I need to know how much contol other PTO's boards have. We have our general membership meeting once a month, and a PTO Board meeting 2 weeks after the general membership meeting.
Our by-laws state "the PTO Board shall manage the affairs, activities and operation of the Organization. . . shall transact necessary business during the intervals between the meetings of the membership and such other business as may be referred to it by the membership of these by-laws. . . it may create Standing and Special Committees, approve the plans and work of these committees, present reports and recommendations at the meetings of the membership, and in general, conduct the business and activities of the Organization."
Our Board consists of 4 Officers, 6 Coordinators, and the Principal or his representative. Also, Board meetings are announced in advance, and any PTO member may attend (but not vote on issues).
The problem is if, for example, the PTO Board approves an expenditure of $10 or $15, when certain people at the general membership meeting see this, they have a huge problem with it and cause a big stink at the meeting.
We generally have about 30 parents and teachers at our general membership meetings with a group of 4-5 parents who will not volunteer at any event, will not support the PTO in any way, but show up at every meeting to try to knit-pick and create problems any way they can. Between meetings they talk down the PTO at every opportunity and spread lies and rumors about the officers.
I guess my question is two-fold: Do other PTO Boards vote on expenditures and does the general membership have a problem with it? And secondly, what is the best way to deal with this group of parents whose agenda is to destroy the PTO. Does anyone's by-laws address this situation?
The general membership is tiring of this group and the way they waste time at the meetings.
