As a treasurer, I know that it is a difficult job and maybe this person really can't handle it. You may want to point out that it is not HER money, but the entire PTO's and she DOES have an obligation to answer to ANY member (this, of course, includes the executive board) as to how the money is spent and/or handled at any given time. I took over as treasurer from a board that had gotten very lax and comfortable in their positions (this year's board is completely new) and one of the problems was a treasurer who guessed at how much money they had--just like you might do with a personal account. When I finally got all of the previous year's documentation (not audited, however, in violation of our bylaws--she was too busy!) I discovered year-old checks and about $100 in cash that had never been deposited! It is still something of a mess, but not quite as bad. Unfortunately, figuring out last year's books takes time away from keeping up with this year's books. I guess my point is that if she can't handle the job it will be twice as bad for the next person. We chose this year to add a member-at-large next year whose main responsiblity is to reconcile the bank statement each month. Reconciling should not be done by anyone who signs checks, treasurer included, but it has got to be done on a regular basis.
On a lighter note, when parents complain about our board I always threaten to nominate them next year.
In that case, I would call or email her until she got the info to me as well as tell the Principal you will make a big stink if she doesn't have the info ASAP. It sounds like your Principal doesn't like conflict so give her some of yours until it is solved. And if you still don't have the info at the next meeting, just remind them that the last person stole from your group and you are trying to make sure that doesn't happen again and this person withholding info is making it all look shady-this can be said in a nice calm voice to make you look like you are sympathetic to her plight but are still saying that having been burned you have the right to be concerned.
Being a part of your parent group must mean a lot to you to go through the muck trying to make it right so just stick to your guns and don't allow this to be just your problem. When we had difficult issues with a person in our group and she was harassing me for doing my job and not what she wanted, I let every board member know what I was being put through so that when it came up at a meeting, no one took her stupidity and they reminded her of the rules and if she didn't like what items were approved then that was too bad. In the end, she left and our meetings have been so nice without her.
The fact that this person needs to get her click involved with whether or not she gets her job done makes me very nervous about the whole situation.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Thanks but I did that and she was "too emotional to talk about it" until she came at me with her group and they demanded to know why I was picking on her -"she's doing the best she can". Well her best isnt good enough if she cant add some figures and present it to us- They feel I'm picking on her though. I told her that she shouldnt look and act guilty of something if she's not - and that her actions sure seem guilty especially as we had a Tres. a year ago who in a months time stole over $500. - could have been worse and thankfully I caught it before it was. I have offered to help or to do it myself- she wont answer my calls or emails now (during the last meeting she said she'd call because she really needed my help.BS) The principal says one thing to me (make her do it or else) but something different when we're in meetings. I know she hates to take sides and any controversy but give me a break here.
I guess the simplest thing for you to point out is if she has nothing to hide, then what is the problem and if she just doesn't know how to do the job then either she needs to learn or let someone do it who can.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Everyone in our area is kind of on edge due to a pending Volunteer Policy and possibly doing away with parent run groups. I just dont think it will change things either - these people wanting in, live to fight and argue and thats what they have said they will do. If need be they will invent a cause - I just dont think I want to be involved with that. They seem to be thinking of theirselves instead of the kids and the school. I do know the balance w/ the bank sounds right though it would be nice to actually have the forms , etc the Treasurer is supposed to complete. I feel pretty well at peace with the thought of resigning so I take that as a sign that its the right thing to do. I just dont know 100%.
Ok your under the school's umbrella, the Principal isn't helping to defuse the situation, have you thought about going to the supertendant of the school system and having a chat with him/her about this situation, and ask for an audit of the books? With you being under the school's umbrella the school system needs to have things in order just as much as you want to have them in order.
