As this is the last year our little school will be open, we are faced with an apathy and a laziness from our teachers and our principal. The principal will not allow us any fundraisers and our first P.T.O. meeting has been posponed until he decides. Because our principal is over two schools, and we are the step-child, he is rarely ever here (three hours a week, sometimes!!). As president, it is my duty and obligation to serve my community and be a partner with him and our teachers in bettering our children's lives, or so I thought... I am very close to stepping down and letting the arrogant and apathetic have their way, however, I love these children too much to let it all go to the dogs. Our community is the ruural poor, with a very high illiteracy rate, and very easily pleased (thats how I became Pres., I guess) and when the experts say mediocre is excellent, it is generally accepted. I know better, and my frustration is because our children are being cheated and the parents are being disrespected by the very ones who teach our children...Tell me, please, does the principal have complete power? Can we pull our ship into harbour without teacher support? How effective can a P.T.O. be without a "T"? As our time is passing swiftly I would be grateful for any insight.