We have a parent like this too!! This is my suggestion mabee she feels like that is the only way to be helpful, give her a responsibility she will feel like she is serving her community better and she will realize the hard work that goes into this.....mabee she could help organize a book drive....DO NOT Let this make you give up!!!
Are you outnumbered at your board meetings? Remember even though the board does not recommend an event or expenditure anyone at the general meeting may. If there is something that you cannot get board approval on you may find someone who is willing to present the idea at a meeting. Have them make a motion, hopefully someone will second it and at that time you can open up for comments and call for a vote. Let the general assembly decide. Are they hoarding the money or want to spend it on something else. Another rule of thumb, and a good policy to consider is, to clearly state what you are raising funds for before you actually hold the fundraiser. It may be a general goal or specific. But at least you know what the money is earmarked for. Then when the expenditure arises it usually passes without fail. I would really hate to see you resign without trying to find other resolutions. Good advice Mighty Jo! Let us know how things are going. Best Wishes
Ptolady,
What sorts or things have you done to try to unite your exec. board? How often does just the board meet? Do you ever try to do anything fun at your board meetings?
I guess I'm wondering if you can learn to work as a team by first trying to get to know each other better & have some fun while working together to plan things for the kids. This may be something you've already tried, or something that won't work in your current situation, but I thought I'd see what you've tried so far...
Maybe if your exec. board could agree on goals for the next school year, then you could institute a plan to achieve those goals. It seems that somewhere along the line some of your members have lost sight that you're all in this for ONE reason: the children! Somehow you also need to convey to your board that any disagreements you have within your board MUST stay within the board. If there are LOTS of disagreements, maybe you need to meet as a board more often to try to iron things out before your member meetings.
I have not personally encountered any of these things, so it's really easy for me to throw out ideas. I have no idea if they'll actually work for you!!!
I have been the PTO president of my daughter's elementary school for the past 3 years. At the beginning of the 1999-2000 school year we got some new PTO board members.
Since then, everything that has been suggested to do for the kids or to help the teachers, she has complained about. She acts as though the money we raise is coming out of her pocket and she doesn't want to part with it.This year has been even worse.
How do you cope with members that question everything you want to do? I am here to help the kids, she seems to be here to complain and object. We recently held elections and I asked if anyone wanted to oppose me. No takers. I was elected as president for the next school year. I love what I do, but she is driving me nuts!!! Now, some other members are starting to act just like her and I'm afraid that all the good that was done before they came on board will be lost. I have tried very hard to rebuild communication with the Teachers and Parents due to the previous board having the same problems that we are having now.
I am seriously considering resigning as is my Vice President. PTO meetings are becoming a dreaded thing to attend. I am really upset about the situation but I can not figure out how to get things done with the board divided the way it has become.Any suggestions anyone? Help Please!!
