I also opted to change the By-Laws not to have "Paid Employees of the school district are not eligible for Voting Positions on the PTO Board due to conflicton of loyalty between employee/employer (school district) and I was told by the Principal we must let anyone that wants to be on the Board be there. I was upset that my Board didn't speak up at the time. But did they ever comment about it after we all left the premises when the Principal wasn't present. This would apply to any paid employee of the district. Be sure to check with your district employee handbook as well because there are some that do have it stated that they cannot serve on any Board of any school auxilary. This would be due to liabilities between the district/employee (insurance) I am sure that is what they mean. In in a way I see it in a matter that they (Paid employees) of the district can volunteer in other PTO activities, chairing committees etc., but not voting and we all know there's plenty to do at any PTO function. School administration needs to support the decision of the PTO Boards; we look out what's best for the school and students just like they do but from the stand point of parents and leaders of the community.
I have experienced that situation; I love the Teacher Rep (they know what the needs are) on our Board she is voted by her peers and if she accepts. The only problem I ever encountered was when there was a issue on the table they tend to hold back due to the Principal. The line must be drawn between employee and employer. They (teacher rep) or (employee) always seem to look at their employer before saying something. I think it's awful to have to be in that situation. I have experienced where a teacher gets a officer position and doesn't fall through with the board position due to it's time consuming for them. I feel that they are overwhelmed at the same token they must know their own time management. I have had a couple of them say I didn't know it was so demanding; and who gets left picking up their duties it's usually the President or VP (anyone on the board that has time) that's why it's good to have only a teacher rep as a teacher rep and not a voting board position or officer position may I say. It's a sticky situation. There have been 4 officers at one time on the PTO board - employees of the school. I never felt that it's was a good idea because of the voting; and conflict of parent and school administration. All efforts should be made to recruit parents from the geographical area of the school. If there is a parent that is a employee of the school; again I would make sure that they knew what the position entails and the time it demands. It's hard to make the call. It's only fair that the current PTO board seek other parents as Board members before putting school employees on the board; just to fill the positions. The outgoing board can mentor along the new board members through the year to help them as well.
I think the only problem I would have is if the principal held a board position other than in an advisory capacity. It may take me too long to explain my reasons, so I won't unless asked. I don't think the principal should hold a voting position.
I am a parent, substitute teachers aide - hoping to be a full time aide next year, and VP of the PTO. Our President is a parent and lunchroom aide. Nobody at our school has a problem with us being paid employees and on the PTO board. My personal opinion is, it helps us know the students and staff. They definately know where to find us when they have a problem! LOL
I don't see a problem with employees of the school having board positions. Many schools have teacher advisory board positions, and others allow teachers, staff and administration to hold a board position. Anything you can do to encourage school participation (normally I would say "T" as in parent Teacher organization - but given your acronym, we'll stick with school) in the activities of the organization is a good thing, in my never to be humble opinion.
