This is not specific to a PTA, PTO's can and do have these same problems.
National PTA offers a guideline for By-Laws, but every group writes there own.
I would deffinatly contact the State PTA.
It looks like a management problem, I was involved in a PTSO with a similar problem. The co-presidents ran everything, they only had meetings 1 or 2 times a year, when they felt like it. And declined any input from other members.
A group of us got together and called a meeting of the PTSO. The "co's" were not pleased, but we called them on the carpet and brought forth our concerns! We now have regular monthly meetings, and more parents than before.
We also found out that the "co's" ran everything out of a "cash box" and had never opend a bank account!
GOOD LUCK
PTA Renegade--if I didn't know any better I'd say you were at my school! [img]tongue.gif[/img]
I'd say you've pretty much already crashed, and the burning has begun. What state are you in? If you don't know who to contact locally (i.e. County PTA)--just go to the state PTA's website for the contact phone call and give them a buzz.
I can't guarantee how helpful they'll be--sometimes it's a crap shoot, but usually they're very good (depending on the state).
What's going on with the officers? Is it a power/bullying issue? Can you get "general members" to band together to go to a meeting to demand answers? We're having a lot of the same types of problems in our unit--it's really draining, so I feel your pain!
You can also check into your states PTA bylaws, I believe, online. It does sound like some misguided leadership,unfortunately. But, with that said, I am sure, you guys can and will get back on the path you want your school to be on. Good luck.. Just do some checking into it. It is all worth it!
Our group isn't a PTA so I can't speak about their guidelines for operation, but at the very least it sounds like poor leadership and lack of sound financial practices. I would be checking the bylaws for the group and PTA guidelines. It would be sad to see a group dissolved so maybe you can get them back in line.
I've been agonizing over the poor performance of my Elem. School's PTA this year and have been wondering at what point they will be in jeoparty of losing their nonprofit status as a PTA.
Highlights are:
Counting programmed (social) events as PTA meetings (we've had only 2 actual meetings so far this year);
Canceling 50% of programmed events;
Failing to keep accurate financial records by paying for expenses out of the cash box;
Scheduling impromptu membership meetings with 48 hours notice;
Failing to obtain a quorum vote of the membership on changes to budget and programs already voted by the membership;
spending more than 60% of budget on items not approved by the membership.
Well, that about covers it. I do not have a full set of the National PTA bylaws in possession, but I think that this may be a bit outside the confines of what a PTA is allowed to do. Does anyone have any input on any of the above topics? Your input would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
