I'd love to hear how things are turning out, after the election. I agree with the previous posters that it seems ridiculous to have an election with nominees who were not first consulted, let alone have one nominee listed for more than one office. However, from your last posting, it sounds like most of these nominees have already been active in the existing PTO. So, I hope it works out for you.
I do have one other concern. If I understand correctly, the new school will consist of students from more than one current school. If this is true, it sounds like your nominees are from just one of the existing schools. Are you going to do something at the beginning of the year (or over the summer) to include the parents from any other schools? They could easily be frustrated if it looks like the Exec. Board has been "stacked" from one of the previous schools. I'm going to go back & re-read your posting to see if my interpretation seems correct.
Thank you for the responses. Just an update...
A newsletter for the new school was sent home with the students that will be attending the new school next year. The letter contained updates about the construction, teachers and a ballot for PTO and SIC. The parents were to cut-out the ballot and return to school between certain hours today. As a past president of two terms, I personally know the support this principal relies on and cherishes from PTO. That is not a concern. My frustration comes from the heart, knowing that we(PTO) can do sooo much for our students and teachers. But it takes push and some more push to get the ball rolling along the correct path so we need people who are into getting things done and pushing with all their heart.
The 501(c)3 doesn't concern me since one of our parents nominated for Treasurer took care of setting up our status 4 years ago. Another nominee is most certainly capable of completing the process and knows she can call on the other nominee for any assistance.
After a few days of thinking about the process, yes a few steps were missed and things could have been dealt with to be a bit more fair but whatever the results are things will work out.
I don't expect to hear the election results until tomorrow. But I am still hopeful!
Your question: <blockquote>quote:</font><hr> am I worrying about one of those small things? <hr></blockquote> is not an easy question to answer because there are so many questions within that question. The old saying "Don't sweat the small things and remember, they're all small things" doesn't come into play when first organizing an organization like a PTO or PTA. Should you be excited that you already know that your principal is big-time on board for a PTO? Yes. Should you sweat this? Not just no, but Hell No. Should people be nominated without being present? No. Easily remedied? Yes. Worry about it? No. No position on any board, for any office, can be filled without the nominee agreeing to fill it. Worry about it? No, just make sure that the nominees speak up before the election regarding their 'assigned' nomination. Something to worry about? No. JHB hits the nail on the head with his/her advice on wasting votes. Something to worry about? Not really. Again, people who do not accept the nomination do not receive votes. People who are 'railroaded', 'bullied', or tricked into a position (for lack of better words) end up never coming back to another meeting because they simply don't know how to say "NO". They need to know how to say NO...lol... They are easily overwhelmed and serving on an executive board can be very, very overwhelming. Remember, someone 'volunteers for a position', NOT 'is volunteered for a position".
The things I would be worried about would be things like filing with the IRS as a non-profit organization separate from the school. Paperwork, setting up bank accounts and the like.
Personally, I see major problems with this system. To be fair to the voters, they should only be deciding between candidates willing to do the job. Every vote for a candidate who refuses the nomination is wasted - and those voters were essentially deprived of the right to vote because their vote didn't count.
Aside from that, it sounds like a big waste of time and puts pressure on people unfairly. Some people do need a little "encouragement" to take an office, true enough. But some people will say "yes" rather than feel publicly embarrassed about declining after it's been printed and voted. It these people really don't have the commitment to follow through on the job, you are in for some rough times. Far better to let them decline privately.
I'm sure the people organizing this mean well, and maybe it will go fine due to sheer luck. But why on earth even set up a system with so many flaws?
Well, I think the people nominated should be notified before the election to see if they accept the nomination, then it should be voted on. It would be easier to vote for someone if you knew they were willing to take the position. I also think that each person should only be nominated for one position- it's got to be confusing to see someone's name in different places.
I am curious to find out how this scenario strikes the "experienced" experts here:
Our district has rezoned to alleviate overcrowding. A new school is under construction and the make up of the students will come from two existing elementary schools. Last week the new principal held an "organizational" meeting for PTO and the School Improvement Council. Nominations were taken at this meeting for the Executive board and Ways & Means positions of PTO as well as SIC. This week we will vote for the PTO and SIC positions. (This is where the questions arise.) Anyone nominated was placed on the ballot. I, myself was nominated for three of the five PTO positions. The nominees were not contacted to be given the opportunity to accept or decline their nomination. When asked what would happen if "Suzie" was elected for a position that she did not want, I was told it would go to the next highest vote getter. The whole organizational setup has been orchestrated by the principal, who by the way is Fabulous with the staff, students and parents. It just seems like there is such a haste to get things in place that we are setting up ourselves for mistakes that could be avoided. What happens if a person is elected for more than one position? Do you all see any problems with this or am I worrying about one of those small things? Thanks for your thoughts and guidance.
