Two consecutive years is the maximum in any one board position, but there are no limits on how long we can serve on the board in general.

We have 10 board positions, and every year we have at least a couple of slots filled by new faces, to keep things fresh. (This fall, three of the slots will be filled with people who have never served on the board.) In addition, we fill several committee chair positions with new faces each year.

We don't have term limits either. We are just lucky to have the officers that we have now. I'll probably be the PTO President for the next 3 years at my son's school (that's when he graduates from 5th grade). It's sad that no one wants to step up to accept the challenge of being a PTO Officer. It's a lot of work, but it's fun, too. I don't regret a single moment.

Reasons for term limits (be they politicians, nonprofit boards, executive boards)

1. "Familiarity breeds contempt."
2. "Power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely'
3. Prevents incumbents from using the benefits of office to remain in power indefinitely
4. Makes room for fresh candidates, and encourages participation

I know lots have removal clasues but ask any 3rd world country its hard to get a despot removed- especially if the members have all been run off

Some argue that term limits are undemocratic but not allowing others (or the perception not to run for office) and not encouraging participation or running for office is more undemocratic --- not having term limits scares newcomers off- and like the vampiric nature of what we do, 'fresh blood' IS Our lifeblood


Ancient Greece and Rome, the founders of Democracy, may have fallen by the wayside but their practices have endured and outlasted 'Taxation without Representation', Communism, some versions of Marxism and many Autocratic, Aristocratic and Feudal models

Our by-laws state that an officer can not hold the same position for more than 2-2year consecutive terms.

We dont have term limits either just that on your 3rd year you would need a 2/3 vote. That way if you were doing a lousy job you most likely wouldnt get in any ways. But if you do have someone who is willing and is doing a fine job then why ruin a good thing.
Also you must have a child in the school or an incoming student.

I have to disagree with term limits while recognizing they may be beneficial to some groups. Our bylaws state that an officer can be removed with or without cause on majority vote of those present at a properly posted meeting. If an officer is doing a lousy job to the detriment of the group or is engaged in illegal activities, I believe this section of our bylaws covers that.

If it's time for a change, I think the membership should put forth new candidates and it's up to the candidate to prove why a new direction will benefit the group. If the current officers are consistently doing a good job and members are happy with their performance, why ruin a good thing?