It's probably one of those situations where no one has had the time or energy to go ahead and change the bylaws. If you told them that you were willing to re-write them to at least conform with the way the organization currently works, I would think they would be hard pressed to turn you down. That might be a good first step.
If they're receptive to that, then perhaps you could start suggesting changes and see what kind of reaction you get. You may find that it's pretty easy.
If it's not, somewhere in the bylaws it should specify how they get changed. Once you figure out what it says, you'll have to marshall the support required by the bylaws to get changes put in place.
As for the accountability of the Board to parents who are *not* members--I wouldn't think they have any.
I’m a new participant in my school Booster Club. I asked my BC officers about bylaws months ago, and got no response. Since then I’ve asked how to become a BC member – no response.
The other day I talked to the co-president about running for president with her next year. She went to the other board members and voila – the bylaws appear!
Now the fun starts. The bylaws were written in 1977, no amendments exist, and the copy is incomplete. They state that the board of directors are elected by the members of the Booster Club, and the members are elected by a two-thirds vote of the board. The way it's written it seems like there's no way for 'outsiders' to become members if 2 of the 4 current board officers don't want them!
I’ve heard from past BC participants that this is not how the current officers were elected, nor how other votes are taken. I don’t think these bylaws have been followed for years. There is no provision for co-presidents in the bylaws, and that’s what we have now.
What can those of us who want a change do? What is the accountability of the Board to parents who are not members?
:confused:
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!!
