Our principal came in two years ago and it was ugly. He wanted change and he wanted it today. His favorite line was "at my old school.....". He wasn't well received, to be honest the staff was downright mean. They even went so far as to try to take control of the PTO as a stepping stone to make his life miserable. After two years, there are more after school programs and more volunteers than we've ever had. He's all business, not there to make friends BUT everyone has gotten used to him (except for a few hardnosed old-timers who hate change in general). He backs the PTO in most everything we do and I'm grateful that we have him. I suggest you keep to business, see if there's anyway that you can help him settle in, and not expect too much from the first year. Whatever you do, as PTO, stay neutral, the teachers tried to get us to "pick sides" in that first year. We did the best we could to stay out of the mess and in the long run it's worked to our benefit.

Our principal of many years is retiring at the end of this school year. Since this is my last year there, it really makes no difference to me, but I do plan on leaving one tip for the PTO board for next year: Start your year off with a meeting with the principal to discuss what the PTO has done in the school in the past, what your plans are for the upcoming year and what role the principal expects the group to play in the school and what role he/she is willing to take with the group. Has your group done that?

One good thing that is happening here is that there are two very active and involved parents who are part of the selection committee, so I'm sure any candidate for the job is going to see right up front how big a role our group plays in the school.

My first year with the last group was also the principal's first year with the school. I didn't know any different so things were fine for me. However, I got comments from every point on the spectrum from "He's terrible!" to "Nothing's changed, same ol' stuff." to "Wow, I'm so glad he came along." I guess it was all a matter of perspective and how much folks liked or disliked the previous administration.

Since I'm all about perspective, I'd suggest you try looking at things from the new principal's point of view. Although I'm sure you already have, as well as from everyone else's too.

I imagine it's pretty scary to come into an established workplace and try to be the leader. Gathering some new folks that are loyal to him must help shore up his courage a little bit.

As for how he percieves the PTO, perhaps he's just exhausted and trusts this capable, hard working team to maintain the status quo without too much input from him.

You don't have to run out and be his new best friend, or feel disloyal to staff members if you give him a second (third, fourth) chance. But just maybe if you approach him first, say thanks for making PTO meetings a priority and offer to help in anyway you can, he can breath easier and feel appreciated and be able to return the sentiment.

focus on your mission. isnt appreciaiton by the kids, what really matters?

if its true that staff is leaving or retiring becuase of the management, it wont be long before the principal leaves ifthere is good (upper level) management in place.

I know from experience how hard it is to get a new principal after having one that truly loved and worshipped the pto. This is our principals second year and I know that he will never be like my old principal and for me to expect that is wrong.
I think being the first year your principal may just be overwhelmed by everything he has to learn, even down to parents names, students names, policies, rules, teaching habits, school history, financial aspects, and so on and so on. Now if the principal came from a different district you have to add the community in there as well.
Give it time, set up a time to meet with him, a regular time every other week, listen to him, let him learn from you. It may not be a lack of appreciation but more a just trying to find his spot. As far as others not backing him, that is beyond your control, work on your pto relationship and just give it time. Like I said this is from experience and when you change it is tough!

I'm a regular poster but wanted to remain anonymous for this post. I am very frustrated about what is going on at our school. We have a new principal this year, and no one is happy about how this person is running the school.

The principal is handpicking the faculty and staff (with some people they know), there is lack of organization, and lots of employees are considering quitting. The principal doesn't appreciate the PTO and all that we do and often falls asleep at our meetings. Several teachers have already retired.

The PTO board is considering quitting as well. If we aren't appreciated, then what's the point. The principal can handpick new PTO members.

We are all so frustrated. Our school was such a wonderful place last year. We had a super principal who was organized and on the ball. We all felt like family. Now things are awful and no one wants to stay around. It's a sad situation for everyone. Thanks for listening. I just needed to vent.