I to am looking for a forum to address concerns at my school. I'm not sure that a private meeting with the principal to tell her " I think you are a control freak" would work...
"Open forums always end up in chaos" is not exactly the statement of a leader. Open forums can end up in chaos = yes. Open forum always end up in chaos - no.
I liek the advice above, but also think there is a great role even at a PTO meeting (especially a general meeting) for an "updates and q&a" with the Principal. Provides an opportunity for good PR and good communication and even sometimes some rumor dispelling.
The key is that the PTO, the principal and the general populace all understand the kinds of topics that aren't for the PTO forum and that the PTO pres and the principal "lead" the open portion of the meeting. I've had instances where a parent started asking pointed questions about a particular teacher's practices, and i felt it was my job (though principal would have as well) to actually pointy out that that was the kind of question to bring to the Principal with a private phone appointment or office meeting.
Other hand, aparent asking about the recess policy of the school or asking for the Principal's perspective on the drop-off/pick-up process is a fine function. Just as is the principal using the forum to get parent feedback on how the school is operating.
So I think the answer is somewhere between the two extremes. There's certainly a lot more a PTO should do than just encouraging students and parents. But I also don't think it's the right forum for all parent concerns.
Looks like you've got some great advice from dlf and ShellKing. Wanted to make sure that you've taken advantage of the materials we have for new leaders:
April,
I think you need to see if your PTO has a mission statement. Ours basically says we raise & spend money to enhance our children's educational experience. We also support teachers in a couple specific ways (food at conferences). We do not act as a voice for all parents nor do we 'advocate' for what it may seem like parents want from their school/principal. For example, healthy birthday treats has been a hot button issue in our district, but our PTO has not 'taken a stance' because we don't feel that's within our mission statement.
Having the principal at meetings to address parents with information about test schools, changes in school policy, future building plans, etc. is a bonus for the parents who attend meetings. They get an 'inside scoop' about the issues. And while the principal may answer questions, it certainly wouldn't be the place to argue or bring up grievances. Usually those are best addressed in private anyway.
At our meetings we read grant requests from teachers and vote yes/no on approving the money amount. Sometimes we agree we need to get more info from the teacher. Or we agree to approve the grant, but not for the full amount. Sometimes there is a disagreement about what to fund and how much to fund it. But that's always between parents and is a polite discussion.
We also recognize volunteers who have recently helping with something big. For example, "We'd like to thank Debbie for all her hard work last month on the carnival. yay Debbie."
And we also pass around sign up sheets so people can volunteer. For example, "please consider helping with teacher appreciation week. Sonia is in charge and she is sending around a list of what she needs help with."
We also start each meeting by going around the room with introductions -- so in that way it's also a chance for parents to meet one another.
I believe the purpose of the PTO meeting is to conduct PTO business. What that meant to us was orientation of the meeting on upcoming PTO events and opportunities to support the kids and the teachers of our school. It was not the place that parents came to raise issues of discontent unless it was discontent with a particular PTO program. The appropriate forum for voicing that sort of dissatisfaction in our school was between the parent and the school administration or school board since our charter was not to act as a go between on school policy or procedures.
Parents have different issues and perspectives when it comes to overall policies and school administration. The PTO had no power to reconcile those issues and in our case they were not in the business of choosing sides on a particular issue. If you have a particular issue that concerns you, it would be appropriate to discuss the issue with the teacher or prinicpal of your school. Of course nothing would stop you from bringing together a group of like minded parents and arranging a meeting of all of you.
In my opinion however, that is not the charter of a PTO.
Hope that offers at least one side of the discussion for your consideration. I'm sure others will chime in with their particular take on this.
I am new to PTO and somehow managed to get elected president. So far I have met with the principal twice and am still not sure what I'm supposed to be doing.
I attended meetings last year and was concerned about how they were run. At each meeting the principal addressed the parents and teachers, sharing test score results or budgeting or other 'big ticket' items. Then we moved on to our Mighty Eagle program which honors an outstanding student from each class. That's it. There was never an opportunity for parents to voice concerns or ask questions.
I asked the principal about this and he said the purpose of the PTO is to encourage students and parents. He said the meetings are not a place for parents to address concerns because open forums always end up in chaos.
My question is, what is the purpose of PTO meetings and how, if not at meetings, are parents able to voice their questions or concerns?
