We had much the same situation; needing fresh new minds to run for office. The three of the four officers we had were burnt. If we hadn't found new volunteers, the current officers weren't going to stay indefinitely.
Well then, in that case, according to bylaws, if the President is unable to assume their duties then the VP is the next in line. The VP serves as acting President until a replacement can be found. There is no reason why your group needs to fold. I wouldn't restructure anything just keep looking for a President. You do need to be actively looking for one though. Ask the principal to recommend someone. Don't limit your pool to your current members. What a great way to expand your membership by talking to non-members to get involved. Ask the teachers about their parents and see if any have some professional experiences i.e. Mrs. Smith says that you are an events organizer for XZY, your qualifications would make you a terrific President. Make certain they know that your outgoing board members will help them. Tell them what resources you have for them (procedure binders, active parents who have helped, what is already in place, planned trainings)
During this time, the VP is the Pres but not the Pres-elect. Make certain the VP knows that you are all actively looking for a candidate. Who knows the VP may actually become comfortable with it and then you will be looking to replace the VP which is definitely an easier office to fill.
MichelleB - That's all good in theory, but bylaws aside, we know for a fact that the current President will not be running nor staying on in any capacity for the next school year.
Check your bylaws. Many of the PTA bylaws (I'm finding that they are similiar nationwide) have the phrase "Officers shall assume their... duties following the close of the meeting in X or until their successors are elected."
What that means is that if no President, VP, etc is elected than the current President, VP, etc remains in the office until a successor is found. Even if that successor isn't found until you are into the next year.
I'm new to all this, so I'm not sure. I do know the bylaws govern, but if no one is stepping forward, and the current pres is willing to do it again, I'd just have them stay.
Can you think of any possible reasons why no one is stepping up to the plate? I know in our group the situation is a politically loaded gun, and comes with a LOT of baggage (read "nay-sayers and those with their own agendas to promote"), so it was hard to get someone to agree to take the position. Being pres and having to take the stands they will if they genuinely want to change things for the better means they are going to be taking on a LOT of confrontations and risk losing friends. It's not a position for the faint of heart! I sincerely hope that's not your situation!
Ask around, or if you feel you won't get an honest answer, have others do it. If it's just a matter of people thinking the position is too time- consuming, or a black hole of committment, do your best to assure them it won't be--that's why there's a VP and committee chairs! Just be prepared in case it's something more "personal." I know when our pres and VP were told (with the best intentions and in a NON confrontational way) that the reason people weren't involved was because of the board having an unwelcoming and cliquey reputation, they were understandably defensive, but they not only were unwilling to admit the messenger was right, but also said anyone who thought that way was "childish." Admitting there's a problem means it can be seen and therefore fixed, it doesn't mean you're somehow evil.
Like I said, I don't know if that's your situation or not, but maybe calling a meeting with those who would be good potentials is an idea. See what they have to say. Or send out a flyer explaining that the pres's position is open, and you can use someone with fresh ideas, and NEED someone to fill the position. Sometimes it's just a matter of educating people to know what the position entails, and that they won't be seen as an uppity know-it-all.
Our by-laws state that the President must have been a member of the executive board for at least a year. The way this works is when it's time for elections, the current President will make sure that there is someone sitting on the board right then that will be willing to be President the following year. The sitting President will then keep in closer touch with the President-to-be for the following full year and the new President will have that time to think about what she will want to keep the same or change the following year. We also keep a copy of EVERY committee paper that is distributed to the parents so the new President will have that to reference. All of our officers are elected annually but can not serve more then two years in any position with the exception of the Treasurer who can serve 3 years.
From your post your PTO doesn't operate like that. Obviously, the best candidate for President would be someone that has already been an officer. None of them willing? Next step is to ask people that you think would be good to step up. People generally do not volunteer themselves but it is a compliment to be asked. Our nominating committee always has one of the first grade teacher in the group and we ask them for names of parents who helped out a lot in their classrooms. The people you should look towards would be the ones that Chair committees right now and people that consistently attend your PTO meetings. You know that they're interested now. Good luck.
