I have to admit to having the same views as many here about a teacher being in one of the top 5 positions. For years our board has had 2 teacher reps. One for the lower grades (K teacher for PK - 2nd) and one for the higher grades (5th teacher for 3rd -5th). Both are great ladies but they were seldom in attendance and didn't really do much. They did the minimum due to assorted reasons, many of which I am not privy to.
That being said, this past year we had 2 teachers serve as co-vice presidents on the board. I was VERY concerned when the president announced this was the situation up for vote but both teachers have kids at the school so there wasn't much that could be done.
They were approved and I have to say it has been a FANTASTIC year. Due in a HUGE part to these two teachers. The teacher participation in PTO events had tripled, as has the teacher support of the PTO. The parental participation and support has increased (although the PTO membership hasn't) as well due to the fact that the teachers (one is a 3rd grade teacher and the other a 4th grade teacher) more strongly promote the needs of the PTO and since, starting in 3rd grade the kids rotate classes with each teacher doing a single subject, the 2 teachers can reach all 3rd and 4th grade parents. So, even when other grades may not be promoting needs or events as much those two grades (and siblings) help resolve the problem.
This also allowed the PTO to have more access in some ways. The principal, even when she couldn't be present, was willing to let an event take place because there were "staff" board members who would be present.
We were lucky that there were no other personal agendas and if there were staff changes I would hope (and push for) a review of this policy but so far it has only had positive outcomes for us.
This coming year the 3rd grade teacher is staying on as VP but the 4th grade teacher we are creating (actually reestablishing) a new position for, volunteer administrator, because she discovered that is what she enjoys and did a fantastic job of this past year!
So, I understand the concerns but there are also benefits... it all comes down to the school staff and the personalities of the teachers/parents involved!
I am so worried about next year, the parents were have on our board are dropping down. They want to give other parents a chance to be part of the board. NOW, the front office people are trying to pick who they want to represent our PTC. And most of the ones they are picking are Staff members who are also parents at the school. I feel that if the school runs our PTC is won't be a PARENT/Teacher Club. I just had to vent about this. Our school is full of gossiping and back stabbing. I am a worried parent for out club. I am one that is stepping down. SORRY!!!
Teachers have enough to do teaching our children. We do need teacher reps. We had an incident in the past where teachers/staff took over the PTO and parents were not welcomed to be part of the PTO.
