Our President elect resigned last summer so our VP took over as president. SHe has done a great job. We have just been informed that our VP/president elect for next year will not be returning to our school next year. Instead of making another VP become president immediately.(our office runs for 3 years, VP, President and past President), we would like to have our current President stay on another year and just elect a VP for next year, has anyone else had this happen, or have any ideas and suggestions. THanks!

It has been our experience that the current President usually has a very good idea of whom they would "hand pick" for the position if they could. They know whats involved and they have an idea of who can handle it. Usually the person in mind is already the President elect/VP for that same reason, but there is always that one person, you get a glimpse of what they can really do, and they just need to be approached. Perhaps someone who has been present at most meetings and has held a board position could tackle the challenge. Asking your departing VP whom they think would be a good candidate might be a good first step. Good Luck

I agree that you'll probably get the best person for the job by having a setting president who has done a good job find some to fill the vacancy. Holding an election won't necessarily get the same result. Our school tried that and the person elected had never even been to a PTO meeting! They were elected by name recognition only. PTO board postions are too critical to the success of the organization to have people who not fully committed and up to the task occupying seats.

What I'd be careful about is furthering the idea that your PTO is just for the insiders. The couple of times that we have made decisions for the whole group there has been some real resentment from people who weren't part of the process. It's made me try to get more people involved in all of our decisions. Your situation may be different, but just thought I'd share.

This perception that only "insiders" are on the board seems to be pretty common. Unfortunately, attendance at meetings is often so low that only "insiders" show up.
I've started to question whether standard PTA meetings are the right forum for recruiting potential board members or heads of committees. Perhaps more networking needs to be done on a one-to-one basis with people who have volunteered during the year?

Definitely think that's true. Encouraging the people who come into the school for field trips and room moms to get involved in your parent groups is great idea. Many times, they don't know waht we do as a group or they're afraid to come to a meeting because they don't know anyone. Our membership chair makes a point to invite tham and welcome them and follow up with them.