You probably did the right thing--the BOE is the place for this stuff. BUT... I'll admit I'd be mighty curious as to what the rep had to say. You could have let him speak, but just let him/her know you guys are not taking sides. I feel like it's always good to hear it all, then make a decision.
You did the right thing. We are spretty specific about not working for or against any candidate or legislation - lobbying the municipal authorities on behalf (or against) a union would fall into that category.
We put language in our Charter that the PTO would be allowed to discuss topics that effect the educational experience of the students, but that the PTO would not take any official position.
If there really was a groundswell need to have the union talk to the parents, there are two way I see that could be done:
1. Hold a regularly scheduled meeting and when it is over, let the union state their case to anyone who wants to listen.
2. Offer to both sides in the negotiations to discuss their positions in front of the group (I doubt you will get anyone to take you up on this - that is what negotiations are for).
I think you also did the right thing, that just sounds like trouble in the making. I think that if they want to do an information night they should talk to the principal or school board. That is a very sticky subject and it doesn't mean you dont support them by standing your ground.
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
Could you have explained that your organization will not take sides, but allowed the union rep to give a brief "information" presentation at your meeting?
I think you did the right thing, grognd. Parents can have a voice in the teacher contract, but that voice -- in my opinion -- should be through your school board meetings and your elected school board officials. Not through your parent group.
To do otherwise is to nearly guarantee getting tangled up in a good deal of controversy that will diminish your ability to build community and schoolwide support and parental involvement. I think your PTO should stay "Switzerland", even if individual parents or even a group of parents want to get active.
