You can have a Code of Conduct document that is separate from your bylaws that can be easily changed and updated; whereas your bylaws are more strict. The code of conduct can address the behavior and performance of your executive board members and pto members. It can also outline the infractions that would result in the removal of a person in office, chairperson position or to deny a parent to participate as a volunteer in any further PTO activities.
See how it goes with just having a separate document and then if you feel its absolutely necessary, add it to your bylaws. But I would give it a full year or two, first.
Hi Critter & Pals---I also think this is a very bad idea, and we truely don't have a problem with the volunteers! And I told them my opinion from the get-go. How can you discipline VOLUNTEERS?? The problem is the staff wants to run the PTO, and their attitude is that PTO is there to hand out money to them. It's crazy, and I'm the chair for the bylaws committee, so I have to deal with it. I like the idea of following the handbook for visitor conduct. Thanks!! Now if I can get them to be reasonable. . . . . . LOL
Oh boy...I would stay right away from this as you can be in huge turmoil. Who decides who to be punished? If there is that many problems with volunteers acting badly then your building principal is the one who should have a code of conduct for them. Infact in your school handbook may be a section on vistior code of conduct, if not talk to him about it. I especially take notice of volunteer staff acting badly, it is so hard to get staff members and this could send a HUGE message...like a don't kill the messenger.
I agree that the volunteers need to act and behave in good ways, we have a code of conduct and if a volunteer has issues beyond that the principal is the one to step in.
One other thing a parent has the right to be in their child's school so having a pto tell them different is opening yourself up.
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
Thanks, dlf. There is already a policy for removing officers for failure to perform duties, theft, ect. What they are talking about is disciplining VOLUNTEER parents and staff. And as far as I can tell, there is no definition for what constitutes this "redress." Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.