Here's a link to my group's bylaws. They seem to be a bit more tuned towards a company, but in many ways I think it makes them better, afterall a PTO is kind of like a non-profit company.
Tsunami- I'd be greatful for a copy of the bylaws, my email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you!
We had a helacious year too, at least it started that way! We used to be a joint PTO between 2 schools. I was brought on as treasurer 3 years ago when the board was a cohesive unit. Then our 2 school reps (essentially the co-presidents) stepped down, so their big shoes had to be filled. Chaos soon ensued. Last year, the board was on the outs with one another. No one wanted to come to meetings. When they did, they weren't welcomed so much as attacked for not being there at other times, but only when important votes were happening. We decided that in the best interest of the teachers, the parents and most of all, the students, it would be best to form a new PTO for each school. It has been the best decision I think we could have ever made! I stepped into the president role and we too are working on turning parents opinions of us around. Sure, our meetings are still better attended by the staff of the school then the parents. While that bothers me a bit, the parents are supportive in so many other ways (even if they don't realize it) that I find it hard to complain.
The first thing we had to do as a newly formed PTO was to construct our bylaws and present them to our PTO for a vote. We tweaked a couple of things here and there at the meeting, then submitted them to the school board for approval of our PTO as a new organization. We haven't looked back since! I'd be happy to share our bylaws with you if you like. I have them on my computer in a word file.
Hey All,
As always Thank you! (Shawn, you made me LMAO, which I really needed to do since this has made me feel kind of sick to my stomach!)
Biggest lesson learned in all this is that we need to step up and take control of the situation. We, being newbies were afraid because we didn't have a clue on what we were doing! Well lesson learned. We are dealing with this in a very kind and delicate way but it's going to change.
We do have a parent stepping up to become treasurer....after this experience I never want to deal with the money again!!!!!!! This whole thing has left us feeling very attacked and quite honestly sabotaged. Not a good feeling!
I will keep you updated on the checkbook situation, as I said, I really believe nothing "ookey" is up with it, but we will audit it if it all doesn't balance when its handed over. No question! It should all be settled by the end of this week I HOPE!!!
Next on our list is we are setting up our by-laws (which our PTO never had)so when school starts next fall we are prepared. So if you have any examples of what your PTO bylaws are I'd be greatful to have an idea of what they should include.
Seriously, I am so greatful this forum exists! Thank you all!
I agree with ottonwoodptc. Is there another parent willing to step up and take on this role? If not then there may be some other issues, as you will not want to hold dual roles as President and effective treasurer. Bad, bad things can come from that.
Also, it sounds as though there may be ligitimate concerns regarding the books that you didn't get into. For the current Treasurer and the previous President to state things along the lines that they are it makes me wonder how far off the books are and why.
I would recommend an audit at this time, one in which you, the V.P., a new Treasurer and the outgoing treasurer could be part of. You don't want these negative rumors being passed around. By having an audit it will provide proof that there was nothing shady being done and it will do nothing but help the transition.
The main point though is find someone else willing to take this job on, and then just have them voted in. It may be too late, but if not this method would prevent further bad blood.
The PTO Bylaws that my PTO has, only allows a person to be in the same position (i.e. president, treasurer, etc) for 2 consecutive years. After that, they need to either move to another position, or step off the board.
