Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
Yes, it's absolutely possible, and lots of people have done it. The key is that you have to be willing and able to delegate. The job of PTO president is to be a leader and to set the group's agenda for the year. It doesn't mean you have to play a major role in executing everything the group does. In fact, your group will be stronger in the long run if you appoint good committee chairs and let them run with it rather than trying to micromanage. Also, keep in mind that it's OK if an event doesn't go perfectly or you have to cut back on what you do because you don't have the volunteer power or funds to make it happen. Everybody's better off if you don't get burned out and your volunteers don't get burned out trying to execute plans that are too ambitious. Be realistic in your planning -- you can always add more if you gain strength during the year. It means you'll have to say no from time to time, but that's part of being a leader. In the end, you'll still be making a difference for your school and the students.

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Community Advice

mmcaldwell writes:
This will be my second year as PTO President and I have a full-time job as well. I work a straight 40 hour week and do not travel but it can still be pretty stressful trying to balance the two positions. I do more of the computer stuff since I can access things during my work down times or during lunch. I have been lucky enough that my vice president in a stay-at-home mom that often takes care of things at the school during the day since I can't be there. My treasurer also only works part-time so she helps out quite often as well. A PTO is only successful when all the team members work together to balance each others strengths and weaknesses.

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Community Advice

Cece writes:
Being a PTA/PTO President in an honor and a priviledge. It is an opportunity for you to work with committees consisting of parents who want to make a difference in the school for the teachers and students. Under your leadership you may have the unique opportunity to create a new school wide program, a fundraising activity, help with changing school policies or just letting the parents know that you are there to lend an ear outside of Administration. You learn time management and set realistic priorities for the group. It is an organization not to burn you or any other member out, but, one to provide coeshiveness. For me: evening conference calls work really well after the children are put to bed.

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Community Advice

mgbraden7 writes:
You can absolutely do this! It requires good communications , organizational and leadership skills! I spent the past two years as the PTO President while working a full-time, in a very demanding, stressful job with International travel and a team I managed. What helped make doing the job of PTO President while working full-time doable was really the leadership of the rest of the members of the PTO board - they were absolutely wonderful. Everyone managed their area of responsibility, committee chairs were empowered to do what was right, and we operated as one unit - in sync, aligned and unified. Not only that, we had a LOT of fun! Without the alignment and the responsibilities / accountabilities of the other board members and committee, it would not have been possible. But, as with a lot of things, it comes down to the effectiveness of your skills as a leader, and the skills of the people you are working with.

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