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Q&A

Should I be concerned or let it go?

Our school has never had a PTA, PTO or PTG in any form. Last year we had an interim principle because the previous one was being investigated on numerous charges and won't be back. The interim principle helped us get a small Parent Teacher Group going. We didn't really do a whole lot because we are all new to this. Well this year the new Principle seems to not really want a PTA/PTO. Any activities we want to do seem to all be done by school staff. Any money from fundraisers goes into a student activity account that is tied to the Principles account. We don't have a lot of say as to how it is used. This didn't really bother me too much. Being really busy with 2 jobs and a family I pretty much just volunteer to help when needed, but don't really organize. But one of our most active parents has decided she wants nothing to do with the school anymore because she feels we are not really wanted. I suggested calling the BOE because the new Super is really parent friendly but she is concerned that if we start "making trouble" it will make things difficult for our kids. The other problem for me is that I am a school employee. The principle is my boss so I don't really want to make too many waves. Sorry about the length of the question. I really am new to all of this.
- samwarren

Hi Samwarren,
You may have a situation where the new principal feels overloaded in her new job or may have a past negative experience with a parent group. So, there's a good chance this isn't a case of not being wanted but more a case of the administration not fully appreciating the value of a parent group at this particular time. Consider having a few parents who are motivated and invested in establishing a PTO (you may want to take a pass on this b/c the principal is your boss) meet with the principal to share their thoughts on why an independent PTO is a huge benefit to the school. Listen to the principal's concerns and see if there is a way to meet each other half way.

Let the principal know that an independent parent group can be very successful at fundraising because parents feel personally invested and they want to help. As importantly, an independent group fosters a sense of community that is driven by parents and not strictly driven by the school.

Here are a few articles about working with the principal that may be useful. 


How To Work With a New Principal 

Negotiating With The Principal 

Make the Principal Your Partner 

Good luck!

- Rose H
Links in this post:

How To Work With a New Principal : https:/classic.ptotoday.com//pto-today-articles/article/676-how-to-work-with-a-new-principal

Negotiating With The Principal : https:/classic.ptotoday.com//pto-today-articles/article/176-negotiating-with-the-principal

Make the Principal Your Partner: https:/classic.ptotoday.com//pto-today-articles/article/209-make-the-principal-your-partner