If this mom has paid her membership fee, then it sounds like under your current bylaws she is in good standing and has every right to run. Elly understands that you might feel reluctant to let this mom run for office in light of the bounced check, but if she’s made a good faith effort to repay the money up to this point, then you really have no choice. (Just for the record, your own bylaws determine your group’s policies for officers and members; Robert’s Rules is merely a set of guidelines that explain how to follow parliamentary procedures and manage your meetings.)
If any parent refuses to make good on a substantial debt or hefty amount of unpaid fundraiser product, you might consider working with a professional collections agency and let them handle the matter. Assuming she’s a first-time offender, however, the offense is forgivable for the time being. In Elly’s opinion, one bounced check doesn’t warrant any sort of brick wall between this woman and your group’s ranks. The truth is that discussing a parent member’s financial status, either privately among your fellow officers or publicly at a PTO meeting, is not appropriate or healthy for your group. It could also spell legal trouble down the line.
If you have other legitimate concerns about this mom’s ability to perform her duties as an officer, whether it’s her lack of experience or organizational skills, Elly has an idea: Why not implement a leader-in-training system or assistant positions within your group? Perhaps you could pair her with one of your group’s veteran leaders so your group can ensure that she’s carrying out her duties effectively.
Finally, Elly would like to suggest changing your membership policy. By their very nature, fees are exclusive. By imposing membership dues and then granting certain privileges just to those folks who pay up, you’re creating a barrier to involvement. You also run the risk that some will see your group as selective—and that’s likely to turn them off from getting involved.
I see no reason why she should not be allowed to participated, as long as she is not responsible for the handling of money in anyway. As long as a parent has paid their dues and can pass a SLED check (as required in our district), then they have the right to participate.
- jenilou28
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