It sounds like the principal and current board got together and decided they wanted to keep the same board in place. They should still have to follow the bylaws and become re elected.
Your principal does not get to make this decision. I agree with SAHMing: Get enough people together and throw the whole board out. This behavior jeopardizes the PTO's ability to legally raise and spend money, its tax-exempt status and its credibility.
I have talked to the principal. She has decided that the current board members are going to serve for two years, therefore no election. Then there will be yearly elections but only for 2 board positions at a time. The whole thing is not being run well at all. These women hate me enough already, not sure where to go from here.
Get enough people on board, you'll need a quorum as stated in your by-laws and over throw your ENTIRE board. This isn't allowed under tax exempt status. In our PTO all parents AND teachers are PTO members, which gives them a vote and therefore (we don't charge fees) and so that opens it up to all members of the school, which gives you more votes to overthrow your board. I can't believe an entire board by passed elections. You may not have a line of people wanting the job, but if you and others are willing to step up, you must be given the opportunity. Even if you can hold the title for two years, we elect and agree yearly. That's how you get rid of dead weight. Let your principal know. Also, if she/he is not already part of the board- when you get a chance, ammend the by-laws and make it happen. We added ours to the board which gives her voting power and allows a neutral party in the mix. It's been the best thing! She stays in the loop, comes to our meetings or sends a representative, and if she can't come we e-mail the agenda, budget, minutes, etc.. to keep her in the loop. Change is necessary in your group. GOOD LUCK!
For you to know if the cancelling of elections is o.k. or not you need to know what your PTO Bylaws state. Even if they state that elections take place every year there are usually other parts of the bylaws that my not make that necessary. I know our bylaws state that for someone to run for office they have had to be present at 6 or more meetings during the current school year. They also state that someone can not hold the same officer position for more than two consecutive years. However, we had to take votes at a Officers Election Meeting before to amend the 2 consecutive terms rule for the next school year because we didn't have anyone that met hte 6 meetings or more. We felt it more important to keep the number of meetings needed attended because that way you have officers that know how things are currently being done and have built up a realtionship with the teachers, staff and fundraising companies that you wouldn't have from someone just wanting to walk in and take office. Also, your bylaws may not require a formal voting procedure as our state if someone is running un-opposed we just take a verbal vote.
I am with PTO MOm- go talk to your principal. Or is there a teacher involved in your group? Ask them to get involved in the interest of the kids and the school. The best thing you could do is resolve this peacably because you are going to be along side these parents for many years.
