I understand exactly what you are going through with elections. I'm in the same situation. Your Group sounds like it is run pretty much the same as ours. I was elected President 2 years ago, because the current board was all going to Jr. High. NObody else wanted the responsibility. So I said I would do it. The previous board didn't exactly consult with the School Officials on their projects. Relations were very bad between them. I've done the best I can to rebuild relations and have succeeded quite well, according to our Principal. We don't have any by-laws to be found. I'd like to implement some. Which I am working on now. But I am unsure how to present them. We have only one meeting left this year. With elections at that meeting in 2 weeks. I've heard thru the rumor mill that I am going to be voted out. (by people that have not been at a meeting all year) My problem is, we have nothing saying who can vote!
I've struggled with petty bickering this year, all stemming from one source. I, too want to be involved in my children's school, but not if I have to deal with this kind of behind-the-back trouble. Let someone else have the headache if they want it. Although I would hate to see things lapse into the old ways. I am still struggling with building up a attending members. We typically only have 6-8 people attend our meetings! Granted we are a small rural school. but still! I can't figure out how to get parents involved!
Becca, I'd be glad to correnspond with you. Maybe we can help each other. :confused:
Good luck with your elections. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We have a nominating committee, which for the past several years has been one person. At our March general meeting, she makes an announcement that she is taking nominations for the upcoming openings. Again, in April she makes an announcement, sends home a flyer, and if no response, she starts calling people. 2-3 weeks prior to our last general meeting of the school year, in May, she sends home brief biographies of the candidates. In May the ballots are handed out and counted by our nominating committee and a person from the board (other than the president).

We have no set rules regarding how to vote stated in our bylaws. Basically, we vote in May and a nominating committee can be held if there is a desire. I was actually elected into my office by raising my hand when asked if anyone wanted the position (I'm the only one who did) and then there was a show of hands when asked who ever votes yes raise their hands! Now I'm on the board

Anyway there has been some problems between the "old" members and the "new" members. I'm worried about elections because of this. I really want to be a part of my child's school but not at the cost of my sanity. The "old" members have a way of doing things and the "new" members want to follow the limited bylaws (and implement some changes) but it has been an uphill battle.

Basically, what I wanted to know is shouldn't the parents know at least who they are voting for before the elections even if it isn't in the bylaws? The "old" members are trying to find someone to get to "continue their work" (3 are leaving to go to middle school

There is great hostility between these "old" members and the new principal as well so this has caused even greater problems!

As much as the parents come to meetings they really aren't aware of who does what. They know who holds what position but they don't know much more than that. Things like I ran the PTO instead of the Pres for the 1st 1/2 of the school year, I have been out voted by the "old" members for what I thought were reasonable expectations (free help vs paid, books for the library instead of hoarding the money - you wouldn't believe the amount of money we have saved!)are not known to the parents. I have never been a person out to seek recognition but I don't want the people who has held back the PTO to continue on. I have heard so many compliments on the different fundraisers we have had this year. The parents love the changes BUT these changes have been extemely hard to come by and so many have been lost!

Sorry for the babbeling but I'm worked up about elections and I'm worried about the money the PTO has but refuses to spend. :eek: :eek: