I discourage teachers from serving as one of the main board members but instead like Venzmama does, have teacher reps on the executive board. The reason behind this is a few things. First, the board positions are elected and there are term limits. Unlike the parents who will be moving on as their children get older, teachers stay. Second, in terms of day to day procedures especially in terms of budget shortfalls and the PTA/PTO filling the gaps, it could be said that there could be conflicts of interest. (also teacher appreciation, teachers who get monetary assistance from the units etc) In other words, many times your board is doing for them. Third, officers need to attend the meetings. This can be hard for teachers who do not live nearby, don't have children of their own at the school or just want to leave work when the work day is done.
Those are just a few of the reasons but of course, I have some terrific units that are operated by teachers and staff because no parents will do it. I have others with teachers on the board who are there only in name and only participate when it concerns what they need. (Affects quorum) Ideally though, your main officers should be parents and have the teachers hold positions on the executive board as Teacher (Grade) representatives.
[ 03-12-2004, 01:24 PM: Message edited by: Michelle B ]
We do not have teachers on our executive board, but just because they have never put their name on the ballot. We do have teacher reps from each level (Elem, MS, HS) who attend our monthly meetings and are our contacts with the rest of the teachers. We just started these positions this year and they have been great! :cool:
How many of you have teachers on your executive board? We just finalized our Bylaws and it does not state that teachers cannot hold office. However our Principal does not want her teachers to serve in elected positions.
