I don't think that is fair that I sure with draw my bid because, I was never told that I can not put a bid in for something because I am on th PTO board. Then if that is the case then no one on the PTo board should be able to put there bid in either. I still feel that it was handled wrong and I am going to make sure that it does not happen agian to some one else. I have also thought about it that I really don't want any part of an org. that like to put people down when one person is raiseing conflict in the school. I feel that it should be resoved not sweeped under the rug like they are trying to do. I had also contacted someone about this issue and they said that the other person is making a big deal out of it because they what the buisness in the small twown that we live in. and she is being a sour loser. but I ahd already told the pto that I will let it be knowen what they did to me. thanks for your help..................

You're right, Tim. I appreciate your accurate explanation of the bylaws clause. Nothing in there prohibits an inividual member from profitting. Knowing that community, I let the rigid 'interpretation' that I inherited stand. Everyone always believed it to be true and it sure did save a lot of headaches like twinma is struggling with right now. But, honestly, if anyone challenged that interpretation I would have had to concede and simply plead my case based on perception and reputation.

Nothing in that bylaws clause or in the 501(c)(3) regulations prevents a member or an officer from providing paid services to an organization, as long as those paid services are real and priced at defensible market rates.

That said, I agree that the real problem here is perception. And when we're talking about an open quasi-public group, perception matters. A lot.

Tim

twinma - Unregistered is giving you very good advice. I have to agree. Perception is reality and if people perceive that you got a special favor because of your role as an officer then no amount of proof to the contrary will change their minds.

I don't know 501c3 laws very well. I can't comment on the 'legality' of you bidding for the job. If it were my team, though, I would have discouraged officers from bidding in the first place based on my interpretation of our bylaws:

The PTO shall be a non-commercial, non-sectarian, non-partisan entity. No commercial enterprise and no candidate shall be endorsed in their official capacities; shall be used in any connection with a commercial concern or with any partisan interest; or for any purpose other than the regular work of the organization.

While this policy speaks of the PTO as a group, I would hold each individual officer to that policy as well.

Based on my own beliefs of how I would like to see someone approach the situation, I'll say that I think you should withdraw your bid, apologize privately to the board members and other photographer and allow her to take the job.

You might be wondering why you need to apologize because you really don't feel like you did anything wrong. You probably didn't. The point, though, is to take the high road to rebuild relationships. These ladies were probably wrong to accept your bid in the first place. Once they saw the fallout they realized the error but can't quite accept all of the blame. And some of the blame does fall on you. You are one of the officers too and should hold the team's reputation in higher regard than a temporary financial gain.

If, however, there is truly a hardship and this money is needed then I agree that you should step down to prevent any perception of impropriety.

Now that we know a bit more about the situation I would have to agree with the previous post regarding 'conflict of interest.' In the past we have had parents join fundraising committees and suggest we use them. In each case I have thanked the parents for their suggestion and have declined the offer even if they promise their cut of the sale to the cause. IMHO gambling on the 'perception that a parent is profiting from a fundraising opportunity' would be devastating to the PTO's reputation. Our policy is to use vendors who do not have ties to the school so that all is fair and 'rumors of perception' do not have the opportunity to grow.

This is my opinion now, so please don't get angry. If I was in your place, I wouldn't have even submitted a bid. Why? For the very reasons you're seeing now. It might have been different if you volunteered your services at no charge or for just the cost of supplies. Then there wouldn't have been a bidding situation.

My recommendation would be to turn down the job and let your membership vote on another choice. As for the board asking you to step down as fundraising chair, that seems kind of extreme. I could understand if they were asking you to turn down the photography job, but giving up your board seat?