss PTO related issues or not. If not, I would kindly explain that a meeting isn't the appropriate place for the topic and then steer them in the right direction.

I agree with Shawn about the bylaws. Every board member should have a copy in their folder that they bring to every meeting. As president I also kept several extra copies in my folder to share with anyone who requested a copy. I'm glad to hear that you plan to change how your bylaws are shared at your school.

Thanks for your imput. i agree that the by-laws can be seen by anyone at anytime. i will be making copies for our next meeting and told that to our parent. I hope this appeases her. I really don't feel as if we are hiding things.

thanks again.
k

Depends on what your bylaws state... on who, what, why is put on Agenda for each board mtg... Usually agenda pertains to PTA/O business with a new business or guest speaker (ie Training, Fundraiser pitch, Schoolboard vote, School district politics) at the end.

Her's sounds more like a Gen Mtg Agenda item.

As for the bylaws- Why wouldnt you make a copy to give to ALL parents if they requested it... ??? or not make one person them?? (Isnt this causing more problems and bad pub -by NOT having copies available??)

Why have the only copy the Pres carries around to all mtgs (can some one read them at a Board mtg?? without someone peering over their shoulder??)

- Only on one day they are allowed to be viewed (even the Constitution of the US is viewable everyday and copies are made available) and your bylaws are not available to be copied and read in the privacy of one's home??

'Perception is Reality' and the perception (is sounding fishy or someone is hiding something) isnt sounding very good even if bylaws and intentions are.

I'd change that odd bylaw quick.

I am currently ending my presidency and I was approached at the last meeting, 2 minutes before I was going to start my meeting, and a woman (non-school parent) if she could please be put on the agenda to speak. The Principal and I asked her what it was about... and long story short, we asked that we get some clerification from the Super... We finally got word from him that she not be allowed to speak due to the fact she was miss representing the "special Needs parent committee". I did not ever hear from her again.

Now, my question is.... can any parent asked to be put on the agenda to speak? I was asked tonight by one of our parents.... she felt that she was being sensored for lack of a better term. I didn't want to get into in with her at the time. The other woman was bashing our district and I didn't feel that it would be healthy for other parents to hear this.

The parent also asked if she could have a copy of the by-laws. Our by-laws state that they are presented for viewing the 1st meeting of the year,, and carried by the president the other meetings of the year.

I am sorry to go on, and on, but I really feel that I am not sensoring, but would like to keep to PTO concerns the night of meetings. And if she has other concerns she needs to go to the Principal and the Bd of Ed.

Any thoughts would be greatly apppreciated!!!

Thanks
my3sons - pulling my hair out.
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