On your way out, you should make certain that the remaining board members have copies of the by-laws and encourage them to educate themselves on how the board is supposed to operate (motions, voting, etc.)
They were the ones who stepped up and no one knew them very well, so they got elected. They make decisions that should be made by the entire executive board and don't bother to invite or even tell the other members of the board.
I spoke to the principal yesterday and am meeting with her today to discuss some of these issues. I'm not sure she can or will do much, but it's a start.
Although it's too late now, those board members in attendance at the last meeting should have raised a "Point of Order" pertaining to violation of conduct when the co-presidents started bashing you. They also should have required a proper vote to increase the amount for the activity rather than simply sitting by as the co's announced what would be happening.
If the principle is involved in your PTO, I suggest a sit-down with him/her to review the situation and to give him/her a copy of your records. Mention that the co-presidents have stated that they will not participate in the audit required by the school, but that you will be more than willing to sit down with anyone the school authorizes in their place to review your records. You should also repeat this meeting with the next-highest board members (the VP and Secretary)
Make one of your last actions prior to submitting your written resignation at the next board meeting to be a trip to the bank to remove yourself from having account privileges (a CYA move in case money comes up missing after you resign). Also, make certain that your resignation (a motion) is voted into acceptance. If it isn't voted on, you will still be considered the Treasurer with all the obligations/accountability you have now.
You are correct to copy all records before you hand them in to the Board. You can request an audit of at least two PTO members that are not listed on the bank account. I would suggest not to use a close friend and to try to have one be a teacher/member.
That way you will be covered if any allegations arise. If you decide to stay, request quartely audits.
I have been treasurer for our PTA, now converting to a PTO for my second year now. Last year was wonderful. This year, the co-presidents stated before they even met me that they were going to replace me.
The entire year they have been hostile to me, called me a liar, all but accused me of having something to hide in the books because our checks only required on signature. So we added a second one which makes my job so much harder. They continually harp that they never approved the budget - we approve it at the end of the previous year as per our bylaws. Neither co-president ever attended a meeting last year.
I was not able to attend this month's meeting, and had several members tell me how they drug my name through the mud, stating that I was lying about bills, was disorganized in my book keeping, etc. I gave a very detailed treasurer's report to a friend, and they tried to NOT let her give it. The biggest reason was because we approved $1,000 for an expense, they took it upon themselves to extend the event and incur an additional $400 in charges, then stated I lied about the invoice after my friend presented it. Anyone who knows me knows I am obsessive compulsive. I can account for every penny, every date, ad nauseum. I have all the documentation, invoices, etc. to back up everything.
They have stated they refuse to have anything to do with anything before the school year started (even though their term started July 1) and will not participate in an audit. The school is requiring an audit, and I can't audit myself!
I am going to resign. Before I do, I am making copies of everything, but I want to know what steps I should take to cover my you know what. I want an audit done and a statement signed that everything was in order when I left. But they won't participate. I'm beginning to feel I need to contact an attorney.
