Q&A

Any ideas how to address issue when President is the topic of breaking bylaws?

I'll make this question shorter, more focused than my last one since no one has replied on that one yet. Hoping for some advice here! What do you do with Roberts Rules, etc. at a PTO meeting when you need to address the fact that the President (who is always in charge of the meetings) is the one who has violated bylaws and you want to have the President recuse herself so that you can have the membership more freely decide on what should be done? Trouble we have here is we are intimidated and bullied not to speak up--I know other members have contacted me stating they fear retaliation against their kids if they were to voice their opinion. So I might even have trouble getting anyone to 'second my motion' in full view of this president. I think they'd be braver if we could hold a meeting not in her presence. Is there a way to do that and still be rightfully following procedure? I guess I am braver than most and willing to try (but can't figure out how) so our organization doesn't fall victim to more rule breaking as time goes on. What good are bylaws if the membership has no power to enforce them because of fear and intimidation and abuse of power? (I'll note that the last time I tried to raise the issue the President retaliated immediately to falsely accuse me of something I never did and I also was blocked and censored off our PTO social media page. I couldn't reply to the false accusations as she'd already limited debate and I'd used my only chance to speak.
- firefighter464

I ran your question by several long-time PTO leaders. First of all, this sounds like a terrible situation, and we all want to express our best wishes in working it out. There was general agreement that enlisting the aid of the principal could help significantly. However, as I recall from a previous question you asked, that may not be an option. Either way, your best option is to get a group of people together who feel the same way and find a third party (a school social worker?) to facilitate a meeting where concerns are expressed. How do the other board members feel? If they see things the way you do, their support would be very helpful. If people can get up the nerve to act as a group, perhaps you could remove her from office, depending on what the bylaws say. Clearly, from your description, she's a bully and shouldn't be in this position.
- Craig
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Craig, thank you so much for your careful research efforts and reply! You are what makes PTO Today a great site! You've given me the courage I needed here to try try try again rather than walk away, which is what I was starting to lean towards. Clearly you are a man dedicated to PTO. Kudos!
- firefighter464
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Thanks firefighter -- you're way too kind! Best wishes.
- Craig
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