We too have in our bylaws that you must be at at least 3 mtgs. per year to qualify to vote. I agree that there should be less enphasis on mtg attendance than on coming out to volunteer, but the best way to actually know how the board works and thinks is to be at mtgs. You don't get to know the board at events. We really believe that this needs to be an educated decision and not a popularity contest. If you are not part of the decision making process (which is done at mtgs.) how can you step up to be nominated or know who would be the best rep for your school!

I do have issue with the paying dues in order to have a vote. I think it is much more valuable to have put in time than to give $5.00. There are families in all of the schools that are not able to give up even the smallest amounts, but they are willing to serve spagheeti or clean up after Bingo. They are much more deserving of the voting privilage.

NO! Whenever we have anything to vote on all the members at the meeting get to vote.

I'd say no to attendance requirements- just because a family (or parent, member) cant attend doesnt mean they dont care, or wouldnt. With the amount of 2 parents working and childcare issues. I'd not support a group that had attendnce requirement (especially if dues were also paid). Big turnoff for me.

Life happens and we cant always make mtgs, etc.

The current PTO board votes on everything. The membership has not been invited to vote on anything other that this years nomiations for next years PTO. This does not seem correct. Does anyone else operate this way?

I have a problem with meeting attendance being a criteria for voting. There are typically many people who volunteer over the year at various events whom never attend a meeting. It does not mean they are not involved it just means they are not involved at the meetings. Many people don't attend meetings because they can't. Estsblishing your organization in this manner says it is more important to attend a meeting than to volunteer.

Our only criteria for voting is that you must be a member of the PTO. To become a member the cost is $5 per family.

If your group thinks (should be reasoned, not so much felt) you need some minimum criteria for members voting, then great. 75% of meetings is too much. If PTO happens to land on someone's kids' sports night, they suddenly are blocked from participating?

I think if you keep dues, adding a minimum participation level is pushing things. Do you want to include people or drive them away?

Without dues, one event volunteered or one meeting would be fair. Much more borders on exclusionary.

My group's only limit on voters is to register (fill out form with name and contact info and an optional 'volunteer profile'.) It is possible for someone to register on a Wednesday morning without ever have seen, heard, or done anything regarding our PTO and then vote at the meeting on Thursday, whether it be on a spending issue or an election.

There might be room for someone to abuse this policy somehow and load voting with their friends or something, but we just don't have that many people caring enough about what we do to try and cheat our system. (Sadly.) I would actually see a challenge like that as a success.