We just held elections for the upcoming school year and the Principal's wife was elected as President, she is also a parent (they have a child attending school). However, some people questioned whether her being the Principal's wife could be seen as a Conflict of Interest.
NOTE 1: Unfortunately there is nothing in our by-laws (very outdated) stating who can be an executive officer.
NOTE 2: Our elections were STACKED -- people who never attended any meetings or were involved with PTC got to vote (again by-laws need to be updated).

I'm just curious if it is appropriate within the overall educational/school institution/system to have the Principal's Wife as the President of our Club.

Thanks and have a great day!

[ 05-14-2003: Message edited by: Demon1981 ]</p>

Wow, I thought our elections weren't fair.

No, I wouldn't think it would be right for her to be President, but unfortunately she does have a child in the school and there is nothing in the bylaws that says she can't. I suggest having a bylaw review soon to keep it from happening again if you can.

Our elections were stacked also. Both sides including mine had people coming out of the woodwork. unfortunately if they paid their membership dues, which they have until the day before elections to do, they can vote.

Unfortunately for me and my friend who was running for President the current President does not follow the bylaws and makes her own rules, so we lost a few votes. She only lost by one vote. Well, there is always next year.

Good luck to you.

(my3boys)You can contest the election and ask for a new one. It's all Roberts Rules of Order now that you would need to bone up on but in an election THAT close YOU BET I would ask for a recount and new elction! It can be done and you have the right!

(Demon)As far as the President being the Principal's wife, (forgive me here) if this was an issue why was her nomination accepted by the board or the membership? I can see a conflict if she was on the School Board but in this case she is also a Mom....shouldn't that come first? This matter needs to be discussed before the school year starts up this fall. Ask her, her plans for the year and how involved will her husband be, too? I guess I'm confused on why you are punishing the wife of the Principal when really she is a mom that wants to be involved like everyone else. Why would you change your by-laws to exclude spouses of employees of the school, that sounds a little goofy. Well, that's what it sounds like you want to do.

Yeah, I guess it sums up I am having an issue with your issue....she wouldn't have been voted in if the other members shared your view.

Mykidsmom,

The only concern I have about her being the Principals wife is how that affects parents and teachers, plus the way she conducted herself with the elections. As I said previously the by-laws MUST be revised. As for excluding her to be an executive officer, not my intentions. I feel that anyone that wants to volunteer to make our children's school day better and productive can make a difference and should be allowed to participate. However, if the people participating are manipulating the system to get to THEIR end result, then yes I have a problem with that. Again, if the current Executive Council had the time to review and revise the By-laws then I wouldn't have had this question. Don't know about your school, but the PTC executive council had to basically do everything with the help of a few (3-5) volunteers, plus raise their children and work full-time. Also, they didn't receive any help or useful guidance from the out-going executive council and because they tried to do what was right for ALL students, left a bad taste in certain school official’s mouths.
I truly believe that if she was not the Principals wife she wouldn't have won the election. She used her influence as his wife, not as a mother -- also know that she partook of many PTC events, but didn't volunteer her time at any of them, all she did for the PTC was "Stir the Pot" and make additional tasks for the executive council at meetings she did attend. OPINIONS are great we both have one, they are not right or wrong just ours, thanks for making me think a little wider on this issue -- and even though I don't plan to be overly involved with events this year at our school, I will attend meetings and be productive, plus try and get the By-laws revised to ensure that the best person(s) win honestly, not by who you know or what your name is.

Thanks DEMON1981

[ 05-15-2003: Message edited by: Demon1981 ]</p>

I still don't see how you can legally write a bylaw to make sur the "right " person is voted in.....in an ever PC world that just is a statement in the wrong direction. How are going to word this? She is not a staff member, she is a parent, she campained, she won, let her fall or I hope she is the best thing to happen. Let her see what she has gotten herself into, that might be better than asking for her to resign. Anyone can be President but only a few can handle it.
She is still accountable to all the members for every dime she spends....this could be more entertaining than you think right now.

At our school we have had the same four women rotate offices now for four years (got my first break last year after 3 years on the board but am back on board this year...again). We have parents withdraw children because of parking lot issues, you want fickle welcome to Denver. We also had parents asked to not volunteer at school that also work at the school. Our staff would NEVER even think about running or serving, the Principal's husband can't stand the PTO President but likes me (Secretary)...fun.


think about this....what do you think was said at dinner between the Principal and his wife "Pass the salt?" or " Gee, honey now we can get that new SUV we were looking with the PTO's money! (evil laugh here)"
We are adults here, talk to her. Find our what she wants to do and why she ran. Tell her your concerns, BE POLITE! Don't be like the parents I see everyday that walk away for stupid political crap like this, but talk to her one on one. I'm not wanted you to become her bestest friend in the whole school but met the person. The times I have done this I have been surprised and there have been times I wish I had the time I spent with that person back but no regrets...not one. let me know.

Mykidsmom,

Thanks and I will play nice, I refuse to stoop to the level that I had to play at on Monday night. As for the Right Person, I should explain what I meant. The Right person is a person that cares about the entire school, not a select few, and not just about the teachers. Little more info, the Principals Wife is a teacher too, but at a different school. What I hope happens with the By-Laws is ensure that "Active" members are the only ones that get to vote and that the members running for executive positions have at least attended 4 meetings and been involved with 2 events, that way they will know what is happening and the climate of school environment.

Just like everywhere else this are political and I didn't do what certain parents (that's the way we've always done it) wanted, plus I held people accountable (bad word again).

But I will take your advise and ask her point blank why she ran for the position and what she intends to do, will let you know at a later date.

Thanks for the advice. Fickle is everywhere I guess, it's a shame that we are all suppose to be adults and teach are children well (can you here Crosby, Stills and Nash in the background?). Again, thanks for the good advice -- have a great day!

Thanks - Demon1981