Thanks guys for some advice. The bylaws were definately inforced by a president that was there my first year there, so it was just a new president

saying "what bylaws?" and after 2 or 3 years the organization just fell apart! (Imagine that!!) Also, I was the "trouble maker" when I started to question why they weren't being followed. so the answer to that question is within the PTO.

I do know that our school is within a rural area and only have about 120 students from grades 1-6. very small and we are really lucky! I know our bylaws say that an audit must take place twice a year. 2 board members must audit the treasurer. do you think that is a bad idea, since we are such a small school? I don't think the district has much to do with the PTO/PTA'S within our district. I know that our district does not due any audits.

This is something else, too, Nobody wants to run for the other chairs. We are trying to recruit newer mom's so they can learn the ropes. Do any of you think that is a bad idea?

Of course you're nuts! That's the #1 requirement for leading a parent group!!! I've been president of mine for three years.....

I'd say your first item of business is to dust off the bylaws and get a fresh copy out to everyone. Maybe they haven't been followed because no one has read them. Perhaps a Bylaws Review Committee of three or four non-voting members could be established to make sure they're current and fit the needs of your group.

Second, reign in the checkbook. If your school/district conducts an annual audit you can probably have the reviewers go over your books at the same time.

Third, meet with key members of the school community to see how your group can best fit within the structure. The principal, the head teacher and one or two dependable volunteers can help outline a vision for the coming year and give you specific points to focus on.

Third, reintroduce your group to the community. Freshen up any informational brochures you have, put a blurb in the school newsletter or on their website, ask if there's space on the school's main bulletin boards to post information. Most parents have probably stopped getting involved because the group seemed to become a private clique and they weren't needed or didn't feel welcome.

Finally, remember to have fun! Everyone will come around just to see what the excitement is all about!!!

You are nuts...but not totally nuts!!
Oh come on, I kid!!

You definatly are cominginto some challenges and what is the best way to met one but head on!

First- Do you think someone from the bank or a local accountant would be willing to help ya out with some porbono work.

Second- I have found putting together away or an afternoon to sit and talk to the volunteers that are "fed up" and ask what they are fustrated with. And pray it's easy stuff to fix! A simple coffee and dessert could be just the thing to get things back on track. Make sure someone from the school can be there to help with school issues.

Third- Are you a trouble maker with the PTO or the school? If with the PTO...wouldn't worry about it but use it to help change things. Don't feel you need to reinvent the wheel but kicking the tires and filling them with air is a good start. I'm currently working on "buying new tires" as the old ones are needing a big change!

Fourth- As you have seen, the teachers are often the ones that can make or break your PTO. Talk with them. You know who will visit with you and have ideas. If they know you support them they will support you and the PTO.

By-laws - Hoping you have them, take a look to see if they even apply anymore or if they are so old they are useless and that's why no one has followed them. OR you may just luck out and be following a president that said "by-laws??? what bylaws when I can do it THIS WAY!! "

Most important...make sure your hubby is on board. You will need his support more than ever this year and let him know what you up against. The best advise mine has ever given me is rememeber to communicate with my team and teachers. But he has been the best with cheers, jeers and tears....my 6'2" teddy bear when meetings went awful!

Hang in there and I will e-mail you the password to the nut house when you are ready!!

p.s. People think because I have 5 kids I want to do this forever

I'm new to this web site, and I really like it. I was recently nominated for president and I accepted. Now, no one is running against me. I should be voted in at our May meeting. I have been very active in the organization since my daughter was in kindergarten she is in 5th grade now. I also have another daughter in 3rd. In the past 3 to 4 years I have watched things go downhill. I used to question a lot of things and got labeled a "trouble maker". Now we have very little help due to the lack of communication, our school is in a rural area and not many parents. The ones that are there are very "fed up". Our bylaws have not been followed for about 3 years. That was a lack of organization. I just found out that the check book has not been audited in roughly 2 years. The head teacher seems to think because I'm a "seasoned mom" and know how things are supposed to be ran, I can turn this organization around and "mentor" some new mom's that are frustrated. I need suggestions. Does anybody think I'm TOTALLY nuts for stepping into this?
Thanks in advance!!!