Hi there,
You could consider adding an option for copresidents in your bylaws. To follow procedure, you should put this up for discussion to the group (along with other changes/additions you might have to your bylaws) and then have your group vote on it. As far as specifics to the job description for copresident, you are better off to leave that general in the bylaws so individuals can determine with each other how to divvy up responsibilities.
Many (actually, probably most) of the parent groups in this area have more than one VP. I've typically seen them "numbered," like 1st VP, 2nd VP, etc. In ours, the 1st VP is responsible for programs, and the 2nd VP is responsible for fundraising. That seems to be the most typical division around here. You might want to call the state PTA office back and ask them if they can give you examples of the bylaws sections that deal with officer descriptions, specifically ones that have more than just one VP. It may be that no one calls them a "Co-VP" and that's why they told you they couldn't help you with that. I just can't believe that there's any state where all the units just have one VP; I think you got a bad answer there.
As for Co-Presidents.... Not only will they not support you in writing a description for that, your state is also unlikely to approve your bylaws if you submit such a change. As to what the ramifications of that are...? Depends on your state...they might just turn a blind eye. Or, you would probably be listed as a PTA "not in good standing," and the harshest penalty for that is that they wouldn't let you participate in Reflections. Technically, I guess they could also yank your tax exemption. But that would be shooting themselves in the foot.
Personally, I'm not a fan of the co-president idea. I'd add another VP or, as ptolisa suggested, give the committee chairs more responsibility.
yikes! And I was thinking have one of each was to many!
Only kidding, hey I would leave it the way it was. Just give more resp. to the committee chairs. You as pres can set up and demolish any committee at anytime. If you decide this is the best choice, then yes, you have to change the bylaws. I would really think about added CO anybody! I had two treasures to go forward this year and after learning what the role was I was going to ask one to step down. Well after a couple days of fighting, one quit along with the vp. Not a pretty sight. But, to many indians and no chiefs is not good.
I am new to the executive board of our PTA. Last year our board, who all resigned, decided that we needed more help on the executive level and added the positions of Co-president and Co vice president. I have been informed that as a result of these added positions we as the new board will need to update our bylaws to identify the difference in the roles and responsibilities of each position--I believe the intent of the change was to help keep from overloading the president and vicepresident but right now I am having difficulty finding some documented basis for division of responsibilities to pass on to our new board. It seems to me that a co president might actually take on the responsibilities of what are traditionally considered the vice presidents role. Our state office indicated that they do not support the "CO" officer structure and could not help us out but with how to divy the responsibilities. If anyone out there is working with a "topheavy" structure and would be willing to provide the responsibilities for each I sure would appreciate it. Edit: please feel free to post descriptions right here on the forums.
