i had to read your posting twice, just to make sure i hadn't somehow myself written part of it... or some of my friends had.
my solution to the "past president" syndrome... i wrote a welcome to the beginning of the year letter to every faculty and staff member, gave them my home & work phone numbers and my e-mail address. i'm visible at every event... and make a point of speaking to every staff member i can. i try to get in school at least twice a week.
at the first pto meeting, i made it a point to emphasize that "roberts rules" would be followed.. those wishing to speak were to wait to be recognized and then, were to speak about the issue currently on the floor. the gavel was used more that first meeting than i think had been used in 5 years.
all my committee chairs were in place at the beginning of the year and when she wanted to "lend her two cents," i told her she needed to bring her ideas to the appropriate committee chair... and when she whined about things not done her way, etc... i cooly pointed out that the committee wasn't hers to run and if should so desired, she could volunteer to chair same next year. (which she won't, cause she rather point fingers than chair)
i moved some things around, changed times, so every time she THINKS she has the answer, she doesn't, and soon everyone recognizes it.... she dislikes everyone but her own small circle of friends. now, she doesn't even bother coming to meetings. i hate to turn away a "volunteer body," but in this case, i'd lose a whole lot more in the long run.
hang in there. be organized, stand your ground. been there ... done that
kill with kindness -- "we appreciate your input and experience, it's time for someone else to share the work load" no matter what you do this person will find fault with the results -- ignore it and move on "yes we did it this way in the past but now we are going to try....." change is hard for many people if you let the problems with the ex president become your focus you won't accomplish very much...
So here is my problem and I really need advice. Today I was so frusterated with all this I went to my room and cried (like my 5 year old)
I am the President of our school's Parent Organization, we help raise money for our school & fund field trips, schlorships, assemblies, we put on fun carnivals, family nights & so much more!!
The problem is the lady who was president last year! She is driving me crazy! The parents were not happy with how she ran things last year, she is rude, stuck up and gives us a bad name! Also this year we found out that she spent funds on things that were never approved at general meetings. I enjoy being the president & devote so much time to it! But this woman keeps butting in. Every thime we start a new fundraiser, a playground committee, a sale anything she somehow finds a way to be the "boss" we have a halloween carnival coming up and she has conatcted the lady in charge to offer to get donations & run a booth, i know that sounds nice but it is just a way for her to be there running things her way! We just had a fun family night at our school, and she had to leave early because it was her sons birthday, now she is going around saying how we should have done things! At our last general meeting she raised her hand to volunteer to head up our big holiday fundraiser, red ribbon week teachers appreciation & the playground committee. She plans things around the time that works for her, like playground comittee meeting during the day when the majority of the other committee members are at work!
To make matters worse the staff & parents go to her with Question & she answers them , even if she dose not really know the correct answer. All the other new board members feel the same way I do but don't want to start a big "hoopla" about this in front of people at our meetings!
I am so frusterated because I am working so hard & she is taking credit.. I know that sounds bad but I just feel like I am the president now, am trying hard, and doing a good job and that she can not let things be!! Ireally need advice!
Oh did I mention she is really hard to talk to, so It's not like I can just call her & have a heart to heart she will flip out!! Thanks [img]tongue.gif[/img]
