I was talking with some other people about this and one said something that I hadn't thought about.They mentioned that this is your groups chance to really help this mom tunr her life around, being a "friendly face" may be something that she doesn't have alot of...and may help her realize what she needs to do.
We have a board member who has a felony conviction for something that happened long ago. So this is not exactly what is happening in your school, but our experience may help you.
First, we made our administration fully aware of the issue. Then we protected ourselves by not allowing this person to be a signatory on the checking account. She never handles money, not even counting money for our fundraisers.
Other than that there's not much you can do. Granted, she may not be a great role model but most of the kids don't really look up to the pto at the school anyway. I would be wary just like you but I think if you keep her away from the money there's not much other damage she can do.
I am guessing that your principal/district is already aware of all of this, just the fact that the order has been lifted says that this person can be in your building. Your district has already given her the okay to be around kids...that is reality. Is she a role model by all means no, but before you end up looking like the bad guy your group has already approved this lady, you could make an all out battle to try to keep this lady out but reality is it was already approved(district wide). Even if she wasn't your group's secretary she could still be in your school as per the order being lifted, I am sure that there are "warnings" out about her within the staff, I would think that they would group her with others and not deal have her deal with kids one on one alone.
If I was in your shoes would I be happy? No but even with her drug charges she can be involved in her child's school.Reality is she could make the district liable if they took away those rights...is it fair? that isn't for me to say. Just be careful not to make this a personal vendetta...if you feel the need put it in your bylaws that no one with a record and be officer,or even in your group but no matter what your district has say if she can be around kids...
I guess I'd want to know what the restraining order was for. If she's recently been arrested for drugs just a couple of months ago & the restraining order expired recently, why are they (principal & super & school board) allowing her to be active in the school. I know peolpe can change & you want to give them the benefit of doubt but she's shown she's not reliable enough. Not enough time has passed to see her changes. C'mon drug charges are serious & she's still waiting for her court appearance. If she proved to be sober for many months that's one thing but a couple of months...... I'd be weary. Always have another member present with her if she conducts any pto business. Let the super & principal know how you feel. Just hang in there & maybe she'll show that she is changing. Good luck.
My first thought was WHAT?? Then, well how many years ago was this? People make mistakes and do change.
But...if she has a case still in the court system, is she trying to change, pretend that she is so that court will give her a lesser sentence? If so what if she doesn't change? 3 months is not a long enough time for me to trust someone.
I'd be speaking to the principal and the rest of the board. I personally would not want my kids around her just yet.
I am just wondering why no one else has concern for this and voted her in 6-1, also wondering how your principal stood with this. I was thinking that although I think it is bad I just wonder how you could actually stop a parent from volunteering unless your district has a policy about people with criminal records. Like critter said I wouldn't want her dealing with money=)You could look at in a different direction in that now she is trying to do something good with her life???Good luck!
