The treasurer was nominated by 2 people from the committee, I assume they were the parents, and she accepted. Unfortunately our by laws are not so specific. I was on the committee that revised them and since everything had always went so smoothly then we didn't change alot of it. The committee was already in the by laws but had never been used. I thought that was a GREAT way make things fair for EVERYONE.

As far as politics, our county has its own little "spoils system". I didn't think it was this bad in this part of the county. We have lost SO much parent involvement this year. We have several parents groaning about the PTO clique. I always brushed that off. If the groaners ever mentioned that to me I would tell them we appreciate anyone's help. This year, I know for a fact that help has been turned down. There are times that personal feelings should be put aside. If a parent wants to help his/her child's school find something. Parental involvement is too important for a child for this to happen.

I hate the messege it sends to our kids. We have sent out surveys. The first one had some pretty negative comments, I have to admit they were true.

C. Brooks - take a good look at the by-laws. Ours are very specific - they must provide ALL that have been nominated and who accepted the nominations. Was the previous Treasure nominated or did they assume they were automatically? Our by-laws require us to re-nominate ourselves each year if we chose to stay.

Also according to our by-laws, only the committee assigned is to review, speak to and finalize the nominations. Sounds like it was a group effort which was not right. I'd first, talk to the principle and see what really happened. Then, you may have some hard choices to make - is it worth the battle (over politics?)?

As far as backing out, I hope it's not to late to change your mind. When it start's getting touch with politics - that's when they need true people in place that care about what really needs to be done. It will only go down hill if the good supports drop out from the top.

Our by laws state that our nominating committee should report to the members each person nominated for each office. This was not the case. It seems that the teachers didn't want the treausurer re-elected, so her name got left out. The person nominated is a staff member (that is what we prefer for treasurer)but she has also had a child there for six years and has maybe been to one meeting, she wasn't even present for the election. Our by laws say nothing about that.

I cannot began to tell you how disgusted and disappointed I am. I was going to run for president but backed out because the name game is getting to much for me right now. That's how it has always been around here. Merit means nothing. I accepted the office of secretary because I felt like I left the committee hanging by backing out at the last minute. So now I am wondering if someone else was supposed to be elected for my office. I would gladly let them take it.

One of the committee members was heard saying "the plan worked" and it is also rumor that the principal helped them "sort through" the canidates. The purpose of the committee was to make elections fair. Obviously it had the opposite effect.

Is there anything that can be done now? The by laws have hardly been followed all year anyhow, but this is a clear deception to the paying members of our organization.