Haven't read your entire bylaws, but from what you've posted, I don't see the real hurdles.
You're right to look at the bylaws, not what the district person "said". If there's no proscription against voting by ballot, then I suspect voting by ballot is fine.
Similarly, feel free to invite the district rep. to meeting -- as your bylaws ask. Doesn't mean district person runs the meeting; doesn't mean district person even gets a chance to speak (up to you). Certainly doesn't mean that district person runs the vote. It's your meeting.
Often the district or state person comes in and -- because of the "title" and the perception that district person has a higher role or more experience or some kind of power -- the local president defers a ton. At your meeting, you still rule (by your bylaws). The guest is just that -- a guest.
What part of this are you seeing as the roadblock?
One other thing. Our quorum for the transaction of the business of the PTA at a meeting shall consist of 10 members which include at least 2 officers. By-laws also state the by-laws of all local PTA units shall prohibit votin by proxy. This info is all under Meetings.
Tim
Our by-laws state that we have to have a signed petition of 10 members or 10%, whichever is larger, recommending dissolution not including the executive board.
Written notice stating the question of dissolution has to be given to each member entitled to vote, to the president of the Ill PTA and to the district director or designated representative of the state board of managers at least 60 days prior to the date of the meeting.
Here is what our by-laws say: "Approval of dissolution of the local PTA/PTSA unit shall require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the membership. The district director or designated representative of the state board of managers shall be invited to this meeting." When asked the district president said that the 2/3 had to be members present and could not be done by ballot. I cannot find the ballot issue anywhere in the by-laws.
Typically, this is a 2/3 vote a quorum being present. Check your bylaws for your quorum number.
If your quorum is 10 members, then you (again typically) would need 7 out of 10 members present to vote for the change.
This quorum language is almost universal, as -- as you've noticed -- it's almost impossible to get anything done otherwise. National PTA certainly uses it, and I'm sure Illinois state PTA, too.
For example, National PTA -- a group with almost 6 million members -- typically makes its big decisions (bylaws changes, dues increases, elections) with fewer than 800 members voting at its national convention. In a close vote, that means that 400 or 600 "yeas" (out of 6 million members) can carry the day.
I am in Illinois. Our by-laws state (grey area) that we must have 2/3 membership to disband after some other hoops are jumped through. This cannot not be done by ballot. We have a 400+ membership.
Which part of your bylaws are you struggling with? What state are you in?
Two answers for you:
1. I'd wager there are fairly simple ways to get out within your bylaws. Often, the bylaws (intentionally) make it sound much harder than it actually is. Thousands (many hundreds?) of groups disband each year.
2. Push come to shove, yes -- not paying dues is also darn effective.
