Hmmm-maybe I'm just not getting it but I would say that you guys may be able to turn this into a positive. The president shouldn't have that much power that they can make or break a whole organization (their job is to preside). At least not independent power. I do see where there is a possibility for this to be tough but it may also be a way to grease the skids to get things done that you want done as long as you and the president are on the same sheet of music.
Sometimes everyone needs to step back and take a deep breath. If the group focuses on what the group's goal are then you can move forward in that directioin. No one should be independently important enough to shift that. If she propells folks to come to meetings that have never come, well now you have more folks involved. Maybe it is the organization's "will" to move in a certain direction or if not, then you can get other folks energized to get involved. "Governments (and PTOs) are run by those that show up". I'm not pro PW here but if she won the election...well that's why you have them.
Now you get to live democracy...and with everyone being adults and everyone wanting to make things go well for the children then there shouldn't be too much chaffe in that. Hope you can all come together and make it a terrific year!
d
doents matter what the bylaws or rules say or dont say and if they fail to address this matter. a head of school should have more sense than that in not swaying the wife to not run for top job in parent org.
its all about perception.
of COURSE ther is conflict of interest.
who wants to work for a company where the ceo and cfo are married?
will be aheadache for the pres and the princ, utlimately. tongues will wag when issues come up.
I don't see a problem with the principal's wife being president as she has to pass things by her executive board and the general assembly first. If they are all willing to let her do things, then so be it. Also, you have to realize that she may be married to him, but she doesn't neccessarily think just like him. My husband was the president of the school board and I'm the PTO president and we came in conflict every once in a while. I also had a couple of parents mad at me for something the BOD did and had to remind them that I WASN'T ON THE BOD! Maybe this woman wants to do something for her child and other children! Give her the benefit of the doubt.
As for bylaws, ours states that to run for an executive position you have to be a member in good standing. For you to proceed with the changes you want, your group will need to take roll at the meetings and keep track of who volunteers for things. It will also eliminate new parents who haven't had a chance to participate, but who want to. Keep that in mind when you make your changes. I could see certain rules applying to the Pres, VP, Treas, but not the remaining members.
On the bright side, a good PTO has great communication with the Principal and this could fill that bill! :cool:
What happened at the meeting where you attempted to change the bylaws to having to attend 4 meetings. We were thinking of doing the same thing. Our elections were stacked as well. 24 of the 27 teachers showed up to vote without ever having been to another meeting all year. They were there to vote in the kindergarten teacher that does not have any children (this school or any other). It is not that we wish no involvement from the staff but within reason.
Thanks and I will play nice, I refuse to stoop to the level that I had to play at on Monday night. As for the Right Person, I should explain what I meant. The Right person is a person that cares about the entire school, not a select few, and not just about the teachers. Little more info, the Principals Wife is a teacher too, but at a different school. What I hope happens with the By-Laws is ensure that "Active" members are the only ones that get to vote and that the members running for executive positions have at least attended 4 meetings and been involved with 2 events, that way they will know what is happening and the climate of school environment.
Just like everywhere else this are political and I didn't do what certain parents (that's the way we've always done it) wanted, plus I held people accountable (bad word again).
But I will take your advise and ask her point blank why she ran for the position and what she intends to do, will let you know at a later date.
Thanks for the advice. Fickle is everywhere I guess, it's a shame that we are all suppose to be adults and teach are children well (can you here Crosby, Stills and Nash in the background?). Again, thanks for the good advice -- have a great day!
