Have the election even if there is only one nominee per position. And be sure to take nomination from the floor!

This past year was the first year we implemented our "by-laws" which has that outline. Unfortunately the president at the time didn't understand that she couldn't just advertise the "open" positions. Technically all positions are "open" each year and all need to be advertised for nominations. As the new president that is something I am hoping to better address this year.

Also, we have a website, so I was going to have each candidate write a "blurb" about themselves based on a set of standardized questions that is created by the nominating committee and also supply a word limit "blurb" about themselves as well that may highlight anything else they wish to share that isn't covered in the questions. Excerpts of these will be in the monthly newsletter and the pages posted on the PTO site for members to review, at their leisure, prior to elections. Not sure it will actually draw in that many more people/volunteers but the hope is to make it as "friendly" as possible so there is little to no chance of anyone shouting foul or cliquish.

There is much to know about the process of nominations and elections. If you don't already have one, I highly suggest you pick up a copy of Robert's Rules of Order at your nearest bookstore.

The thing with our school is there was no formal PTO before this year. We haven't had a standing PTO since 2000. I was asked by the new principal to re-write our bylaws. I did this along with standing rules. I have basically taken over the role as president without being voted in. Our bylaws do state that we need a quorum of 6 people in order for voting, at our last meeting we were 1 person shy. Any suggestions?

Our by-laws include that all prospective officers have to have chaired a PTS event...if you have chaired an event it shows some responsibility and commitment - and also means that more PTO members (should) know who they are.

Hi LJB & SCoolidge-
Even in large PTOs, officers are not elected based on a platform or a particular point of view. So there really is no need for a formal campaign or debate. However, to ensure the election is more than just a popularity contest, it is good practice to have the nominees introduce themselves at the election meeting. Nominees should share why they want to be elected, highlights of their PTO service, and any special skills they bring to the PTO.

Regarding the question about whether to just appoint the officers, it's a good idea to go through the formality of elections. When there's only one candidate for each office, they can be elected by voice vote as a slate (all at once). But the group should open the floor for nominations first, to make sure no one else is running. Your bylaws undoubtedly require you to hold elections. But beyond that, transparency is important. Don't want people down the line making accusations about the PTO being a clique that doesn't even hold elections.

~ Lisa


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twitter.com/ptotoday

LJB,

We are having the same problem at our school. During Open House we had parents sign up for offices on the PTO and only 1 person for each station signed up! I was wondering if we should even bother holding elections or if we should just assign everyone to the posts?