luvmygirls,

From what you indicated I would venture that if someone wanted to become a member of your PTO they could just hand over their money and boom, they're a member. If this is the case then I can't see an issue with the situation.

On a side note, many group's are in dire need of strong members, and similar to the way that I am some people who make the decision to get involved want to jump in head first. If this is the case then I would recommend encouraging the involvement. These new members seem like they want to be involved and will likely help your group immensely. Also if some of the experienced members go out of their way to take these new members under their wing it would end up being mutually beneficial. Lastly, does your group have a mentor program set up? If so that would be perfect. Depending on the positions that they are trying to be nominated to I would recommend having specific other members take on the mentoring roles. For example, if someone becomes Vice President then the President should be the mentor.

Good luck,
PresidentJim

Pennysue--as long as a husband/wife are not in the President & Treasurer positions where both have access to the bank account, there is usually not a problem. If one has a major position and the other a minor one, then it should not cause any red flags or conflict of interests.

Our bylaws state the same; Nominee must be a member of the PTO and be in good standing. Therefore, parents entering the school with Kindergarten students cannot run since they are not a part of our PTO at the time of the election (end of year). If your bylaws clearly state the requirements to be considered a nominee, and the persons nominated do not fit those requirements, then your nomination committee should not have contacted them about running. They are your gatekeepers and those that need to verify the qualifications. If you don't have a nomination committee, then whomever is coordinating the election needs to follow the bylaws

how do you feel on multiple family members running for office? We have great volunteers that are new to the school who both husband and wife were elected to the board...wondering how this will make any type of voting fair and before you ask, there is nothing in our bylaws about it. We have very general outdated bylaws.

Why does your group charge dues? What do the dues cover? Just asking.

luvmygirls - I'm not really clear about your statement. Are you saying that anyone who's paid their dues is a member? Or that they have to have paid their dues and be in good standing? Exactly how is it worded in the bylaws?

Either way, if your bylaws are clear about who is a member and these candidates have not met those guidelines then they simply don't get to run for office.

Before anyone's nomination is accepted it should be verified that they are an eligible candidate. If they made it onto the ballot without that check then someone isn't doing their job.

Is there any time requirement? I mean, can someone go all year without paying dues and then come along, plunk down their $5 and get on the ballot? If that's the case, I'd consider tightening up that portion of your bylaws.