Elections and Transition Archive

New officers and old officers need to collaborate to ensure transition success. When the PTO election is over, will your group move ahead well? You'll find tons of ideas in the articles below to make that happen. When you're done reading, head over to the Message Boards to connect with other leaders facing the same challenges.

Articles with a plus sign () are available to PTO Today Plus members only.

• Insurance: Do You Need It? - Without insurance, your group and your officers may be at risk. Here's what you should know to assess your needs.
• You're Elected! Now What? - An overview of what lies ahead for first-time board members, and tips for getting off to a strong start.
• 8 Tips for Passing the Gavel - Putting new board members in charge can go smoothly; avoid transition trauma with these lessons from people who have been there.
• Energize Your Parent Group -  Tips to build interest and enthusiasm, then keep the momentum going all year long.
• Empowering Committee Chairs - A formal orientation for committee leaders puts veterans and newcomers alike on equal footing, and gets everyone on the same page.
• Officer Transition: Planning Ahead - Prepare new officers for success by making sure they have the information and training they need.
• Make Planning a Priority - Think ahead for fall and get a jump-start on a productive year.
• Procedures Book: Your PTO's Instruction Manual -  Newly revised guidelines on how to create policies and procedures books for your leaders. This tool can make a big difference for your group.
• My First Meeting: Presidents Remember -  Parent group presidents recall the worrying, the nerves, and the lessons learned from their first time wielding a gavel.
• PTO vs. PTA: What's the Difference? - Nearly 75 percent of parent groups are independent PTOs that have no affiliation with the National PTA.
• Set and Reach Group Goals - How you go about setting objectives—and how you communicate them once they're set—plays a key role in your chances for success.
• How To Retire Gracefully - The way in which officers move on from their leaderships roles can affect the group even after they're gone. Make your transition a positive one.
• When Schools Merge - Consolidation can be a stressful time for students and parents alike. Here are some ways parent groups ease the transition.
• Build a Strong Executive Board - Working to form a cohesive executive board can pay off in long-term success for your parent group.
• Is It Time To Pass the Gavel? - Questions to ask yourself if you're thinking about retiring from your PTO leadership role.
• PTO Officer Elections FAQs - How do you run a PTO election? Answers to the most common questions.