We had a similar situation at our school. A woman who became president from a few years ago worked at the school, as she was vice president of the PTO at the time. The president was then removed from office for things I don't think I have the liberty to explain. She took over and to give her credit did make things right for the PTO for a time. She was in office for the rest of that year and ran unopposed the next year. Well, that second year, she started making decisions based on her position at the school and not in the best interest of the children.That was the year many parents began to distance themselves from the PTO. She proceded to hand pick the volunteers and even the election committee. She basically hand picked the next president and proceded to run things her way, telling the president that she knows what she is doing and nothing needs to be changed. The staff started to come to her when they needed stuff and she would always convince the board to vote in their favor. Not that that was always bad. But when you make decisions to drop the D.A.R.E. ceremony or to stop buying the honor roll kids rewards in order to give the teachers more money to spend or to give them better teacher appreciation presents, it is no longer in the interest of the children. Especially when most feel that the teachers already get enough of our budget to buy supplies.But since no one wanted to come to the meetings because of this woman, the vote would go through regardless of what I had to say. I was the only one on the board she did not hand pick. As you all know, she found a way to get rid of me too. She also hand picked the next president and ran things the same way. The woman she now wants to run for president also works at the school and has the same mind frame. I was asked by some concerned parents to run again but when this woman has access to the school records and the PTO member list and last year called people to tell them not to vote for me....well. How do you compete with that?? So in a nut shell, sorry it took so long to get to this, I feel that as long as you have a person who will remember that the real reason is for the kids, then hopefully it won't make a difference. But alot of the time you get people who would rather do what makes their co-workers happy because they are the people that they see 5 days a week. These are the people they have formed a bond with and become friends with. Sometimes that clouds decisions. I hope I helped to show the other side of the coin.

Now, before everyone responds in agast, let's remember this is just my opinion of the situation at my school and what our board has struggled with for some time now.

Two of our former and present PTO executive board members have been parents but also were employees of the school. The DEFINITE conflict of interest came in all the time. These two people, all with wonderful intentions and goals, were continuously worried that if they did not do things that were ALWAYS favorable to the principal their jobs would be in jeporady. This is my childrens'last year with this school and I hate to admit it, but I am feeling almost relieved. It has really been a rough struggle for the rest of our board to serve as a voice for all the parents. Our goal was always fairness and it has been a lot of unnecessary had work to acheive the goals of our organization. Nice thing was we did it! But, funny thing was, the person/employee PTO officer was going to apply for a higher position on the school staff and was told by the principal he would not recommend her. Seems she wasn't "confident" enough to compliment his staff. Talk about a kick in the face. But she still has hope and continues doing major butt kissin'. And yes, it does affect our PTO negatively. There has been a lot of unnecessary stress over the past two months due to her actions and many chairpeople have chosen not to return next year. It's a real shame, because the kids are affected in the end. I believe teachers and parents should work together - that's a PTO. I will say our teacher liasons, all teachers with full tenure thankfully, are the best, and for that we were grateful and we achieved a lot of good for the school community. I believe work is work and volunteerism should be done to benefit the kids as a whole. It shouldn't affect a persons job security. But at our school, this has happened and it's a real shame. My only advice is to watch your situation carefully and band together with the members who believe the kids come first, not career moves. If you try hard enough, you'll accomplish your goals. I only wish we had nipped our little butt kisser's actions much earlier than we did. Good luck bovinegirl!

We had both of our co-chairs working at the school for two years! One was a pre-k aide, the other a computer tech. It was definately a benefit! Everybody knew how they could get a hold of them every day! I am a volunteer at the school and am there every afternoon from 12:30 to 2:45. Most people know this and find it easier to catch me at the school than at home - especially since I am rarely there! In the next school up(4-6), one of the co-chairs is the volunteer coordinator at our schools(a 20 hour/week paid position). It is so much easier to be able to call the school and catch her there. I would be interested in hearing why you think it is a drawback! Especially since it is supposed to be Parents and Teachers working together!

I am a subsititute aide in our district and mostly work at the school where I am the PTO president, but first and foremost I am a Mom. I am easy to find for parents and teachers who have a suggestion, question or comment. Most of the parents involved at our school are employeed by the school board. This is not because we are a clique but because we seem to be the only parents interested in our children's school. Being in this position helps me look at things in every angle and as far as I know no one has complained.

I'd consider it a PLUS!, not a conflict. Both positions are there to help children and better the school environment. How lucky to have a person who has not only chosen to work for our children for a paycheck, but to also volunteer their time on top of that! I say take em where you can get em.

Our Pres. is also a teachers aide in our school.
I find this to be a conflict. Is there any rule or bylaw which states you can not be an employee of the district and be an officer?