Our bylaws provide for an 'honorary membership,' which can be granted to anyone who is not parent/guardian/faculty/staff. It could be someone with a preschooler who will attend next year, a retired teacher, a grandparent, a regular volunteer from the community, etc. They just need to fill out a registration form with their info and why they want to be a part of our PTO.

I would be less specific in the wording of the bylaws and either accept members from outside the immediate school community or not.

She is probably just feeling sad/guilty/etc., and she might not even want to be around when next year starts. Get beyond how the rule works in her situation and determine if it would be good in any situation.

Also, how can a board change the bylaws without a vote of the membership?

After 7 years on board, I'm looking forward to "retiring" next year. I know I'll miss being involved and I'll especially miss all of the people at school, but the best thing I can do is bow out gracefully, wish the new board "good luck" and pass on any information that would be helpful.

I think "old-timers" like me really need to step aside so others can step up. It's really what is best for the group and for the school. I'm concerned your "old-timer" was able to talk the board into changing the bylaws to allow her to remain involved, especially since her kids are moving on. I think she needs to move on, too.

Good luck!

I don't have a problem with other people coming to the main PTO meetings or even volunteering to help with specific PTO events. I am a litte wary about someone who "controlled" the PTO for years having undue influence on the organization. It might stiffle new ideas/new blood that will be very important for the group when this parent (eventually) leaves.

Certainly, the leadership (Exec. Bd, most committee chairs) should have kids in the school (it is a requirement to serve on our board).

Membership is a little different for us - all parents and paid staff are members by definition. If you child has graduated you are no longer a member and cannot vote anyway.

My groups bylaws limit membership to people who either are a parent or guardian of an enrolled student or currently employed staff members.

My experience is limited to three groups I've been personally involved with and all had similar requirements.

I think your group has an interesting take on this. I personally like the transient nature of parent groups because it makes room for new parents to get involved and bring fresh ideas with them. It's also nice to see a "light at the end of the tunnel" where some members are concerned. On the other hand, it's sad to see some really phenomenal members leave the group simply because their child has graduated.

Thumbs up to the "non-voting member" wording, though. It's lovely to have so many willing volunteers but probably a good idea to leave the voting up to folks who's own children will be impacted by the decisions. And the great thing about bylaws is that, if you try it this way for awhile and it doesn't work out, then another ammendment can be made.

our PTO would allow this, its in the bylaws that ANYONE with an interest in the school can be member of pto. no requirement of having kids in the school. guess it all depends on what your own bylaws say and if there is no mention, then it may be needs to be amended to include a definition of what consitutes a pto 'member'.

A former parent who has controlled the PTO for about 8 years who will no longer have a child enrolled in our school next year has talked the new board into changing the bylaws to allow her to continue to be at all meetings and committee's. The change says that any former parent and or former teacher may continue with the PTO as a non voting member. Any ideas is this normal
Jon