We're a new group, and fearful of the problems Cubluver brought up we didn't put the principal or any teachers on the board as part of our bylaws. They can become members like anyone else (if a member you have voting rights), but can only be a board member if they have a child currently in the school. Our reasoning is that they would be more likely to vote in their child's best interests than theirs.
While I completely understand where you're coming from, I would seriously think twice before revoking voting rights. I agree with the others that this could lead to a very bad situation, or the worsening of one. I would only do this if the principal were trying to throw elections or was pressuring members to vote a certain way.
I have to agree with the others, too. Our principal is very supportive of our PTO and has never missed a meeting. We had one vote that I can think of in which he did not concur with the majority vote - not a biggie - was easy to be able to move on.
Our principal is also on our Nominating Committee, and I think he is oftentimes better able to be more objective about members than some of the parents.
we don't actually have to do alot of formal voting we seem to reach consenus through discussion. I have to say that I generally talk toour principal prior to meeting discussions so that i know her side. It is funny how often we agree, it is also a big help knowing her feelings ahead of time. There are times that we have voted over her and then we move on. She is a great supporter and to know that she is moving on scares me....Generally she doesn't vote but does have the right. I also try to refrain from voting...
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
I have to agree with the others. To actually reverse the status quo and take away the principal's vote sends a very negative message and could cause problems.
Our principal is a voting member of the board. Frankly, it's hard for me to imagaine something passing that she didn't support. It would usually get killed during discussion as she would likely have very valid reasons.
On the other hand, there have been rare occasions where we didn't approve a request she supported or maybe not in the amount originally set. It was always handled professionally and democratically with no repercussions.
I totally agree. Last year a few people wanted to take away our principal's voting rights; I completely disagreed (& luckily others agreed with me). I think our organization is there to support the school, and I don't understand why anyone would want to not allow the person in charge of the school to vote. Sometimes there seems to be a "power" situation involved, but it's never coming from the principal, rather from those who want our organization to be a separate entity. Our organization wouldn't exist without the school! It just doesn't make sense to me when certain individuals act as though they know what is best for the school, especially to the point of taking the principal out of the mix. Personally, I think there is something wrong with that picture.
Wow! Have you already proposed that idea to the members? Is the principal aware of this? I would tread lightly. If your principal is involved and supports your pto you might want to think twice. You sure wouldn't want to step on toes or hurt feelings. That's a tricky one. Our principal is very supportive of what we do. They don't care to give their opinion but, they respect others as well. Our principal paid her pto dues just like every other member, therefore she has the right to vote. I would seriously think twice about that proposal. I'm curious to hear if other principals are allowed to vote too. Just my 2cents.
