Something needs to be done about this lady!! Your principal wanting to stay out of it may lead to her having alot bigger issues than she wants down the road. Talk to her again, our prinicpal actually had our pta dissolved and started our pto, that may be route to go. since the principal is new ask her to think about a whole new look for the parent group, bylaws, officer elections, monthly budget reports. The money thing is beginning to smell like rotten eggs to me, point out to the principal that this is pto money and that it should be controlled by the whole group and her, not just one mom who changed the password to the account. If you dont get anywhere with your principal go to your superintendent. Yes that seems harsh but the reality of it all is that your group need someone to step in and needs to start with a fresh look. Will it be hard? yes it will! Will it be alot of work regaining a positive image? yes it will. Will it be hard getting new parents involved? Yes it will, but you know what you can do it. It has been done in thousand of schools and can be done again. Don't let this control ruin parent involvement and input at your school, stand your ground and hold your head up when you do it!
Luv my kids has the right idea.
Quit the board, go to every meeting and hammer her with questions regarding the day to day workings of the group. Scrutinized the budget as well. You don't really want to be associated with her or her regime, do you?
Make your move at the end of the year. Put together a committee over the summer to draft by-laws that define each board members position and have the general assemby vote on them in June.
Without by-laws to refer to, there isn't much you can do unless you escalate a full blown 'military coup'. I say go for it.
She does control the money. We have a treasurer but she is new and follows the lead of the pres. I do have a link to our online banking account so that I can view it (all board members do) but after the last meeting where I questioned some items on our account, the password was changed and I can't get in anymore. I think she wants to be pres because it's a power trip--that's the only thing I can figure out. The principal knows what's going on and is trying to stay out of it.She is new this year and very afraid of change. I have talked to some parents about it and a few do care--they say they will be at the meeting where we discuss if we need a budget or not. Most parents don't care though, our PTO has such a bad rep that many good, hardworking people have turned their backs on us. I can't seem to get together a group of parents who care and feel strongly enough to stand up together. I waver between quitting and sticking it out until next year, when the pres says she will be gone. I really don't know what to do.
Does this lady control the money as well?? She sound like she needs a reality check, If she does control the money then I think I would be scared at how it is all "me me me". Not to say that she is doing something wrong but anyone who truly wants to help make their pto better wants to have bylaws, want a budget, wants communication and teamwork. Why is she so against all of this, I think if I was you I would casually mention to your principal (get a group of parents together) that you have been hearing alot about the needs for PTO's to have bylaws, budgets,etc. Point out that it could help your group and school, get your prinicpal on your side and go from there.
Smack her up side the head and ask her who made her the "supreme being"! Just kidding-kinda.
I think people frequently don't understand the true role of a President-to lead. That means that using a set of by-laws or other such means this person leads the group in discussion and decision making. They make sure that the group is following their established policies and that they are following a path that aligns with the groups goals and purpose.
The role she is taking on is in my definition a dictator. She is telling everyone what to do and how it's going to be done. Sounds like a fun group to be a part of! Does she have a team of enforcers that take care of dissenters?
I think I would resign just because I would not want to be affiliated with her regime. I would attend every meeting. If I had something to say I would say it. I would vote how I want not how she wants. Then as the school year was winding down, I would put out the word that I want to be President the next year. I would find a group of parents who want the same things that I do for the school, and stage a coup!
