Our out dated by laws stated an officer could only hold office for 2 years. We all agreed that should be changed because at our school finding officers is like pulling teeth. We cornered and begged our current president after several rejections and a lot of publicity. Plus, our treasurer disagreed because it takes so long to learn the ropes and it's hard on everyone when a whole new board steps in and has to figure everything out. But if you have that much involvement I don't see any problems if your general members agree.
To clairify: None of the officers would be allowed to hold the same position consecutively. The vice president would automatically move to President the following year. I feel like this would give all parents the best opportunity to be involved andgive te president some experience. Currently the VP moves to pres., but the term limits are still at 2 years. Our K-2 school has around 500 students. Please let me know what you think about these term limits.
You know you could word the changes to state in order to be President, a member is to have served as Vice for (at lest but not limited to) one year prior. Also what your wording on term limits. Your first comment about an officer serving only one year makes this requirment for VP against your own by-law (I know you didn't want to say that but see how tricking words can be!) You really need to think about a Mom that is elected for an office in Kindergarten and is great, nominated for VP next year will she get to serve as President her last year? You bet it's something to think about. We have term limits of two consecutive years and we are K-12 but here is were it can be goofy, I was secretary for two terms, two years ago and am secretary this fall. So much for a real term limit!
One more concern/thought, how are you going to handle parents with more than one child that will be attending your school ie. I have five. In some point as a parent in your school I will be there for 12 years! (four kids three years each...12 years right? - my oldest is five years older than my second child) Now THERE a term limit could work or really hurt my involvement. I know I'm a rare Mom as large families are rare BUT it is something to consider.
We are in the process of getting a committee together to redo our outdated bylaws. These bylaws are from about 15 years ago, when we were a K - 6 school. We are now only a K-2 school. In my opinon, officers should be in office for only one year. The president is only president one year, but is vice president the year before their term. (I think it works well to let the Pres. be VP before President.) Our current bylaws state that a person can remain in the same offic for 2 years. That would be 2/3 of your childs time at the school. We only have 4 offices: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Please let me know your opinion on this.
