I have similar woes. My principal is trying to dictate whether we have meetings or not.
Fortunately for me it's not in her authority and I'm about to tell her so and have my meetings anyway. As well, your principal doesn't have the authority to proof your emails. Simply say, this is a parent run organization of which you are a member with one vote. I know, easier said than done but I'd rather fight for the parents than quit.
With the new year coming - start new with the PTA/O as well
Sit down with the principal - with another board member and talk about what she would like to see for the coming year and what you would like to see for the coming year as well - then work out a plan to accomplish something for the benefit of the kids - just one project for the next 6 months
you should keep her in the loop of things - but she should not be the end all of your good work! Good Luck
I'm sorry to hear that this has been such a struggle for you.. I can't imagine that it's easy being in your shoes. But.. I have to say that we have all been there. When I get stressed out, I find that it's best to ask myself "why am I doing this?". The answer is always the same.. I love being involved with my kids and the school community.
So.. It looks like you have 2 options.. quit and be done. Or take the opportunity to take the reins and take control of the situation.
If you are going for option #2.. make sure to read your by-laws. Its best if you know them inside and out. They are the backbone of your organization and most of the answers you may be looking for are in there. They should include everything from how to go about an audit of the treasurer's books to how many members you need at a meeting for a quorum. That way when someone questions your thinking and/or motivation, you can show them the correct procedure, etc right from your PTO bylaws.
The principal called me this summer-the president of our PTO had moved. They needed to fill in a vacancy. I inquired about other parents who were clearly cut for the job but they had all (wisely now that I think on it) turned it down. After talking with the principal, I agreed to help out but only if there was help.
I discovered it wasn't that easy. I found that the principal was calling me to get $$ approved for this project or that project. Boxes of Box tops and soup labels sat in a garage all summer. "My materials" were in the school office. Reading the by-laws, I learned that the VP should have been made president-and that was not the only by-law we don't follow. I suggested reviewing the by-laws which then started so much more.
The principal now is asking that I send out every email to her for approval regarding PTO events. This has never been done. She also got mad at me, stating that the board of education needed to approve all grants before applying for them. I had applied for a grant which she knew about. I asked her about it-and in our by-laws she is the liason between the PTO and the school board. I feel that every time I try to make a positive change, she is there to tell me no. I am very discouraged and have seen a very unprofessional principal through her emails. What do you recommend?
