Kathy, from the way you phrased your question, are you aware that PTO's are independent organizations? Each has their own separate bylaws which are written and approved by the members. If you're a new PTO it's possible there are no bylaws. Do you know who the officers were last year (I get the feeling this is your 2nd year, is that correct?) Do they have any info re: bylaws? If you do indeed need bylaws, there were some topics in this forum that had links to PTO websites who had copies of their bylaws. Also, 2 websites I've found helpful are
www.parli.com
and
www.robertsrules.com
. You'll find ideas for what to include in bylaws.
Second, do you have a budget? If not, you need one. (Sorry, that sounds nasty, didn't mean it to.) That determines how much you spend for different things.
Next, have you spoken with the pres. about her "private office"? (Just curious what sort of equipment she's bought. Does she keep it at home?) Has anyone told her that this is inappropriate since this money was raised to benefit the children directly. I have found that I like to speak with people directly and not rely on hearsay. I guess I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt until I speak with them. (Just call me an old softy!) Do you have an exec. board who has gotten together? Building a rapport (SP?) among your exec. board really helps you work as a team & helps minimize people doing things on their own. It can often help with gossip too, because people understand each other better and learn to be more honest.
Sorry, got on my soapbox!
Keep us informed.
Jo
