Come to think of it venz, that is how our SBDM gets the nomations. Papers are sent out explaining what the SBDM is responsible for. There are 3 teachers and 2 parents. Teachers nominate and vote for the teachers. The principal has to contact the nominated persons in order for them to accept. I was nominated but turned it down, I have no idea who nominated me or why. Parents nominate parents and the parent vote is held at the May PTO meeting.
I have to agree with mykidsmom about campaigning. It sure can get ugly. Just look at California, please don't take that the wrong way, I feel like this state that is going through a rough time is getting alot of negative media attention. Our by-laws states that we should have a committee but we didn't realize that until we revised our pre-historic by-laws last Spring. No one wanted the position we finally found someone that was willing. One person out of SEVERAL that was asked if they were interested. I think a good committee could save a lot of headaches if things are done right and there is more than one person interested in a position.
Speaking only for the nominating committee: Our nominating committee contacts every single family in our school to solicit names for the ballot. It certainly serves its function at our school!
Campaigning for a volunteer position? Having more people interested in running than there are positions - WOW!
I was approached last season by someone on the board of my daughter's softball league and asked if I would be on the board. I told them (after thinking about the other things I had committed to) that I would, and a few days later I got a call from the pres of the league saying that my name was on the ballot and now I needed to campaign. I told him that I don't campaign for volunteer positions. Well - I lost by 3 votes (boo hoo or yippee???????). During sign ups for the fall the pres came up and asked if I was still willing to run the concession stands for the league. I told him no - that was a board position and the league had decided that I shouldn't be on the board so I should do the job. Where are those who got elected? Bugs me terribly when someone wants the title but doesn't want to do the work. I am not allergic to hard work and I am not "title hungry".
In short - I think that nominating committees serve a great purpose in seeking out candidates. A nominating committee does not mean they go and pick one person per position - just seek out those who understand the commitment involved and are willing to go for it! As far as taking nominations from the floor and write in candidates - depending on your bylaws, this can also serve a very real role in the process. What if someone new to the school has recently moved in and wasn't approached, but is willing to serve and has past experience? I think both options give anyone interested in SERVING THE KIDS an opportunity.
Try'n- Have you had a civilized sit down with the principal? Are you sure she was trying to oust you? Maybe she just wanted someone else to run to make things not so one sided. There could have been some mixed signals anywhere along these channels. Do you for a fact know she had a closed door meeting?
Until this year we only had three officers. The treasurer and sec. position was combined.
I am glad this board is here for everyone, no matter what the parent group acronym. I think everyone's differences should be respected. We are all in this for the kids, but it is nice to have somewhere to go to some fair and honest adult advice for situation such as these.
Good luck on getting this straightened out and keep us posted.
Okay now Dave---
(sorry Tim)
WHAT????? Get rid of a committee that works great for many of our PTO's here and keeps many of our elections sain and has been a great way to find that one parent no one knew was interested in helping?
The worst year ever was the year two parents nearly ended our charter school because of their campaining, this isn't a governor's election nor is anyone wanting to be in the Oval Office, we just want to help.
Sorry to hear your negative view on PTA's, I kidda like the song (Harper Valley PTA) and if I could I would wear my short skirts with pride.
