Question: Problems with some officers.

This is my first year being our PTO president, and I am finding out that I am starting to have problems with some of my board members and officers going over my head straight to the principal or doing things in the school without the board or my approval. Also with them wanting to be a part of the PTO but not wanting to do the hands on, in school work. For example I am stuck with doing all flyers that go home (making them, copying, and passing out to classes), purchasing anything that needs to be purchased, setting up meetings, making agendas basically everything that they dont want to do. How do I deal with this situation? How do I let them know in the right manner that I am the one they answer to? I want to this with upsetting anyone, or them feel like I'm being controlling. Thanks for you help in advance!

Asked by Anonymous

Answers:

Community Advice

oakparkmom3 writes:
I had the same problem, not in the school but in my church as a youth leader. The parents were used to others giving them direction and just followed without ever consulting me or asking me and I was the Director, not to mention responsible for the children after others adults had made promises I could not follow through with. To solve your problem you have to do a few things, gain their respect, and show them results. There may be a reason why they are not receptive to you. Are you on time to meetings, are you delegating responsibility are you bring in new ideas and enrichment to the group? The next step after 1st looking at yourself, talk to the Principal and ask that all inquires and approvals be directed right back to you. Hopefully the Principal doesn't want the entire board calling and asking for approval when they haven't consulted with the President first. In a leadership position themselves, he/she should be more than understanding of your position and effort regain control.