Idea Bag: Planning & Organization

6 Tips for Officer Transition Planning

Lay the groundwork early by setting up good files to pass on to successors. Develop reporting structures and regular meetings for committee chairs, executive board members, and the principal.

Begin observing and cultivating relationships with effective volunteers who may have the right skills to take on leadership roles.

Set aside time at a general meeting to discuss electing officers. Have each board member provide a brief job description.

Review nomination and voting procedures. If the desired structures are not in place, discuss making changes to the bylaws. (Are terms staggered? Is voting done by paper ballot or raise of hands?)

Recruit potential leaders by inviting them for coffee. Discuss job duties and time commitments, but don't forget the fun aspects of the job-being part of the school community and getting to know administrators, staff, and other parents.

Celebrate! After the election, set up a lunch with all the outgoing and incoming officers. Turn over information and files. Remember to provide new officers with phone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses of outgoing officers; the outgoing officers are a great resource.

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