As CC mentioned, this may be the most recent set of bylaws. Maybe that's why no one will respond to your request. They are either ashamed that the bylaws are so out of date or just don't want to have to follow a set of rules because they're perfectly happy just doing things their own way.
I'd proceed with the set you've found. You've said there are items that violate this set, so I'd bet that if you start using those as a guideline someone will come up with the newer version if it exists. We wrote a section right into our bylaws about reviewing and updating. So far we're sticking to that.
As for teachers on the board, that's a great thing! Having teacher input when we're making decisions is invaluable. They can provide insight that parents may not have because they are in the school day after day. We have had teachers serve as officers, but you could also have a specific position just for a teacher such as staff liason. Multiple teachers could even share the position and just have one attend each board meeting with any report.
You have quiet the mixed bag of problems fb! IMHO every officer should have a copy of the current bylaws. If you do get your hands on a set, be sure to share them with everyone else!
I'm wondering if the people you've talked to are simply embarrased to say that they have no idea about bylaws, where they are, what they are, etc. Or, maybe they just knowingly haven't been following them and don't want to be found out.
If you and the principal are comfortable working with the 7 year old set, it may be a good place to start. Besides, they may very well be your most recent edition. If there were any newer versions, surely someone in the system would remember. Establish a bylaws review committee to update them. That's about a 60 to 90 day process. It should be done frequently anyway - every two to three years. Even if you found a 2 year old set, I'd make the same recommendation. Until new bylaws can be adopted, use the old ones and refer frequently to Robert's Rules of Order. Many abridged and online versions are available. Also, check the Bonus Tool section for some great bylaws examples. They'll help you decide what's best for your team.
Teachers are a tremendous asset to the PTO board. Whether they are a general or executive board member (officer) will depend on how you define their role in your new bylaws. My last team had two Teacher Reps on the voting board. One from k-4th and one from 5th-8th.
Good luck to you and your team. With your leadership, you all are sure to get reorganized and running properly in no time!
Hello! I am looking for some experienced advice here and I have been skimming posts for a while looking for a situtaion similar to mine. I was elected PTO president in October and I've unsuccessfully asked repeatedly for a copy of our bylaws. Most of the time the answers I recieve are just ignoring me by changing the subject. The prinicipal and I did dig out a copy of our bylaws but the ones we found are severely outdated. (7 years old) Nothing in the bylaws we found is correct - even down to when elections are held. I know if this is the current bylaws that we are going to have to update these but I don't know how to bring up the subject, espically with the wierd responses I have been getting from old & repeat officers when I ask for a copy of the current bylaws. Also, we have a president, vp, treasurer, and secretary. Is there some kind of office that can be created for a teacher to hold? I feel like we need a teacher on our board, and we do not have any teachers as officers this year.
Thanks for any & all advice you have for me!
