Keep the communication open..

Ask her what her goals for the school and PTA/PTO are, what she sees the PTA/PTO's roles are, what she sees her role as? is there away to discuss the strangleholdhold or taking over of mtgs business by her.. even if she a board member the president still runs the mtg and the parlamentarian keeps all in line. Maybe she doesnt relize that.

Thank you all so much for your council. We had our first meeting on the 12th of Sept. and it was the largest in attendence that we have ever had!
We increased our volunteer rouster and got a lot of great feedback from the parents.

I think the issue with the principal will be okay. She knows we are a group of officers that will take the bull by the horns and get the job done.
She is a very classy lady that has had to interject herself in the past to help with the PTO officers shortcomings and I think she is reserved about loosening the grip. ut we do share the common goal that it is all for the kids and the school.

I appreciate all of your comments. I hope you all have a positive and profitable year!

One thing to try to remember whether it is the principal or any other voting member is that they, like you, are just one person. One person in a group cannot make changes without the support of the rest of the people in the group.(Believe me-this has been a worry of ours-not our principal, but a parent). Also, it is always best to have a good relationship w/the principal. You really can't do anything involving the kids or school w/out his/her approval. That being said, don't sacrifice the integrity of the group and/or your mission to improve the quality of the kids education just to keep the peace. As long as your bylaws are followed and everything is voted fairly & accuratly, than the wishes of the group are being served.

ps~ we are in the process of changing our bylaws so that the principal is automatically on the board.

[ 09-14-2006, 11:41 AM: Message edited by: Lucella ]

Our principal is both our parlimentarian and our liason to the teachers. He works well with our PTO group and more so in the last two years, We have learned to work with him.
The activities we run are given to the the principals and the superintendent of our school so that we and the rest off the gruops are not conflicting. Our principal does have the finale say of what happens and goes on in his school and building. especially when it comes to the children IT A RESPECT ISSUE. Some schools have a principal on their boards. Ours is an Honorary position, We want our principal and teachers involved. TO our gruop that is a must.We have switched from a PTA to A PTO with a whole new gruop of leaders. It is a hard transition Yet, we are seeing more positive results with doing so. GOOD LUCK> I do not think a staff or principal should not be President or Vice Presidents / they already hold a high position i the schools and should allow a parent to be in that position. Although the should have some input. Agian it is a Respect issue, try to get on the same page together.

Mom1589 - Good Luck at your meeting tonight!

Critter gives awesome advice. The principal is usually a recognized member of the PTO board. Some have voting privileges while others are a trusted advisor.

As presiding officer, you have a lot of control over the tone and mood of the meeting. I recommend that you warmly and graciously welcome all present members, including the principal, to the meeting then jump right into your agenda.

As for the principal speaking at the meeting, I've seen that it's typical to give him/her a spot on the agenda. I usually put it under New Business at the end of the meeting. I've also seen it near the beginning, just before the individual committee reports. Perhaps if your principal sees a dedicated agenda item for her she won't feel the need to run the rest of the meeting.

And, finally, you mentioned:

The presidents before me have let anyone in the meeting make motions and vote.
Isn't that the reason we have a board is to make the best decisions for the PTO?

Your bylaws should dictate who has voting privileges. Anyone with a vote can also make motions and seconds. While some groups might limit voting to board members, general members have valid opinions. These opinions should be heard and given weight in the decision making process. After all, the board is there to represent and serve the larger school population.

Most of all, I'd recommend that you have a copy of you bylaws right by your side during the meeting. Also print plenty of copies to distribute to attendees. If anyone questions a process you'll have your bylaws right there to answer the question for you.

And, again, GOOD LUCK TONIGHT!!! And remember to have fun too.

[ 09-12-2006, 02:00 PM: Message edited by: CrewChief ]

Although our board does make a majority of the decisions, I wrestle with that often and think we should include more of the PTO body. Of course, having said that, it is like trying to build a horse by committee and can make for some very dramatic and drawn out meetings. I cannot tell you how many folks that volunteer say "thank goodness someone made a decision". Your principal certainly has a right to be a part and I think you'll have to be very careful as to how you proceed so as not to alienate her...which wouldn't be good for anyone. I would probably ask her before hand if she has any comments and tell her you have a full agenda for the PTO to get briefed on. I also don't think it is wrong to let her know that you are interested in having more involvement in the direction of the group and in building more community type interactions. Let her know that you're sure that once the board is involved more heavily it will represent better the majority of the parents. Also, let her know that you'd like to present the groups plan to her for approval as you move forward. In all of that very ginger conversation, watch her body language and don't make this a her/you thing or you'll lose. I think one of the best feelings I've had lately is walking into a meeting of parents and having the Principal, Assistant Principal and me walking in side by side together. It sent a strong message as to my position (and thus the PTOs position) in the school program and is important to our groups health.

Good luck--tell us how it goes...
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