If there hasn't been a group for almost 2 years, then it seems like the Principal is trying to get things going again. His and the Guidance Councelor's selection may be what they felt was needed to get things going again.
The one place where I am still confused is that you indicated "retaining a spot". If the group has been effectively defunct for almost 2 years then do you mean that you held that spot > 2 years ago, or that you recently took on a position, but are now being replaced. I'm kind of confused here...
There are no bylaws. There has been no PTO for almost 2 years because the last principal was upset at them and threw everything away. So they are basically starting from scratch. And yes i meant "shouldnt we have a say in this?"
1. Is your group independant, or do you fall under the control of the school?
2. Does your group have, as Jewels3 asked, a set of Bylaws and what do they indicate regarding terms of office, the election process, who runs the groups, etc...
These are the most important questions because, as you asked, it will answer whether or not the Principal can and/or should be doing this...
Most groups, but definitely not all, are independant and maintain control. This normally means that the Executive Committee controls the process.
You ask two important questions...
1. "Where does that leave us as parents who have a voice?"
and...
2. "Is there anything I can do to retain a spot even if they have been filled already"
Well, lets start with the first question. I'm not really sure what you mean when you indicate "who have a voice". What I assume you are asking is, "shouldn't we have had a say in this?". And if that is the case then it comes down to the Bylaws and/or whether or not the group is independant...
Question #2 is effectively the same. If independant and the Bylaws were not followed, then you have a leg to stand on, if not then you might not...
So we really need to understand a few things. Is the group independant and do you have Bylaws. If so, what do they say? If they were not followed then where is the President who ran the group last year? Depending on the situation, the "out-going" President might still have "control" and should have followed the Bylaws.
Let us know a bit more and we'll see if we can help.
Do you have a copy of the PTO's by-laws? In it, there should be verbage regarding the proper procedure for filling positions for the new term of office. And, if the by-laws reference Robert's Rules of Order, you can cite that RR's allows nominations from the floor in the absence of, after the disbanding of, and sometimes in addition to, a report/recommendations from a nominating committee-- that is, you would attend the meeting and make a motion to nominate yourself (or someone else) for an open position. Nominations do not require a "second". The nominees do not have to be present; they simply would have to be contacted about their nomination if elected and agree to it before the elections are considered final and closed (until the next term).
If there is only one nominee for a position, that nominee is automatically elected. It's called "acclamation" (pg. 428-429). So, it is in your best interest to attend and make nominations.
I just learned today from a source that the Principal and the guidance counselor has already chosen who they want as officers of the PTO. Where does that leave us as parents who have a voice? Is there anything I can do to retain a spot even if they have been filled already. There has been no election, the PTO meets tomorrow night. They have asked the parents who they know will not do anything. WHat should I do and is this something that they can do? Thanks
