Our PTO President seems to have issues with voting. What are the rules for voting? The bylaws don't indicate any policies. Issues are brought up at meetings, for example regarding distibution of funds. They always seem to be decided on by what the President or the Principal say, not by what the majority thinks. The President is an intimidating individual, any time a suggestion of voting is brought up, he immediately goes on the defensive, by the time he is done, everyone just comes to an agreement on his thoughts, rather than discussing the issue any further.

Any suggestions?

You need to add something into your by-laws regarding this-- so you need to raise your hand and ask to form a committee to review the by-laws- and possibly update some issues that have come up, such as the procedure for voting-- PTO's are not just 1 or 2 people, it's supposed to be the parents as a whole... good luck!!!

Agreed. If the President is bullying through his agenda and resisting a voting process in favor of intimidation, there is definitely a need to define how issues are enacted. Start with looking at your current by-laws to determine the reference source (if any). Most deliberative assemblies rely on Robert's Rules of Order. Pick up a copy of the most current edition and/or check out the website and forum boards here: The Official Robert's Rules Of Order Web Site

Out of curiousity, how much longer is his term?

I appreciate your input. His term is 5 more months.

Some PTO's like to vote on every little thing. Since there are only about 3 parents at every PTO meeting at our school, our PTO doesn't think that these people should get to vote on what goes on in our school. We are thinking about amending our by-laws to state that a parent or guardian must attend so many meetings before they can vote. I've been the PTO President for 3 years, and I personally don't think we need to vote on every little thing. If I want to buy something for a Box Tops challenge or I want to buy something for the bulletin boards, I just do it.

I'm just wondering. What if the President doesn't allow the Committee by using influence? We have a similar problem but it's most of our Board of which I am sadly a member. I've pointed out the need for written procedures and the amending of our incomplete bylaws. The board likes the way things are being done and doesn't see the need.

I've been trying to be heard at the monthly meetings but can't even get put on the agenda. Our agendas are so full with silly stuff that they last 2 hrs before we get to open discussion then mostly every one is gone.

Short of making a scene, I'm at a loss as to what to do.