The answer is yes to the question of following procedures. I called an executive meeting to have a discussion, all 4 members were in favor of sending a letter.
I have been able to talk with VP and feel we are back on track. I have called another executive meeting and am hopeful to have us all working together again.
Thanks for all your encouragment and questions. I feel much better about things!

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> <hr></blockquote>The executive comm. decided to write a thank you letter and let these women know we had 2 new chairs who could carry on their work. We all signed the letter and I went away on vacation. <blockquote>quote:</font><hr> <hr></blockquote>

Just curious, when the executive committee decided to write the letter, did you decide by way of motion, seconded and majority/unanimous vote? Were the VP and Treasurer opposed at the time that the vote was taken. Did they make their opposition known. Was their opposition discussed and other alternatives taken in consideration.

I personally think that writing the letter was the right thing to do, provided parliamentary procedure was followed in making the decision. Since joining the PTO last year and becoming familiar with bylaws and parliamentary procedure, I have learned to use my bylaws to combat any and all issues. It is truly your governing body.

Good luck, I hope it all works out.

I'm starting to wonder if members of my PTO board are writing all of the messages. How strange that we could all be so similar in our problems. This forum has meant a great deal to me. It has shown me that we are not alone and that there is always someone to talk to.

Thanks for your input. The entire board was part of this decision, which makes this very hard. I am committed to getting the school year off to a good, positive start and hope to have this resolved soon.

First, if your bylaws say she is no longer a member, there it is in black and white. She is no longer a member. In this day and age of not having enough volunteer help, I would have to point out that you don't want to completely 86 her, unless you (or whatever committee chair) absolutely, positively cannot work with her. Be fair, but be firm.
Second, and what I might say is more important, do not meet with this person on your own. Have a neutral witness at all times! I found out the hard way last year, that it is better to have at least one witness. Remember, the bylaws are on your side. Always have them with you, they are both your sword and shield.
Third, be sure to 'go to' your full board (or whatever minimum your bylaws provide for) before taking any volatile or questionable situation into your own hands. Even if your board doesn't like the idea, they need to feel as though they were a part of what could be a powder keg.
Lastly, Good Luck and Go Get 'Em! I had a miserable woman for my veep last year. She did make the year seem like 20 years at hard labor. She cheated me out of the re-election (by stacking the room) but got her comeuppance during her bid for re-election when she lost fair and square. This year I am heading up our Site Council. I have a great group of men and women to work with and am looking forward to it! My only regret from last year? That I didn't shut her down, instead, choosing to try to keep things civil between us. I should have armed myself with the bylaws and put us all out of our misery. Sometimes you just can't be nice, but you should try all other avenues first.
Good Luck!

Sounds familiar in a strange sort of way. Our PTO has been divided for 2 years now. Although not in the same way as yours, but I do know where you are coming from. It was no longer fun. If your by-laws state that they are no longer members (I'm assuming membership is granted on the basis of having a child, grandchild, or legal custodian of a child, or a staff member in the said school) then they are no longer members unless a vote is made to ratify the by-laws. It sounds simple, but I know when emotions run high, people make it a bigger issue than it is. Meet with her in private if possible. If she refuses, then bring the by-laws to the group meeting. Politely inform her that although she does not have a say in the day to day activities of PTO, she is more than welcome to volunteer, or chair a commitee. (If you want to give her that much reign) If she does not find this acceptable, then politely, but firmly show her the by-laws stating that she is no longer considered a member and that her past performance was appreciated, but no longer needed.
Hope this helps. Email me if ya want to vent together. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. I check it at least every other day.
:eek: