If that's the bylaw...that's the bylaw. It doesn't say "term end on June 30th unless there's something really important that the outgoing president wants to hang around to resolve". Once the date hits--you da man...or woman....

We have a President wanting to hang on to resolve a hot issue "her way". Our bylaws are clear on the term dates: current year ends June 30 and new folks start July 1. This way if issues arise or something needs to be done over the summer, we have officers in place. I told her the by laws rule and believe I am correct. I am well aware of and involved in helping to resolve the issue and there should be no reason for her to need to hang around (she is compounding the issue greatly) because I can take over and follow up on it. I think and hope this is the way to go so I welcome any feedback and if you agree, I think the terms with dates are a good idea that we put in.

AFK;132946 wrote: We have some 'hot' issues to resolve before the end of the year

AFK - I think this is the most important part to focus on. These hot issues are ones that the new board will be inheriting. They'll be the ones dealing with the repercussions, be it positive or negative. Even if their term hasn't officially begun and they have no voting privileges, including them in the discussions and decision making process shows a tremendous amount of good will.

Anything that can ease the transition is helpful and appreciated, whether it's the new folks shadowing you now or you being there for them later if they need you.

By entering into the discussions with a spirit of cooperation and a vision for the future, you may go a long way toward taking some of the heat out of the issues before you even start talking about them.

Good luck to you. I hope you come back soon with news about how it all went well!

Actually, I am surprised that your group is divided on whether or not the " new" board members can attend your board meetings. I agree with Onarollpto, it certainly benefits the new members to shadow the current board so they are not stepping into their positions not knowing what's going on.

Our team is also in the same position, 3 out of 5 will be new next year. The outgoing board ( off to middle school we go!) encourages the new board to get their hands into everything NOW.. that includes the fact that we cc them on all email correspondence ( which is how a lot of little daily decisions and updates are made).. It keeps them in the loop so they know what kinds of little things happen on a daily basis- and it helps them build confidence and gets them excited and geared up for the new year!

Your bylaws should include info on term of office. Usually, for a school affiliated org. the term ends at the close of the school year. If nothing is specified, and your org. has adopted Roberts Rules as your parliamentary authority, then the new officers take office at the moment they are elected.

We try to have any new board members "shadow" the person they will be replacing. That would include attending the remaining meetings to see how things work, are planned out, voted on, etc. but, they are not yet allowed to vote. That would begin at the start of the next school year in the fall. This way they are not coming into the position completely blind. I guess our approach is like when you have someone train you for a new job for a couple days...