I don't think she is trying to undermine anyone. I think she is new and doesn't know any better. I also think that we don't know her side of the story and that can make a huge difference.

Again, I would take her to lunch (neutral ground) and discuss how your group can and will work with her to make her job a little easier and more rewarding... But that's just me.

Remember, you can't fight city hall, but you can take steps to show her how your group can work effectively with and, maybe more importantly, for her.

Whatever you do, I truly wish you luck.

I can understand completely, its not necessarily the actions,its the implied ond overt attitude, that you are expendable that gets to you. If there was a small amount of appreciation it could change everything. As a leader you have to give this to your members,and yet not to receive any from the principal is detrimental to the school, the group, and her undermining tactics will harm everyone. IT's hard to explain how someone can slyly alienate an entire group of dedicated parents but I have seen it first hand. For some reason, the volunteers are a threat to her security. Some people aren't meant to be leaders.

Special note to MyKidsMom... Have I told you lately how much I appreciate you? In case I don't say it enough, I Do... I Swear I Do!!!

LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

you know....look at it this way. She's the one that has to run the brochure sale now and deal with things not coming in right, the broken items, distributing items sold and prizes, and the money. That's a massive headache every time and I know 1 person can't do it by themselves. Maybe after she does it this year...next year she'll back you when she realizes its something she'd prob rather not do again herself

AAAHHH yes the age old "I know I want to bury the hatchet but where I want to bury it "

What was going on when things were better? Not that you can go back in time but we are all less cranky when we don't have to worry about were our next dollar is coming from.

Our Principal/PTO realationship has also been rocky but somehow we can still sit down together and work on goals together. What I mean is, an example, the honor students wanted to become members of the National Honor Society (we are K-12) but there wasn't money in the school's budget so the PTO stepped in (after a very nervous presentation from the Seniors ) and asked the school if we could help. Little things like that. Our Principal rarly comes to a meeting (she sends Admin reps) and often I go through her Asst. but I suppose in little ways she knows we are there to support our school and the little things in life that the big budget can't.

I haven't used this in awhile but it fits here. How would you have your daughters handle a situation like this with a playmate? No really, sometimes to step back and take our own advise may sound crazy... I have told mine to hang in there, be the good kid, they will either see you want to play or not. If not, well, their loss.

I like what Menzymom said about the vinegar and honey....do like I do, kill'em with kindness at school, get home let it all out. My husband knows when it's been a rough day when we have stew or soup, LOTS OF CHOPPING veggies .

In your 2 posts I see a few things - but bear in mind I'm going on only what you said (of course there may be more pertinent information you did not include).

It sounds like you may be taking the situation personally, because it seems like quite a leap to go from being upset about a fundraiser to wanting to get rid of the principal. Had she approached you to handle the fundraiser, would you still feel the same way?

Also, remember that a principal is there to administrate, and while a warm personality is always far preferred by parents, it's not likely part of the criteria required by the school board for a principal. The school board looks at her ability to handle all that falls under her umbrella as principal (no small task), and if she can adequately do so, that some parents and teachers don't like her won't carry much weight in the end.

I think you have do what you can to mend the relationship, because something tells me there might be more to why the principal did this than you have mentioned. The hardest thing to see is how we come across, especially when we are trying to help, but if there is anything in your demeanor that could be changed, I would strongly recommend it. I'm sure this doesn't seem fair, but if you are successful at working it out, you will feel great and be an even better help to your school.

Good Luck!