M--this ain't gonna be easy and normally I would suggest you just become sickly sweet and ask for her recommendations as you've heard there may be some areas where she feels the PTO is lacking. You can't really confront her cause that will only give fuel to the fire. It will be contorted and used for her own benefit and future stories. When you hear incidents of her negative stories I'm sure folks realize that it is this woman's nature. My response would be "I certainly hope she'll bring up her issues at the next meeting" and then drive on. I've also used the "It's sad that her energies are so focused on negatives". There's really nothing you can say to affect her and the WORST thing you could do to her is stay positive and upbeat and successful. Folks will see her for what she is and her relative power will be lost.
Of course-if there are rumors she begins that you think are hurtful to the group, then get the real information out there via your newsletters etc. Do a spotlight comment that doesn't address her specifically but sheds light on the issues...if it is not an issue and just a personal attack--ignore it. It won't hurt you!
d

I have been elected President this year and have served on the PTO Board for the last 3 years. I need help to how to handle a volunteer who is always gossiping and spreading rumors. I think her mission in life is to say something negative about everyone. I have had teachers come to me as well as other patents who are concern about the bad rep she is giving us (PTO). We have had a problem with her before but the other president would not address it. As a newly elected president I would like to "nip this in the butt" before it get out of control. She is very aggressive and out spoken so I don't want to start a big fight, but I also feel that we need to be united as a group and let her know that there is no reason for all the negative PR. I would like some suggestions of how to handle this before I decide to proceed on my own. I am not easily intimidated so I'm not afraid of calling her on the rumors, but I also represent a group of parents and I would like to handle this matter as nicely as I can. Please help!!! Any suggestion would be appreciated.