Michelle, I just meant that I know that the PTA has many rules and regulations, I am just not aware of many them or how they work. I did not mean that to bash the PTA.

I just love how this turned into a mini PTA bashing. Like Daddio's comment

Another reason I am glad we are not a PTA.

and it wasn't even the National Parent Teacher Association that wouldn't allow grandparents to serve as Siflak points out. Or C. Brooks comment

There is a lot I do not understand about the PTA,

There's not that much more to understand. Local units follow their bylaws just like any PTO would.
The article even states that National PTA has two youth members and encourages youth participation. This is currently a local matter and since he was elected, the PTA didn't bar him from serving. It is the PEOPLE in the PTA that are having an issue. It is in the bylaws who can serve, just like all of your PTOs with bylaws. If he isn't barred by the bylaws, it should be fine. It is the issue of the state laws and it is slightly apparent that the Principal had a hand in it based on his comment. Technically speaking, according to IRS regulations, minutes are legal papers of the organization. They are used in audits. That could be the concern but not a contract. Did a lawyer in the membership point this out or was it some member that doesn't understand the PTA or what the laws on contracts are? His being a signer on the account shouldn't be a problem either since you only need two signers on the account and I'm certain that you will have those with your President and Treasurer.
Unless your bylaws prohibit it, there shouldn't be a problem and that is likely what the answer will be when it comes down from state.
I have several PTSAs in my council (NV) and for those whose bylaws allow it, have students elected as an officer of some sort.
It sounds more like a membership/local PTA that is unsure of the actual rules of the organization than the organization itself having an issue.
Again, I see no problem with him serving in the position and I'm sure it will be handled appropriately.

My main question in all of this is your election process. If this kid cannot legally hold the position then he never should have been allowed to run. At the time he was nominated I would think someone should have looked into and resolved the matter before elections were held.
It seems to me that this situation could have been completely avoided.

I understand according to the article that he is 3rd in line to sign checks. I know this is being used as a defense against him, but is it realistically legitimate? In previous years has the person 3rd in line ever had to sign a check?

I wish you all good luck in this though. I think it is a terrible quandry and I hope it all works out for the school and the 17 year old.

i also have mixed feelings about this. Well it is great that he is involved I worry about confidental things that may come up. I realize that he was elected but wonder if some parents will be more apt to be quiet than state strong feelings in front of a 17 year old.I mean I know there are times at meetings that may get heated, do you want him a part of that.Can he be a student rep? Maybe a Student Council that works with you? we have had high school kids volunteer at our events but never attend meetings, I guess until I know how it really goes I have mixed feelings. Good luck doing what is best for your group

I don't mean to be a negative Nelli, now I to read the grandparents can't serve post and my first reaction was that was unfair. Now I have had a chance to think on it. PTO/A (PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION? ASSOCIATION) <some have even become PTSO/A to involve students.> These groups are started to strengthen the relationship between parents and teachers so that together they can improve the school. It is great that grandparents, aunt, uncles and older siblings also want to help improve the schools and communities. We have many highschool and middle school students who volunteer at our school as well as other family and community members. It does not mean that their place is with the PTO. It also does not mean that the PTO or the school cannot sponsor a committee to reconize their involement. This "child's" engeries would better serve if focused on starting a teenager volunteer group for the schools. When I was in high school I was not old enough to join the Lion's Club <my father was very active in the group and I did a lot of volunteering for them> I was however president of the Leos Club which was sponsored by the Lions Club. I applaude the pride and support he is showing to his younger sisters, and I would like to see a group that can support him and other teenagers that would like to be involved. The PTO executive board is just not the place for it.

Evidently, he won a contested election. The members must have felt he was qualified to do the job. As far a leglaties are concerned, the secretary rarely would be obligated to sign any contract, isn't that what the President is elected to do, and in his/her absence the Vice pres? Minutes must be approved/accepted by the organization (whether the entire membership ot the executive board), not just the secretary, and any board member could "certify" them.

Being on the outside, reading the article makes the parents who are against this young man sound petty and small. I'm sure there is a whole back story that isn't relayed in the article, but really why would you deny any volunteer? Sends the wrong message.

Another reason I am glad we are not a PTA. This is just like the articles I have read on the grandparents that are being excluded.

FYI: It was the NYC School District policy, NOT the PTA's(which are not affiliated with National PTA in NYC) that wouldn't allow the grandparents to serve. National PTA website states: " Membership is open to anyone concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth."

[ 06-16-2004, 07:38 AM: Message edited by: SFilak ]