Our bylaws clearly stated that the Exec Board could only make decisions involving money if it was up to $75.00, otherwise, we needed to put it to a vote.
If it was a non-monetary issue (what type of fundraiser to have) we would discuss it, vote and then inform the membership at a meeting. However, if attendees had questions or input, we could make changes accordingly or inform them of our reasoning for the decision.
But I would say that a President does not have a right to overrule the voting outcome of the Executive Board. It would counter-productive and cause more negativity than positive progression of PTO business.

Do the bylaws say what powers the Executive Board has?

For example, if all it says is:

The duties of the Executive Board shall be to carry out the expressed policies and desires of the membership of the organization and to make recommendations to the membership for needed actions or policy changes that may be required.

Then that means the Board whittles things down and brings things to the membership for decision (vote).
There may be more in other sections of your bylaws. Perhaps under meetings, you'll see a phrase like:

Resolutions or recommendations of the Executive Board shall be approved by a majority vote of the members in attendance at any general meeting.

Of course, your board might be voting (3 against 1) on what to take to the general meeting.

But if there is language authorizing your Executive Board to conduct business on behalf of the membership, then the Board has the power to act.

Regardless, Board meeting or geneal meeting, the president doesn't normally vote.

If the bylaws are in conflict with Roberts, you follow bylaws; If the bylaws are not clear but don't conflict with Roberts, your membership literally votes to decide the meaning of them. If your bylaws say nothing, you look to Roberts-if you have adopted them as your parliamentary authority. If you have standing rules, you look at them after Roberts-unless you are a Texas PTA- then you look at Standing rules after bylaws and before Roberts.


Are we clear? LOL

I have found out that if the bylaws are not clear then the PTO follows Roberts Rules.

thank you for your reply.
Our executive board is very small.

I do not understand what determinds when the Executive board votes and when to have a quorum of members vote.

Here are the bylaws that pertain to quorum / voting.

Section 3.1 Membership: Membership of the Royal Pride is open to parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of students enrolled at Hamilton Southeastern High School and all teachers and staff.

Section 3.2 Dues: All eligible people who pay the memberships dues shall be accepted as a member of the Royal Pride for the period to which the membership fee applies. These people will be considered members in good standing. The Royal Pride Board will determine dues for members and staff on an annual basis.

Section 3.3 Voting: Each member in good standing is entitled to one (1) vote.
Section 4.6 Quorum: The presence of ten (10) members at a meeting will constitute a quorum. An action of the members requiring a vote will be taken from the majority present.
Section 5.1 Executive Board: The Executive Board of the Royal Pride shall consist of the elected officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 5.2 Royal Pride Board: The Royal Pride Board shall consist of the Executive Board and committee chairpersons.

This is all I can find on the topic of voting

The first question would be whether the "board" has the authority to decide or if you need a vote of the membership. If you need a general membership vote, then what's required to have a quorum would also matter.

I personally don't like Boards with only a handful of people allowed to make major decisions. If the Board has the decision-making power, it should be large enough to truly reflect the membership. But that is strictly my personal opinion.

Majority rules except in cases of your bylaws that require more than a majority (often 2/3). Generally, the president doesn't vote unless his/her vote makes a difference in the end result. You often hear this as "the president only votes to break a tie". That's an over-simplification, but probably close enough for this discussion.