I agree, you should let her do it. It might channel some of her energy into a positive thing for the school. I can't imagine how much energy she has used to get that upset w/ a teacher. I assume she must have gone to billions of conferences and meetings from teacher up to super before she decided to sue. You also never know she may be in the right? Maybe this will channel her interest in her childs school in a positive thing.

Was it Teddy Roosevelt that said,"Walk softly and carry a big stick"?

My husband's philosphy is be nice to people who seem to be crazy in case one day they go ballistic they will remember you were nice to them. I have found this useful, as well, with parents that seem to have conflict of some sort where ever they go.

If her children attend the school and she is not presenting bad character at school then I think you should let her give it a shot. If she starts bringing a bad attitude with her and making everyone around her uncomfortable then I would start worrying. But if you let her know you don't want her doing this, even if you are nice about it, that could cause trouble within the school.

You can't be judge and jury on situations. The school belongs to each parent. Some parents have a different way of dealing with situations. Some worse than others, but you can't judge them on that. You are the PTO, nothing more nothing less. Let her chair the program and see how it goes. I am sure your principal will let you know if it becomes a problem, then you can act accordingly.

Wow, what a wonderful website. As a newly elected PTO president I've been handed my first "politically correct" assignment. I've got a parent that has volunteered to be the chairman of our Accelerated Reader program. This is a highly visable program at our school, both from parent and faculty/administration involvement. Unknown to the PTO when the person "asked" to have this job ( and we said GREAT>>>we love volunteers who volunteer without being asked)this parentis subsequently in the process of SUING THE SCHOOL AND DISTRICT TO HAVE A TEACHER FIRED because of "ethics". Their sole reason is that they do not want their younger child to have to be involved with this teacher in the next two years. Note: This parent has a history of unrest with either one or both of her children's teachers each year. The situations have been fairly private. My Questions:
1. I have tried diplomatically to suggest to this individual that this position may be a conflict of interest for her and suggested that another position may be more suitable.Right/wrong
2. Our bylaws state that the Board selects chairman of the committees. However, 2 of my Board members are uncomfortable with my telling the individual that her "services in this area are not needed". They feel that it will send a "wrong" message to other volunteers who may have conflict with school personnel. ( My response has been that there is probably not one of us that has NOT had a conversation with a teacher, counselor or administration regarding some problem with any of our children. The difference is that these conversations have been private..this current issue is very public and getting uglier by the week). I have decided that unless the Board can vote unanimously on the subject, we need to see if the individual will back down(which as of this posting has not happened. She feels she will do fine with the job.arrrrrgggggg)Right or wrong decision or should I let the 5 to 2 majority vote rule?
3. Anyone else have a similar problem? Advice?
4. Note to self...should parents who have a history of "confrontational behavior" be excluded from major committees? I say no...it depends on the siuation and the relationship with your administration...any oither thoughts? Thanks for your help.