Do I dare quote your post to another poster? You told the poster to 'get out' and walk away. Hey, sorry but your issue is so similiar to the other I just can't resist.
Now to be constructive and more true to my nature, it sounds to me your Principal justs wants to know what is going on. Ours is on the board and is kept informed. She even proofs the newsletter and signs off on activity sheets before I hand them in etc. I have learned that different people has very different ways of doing things. You can't let this drive you nuts, or loose wits over this, you may need them for your kid's wedding someday! Take a deep breathe, hug your kid, and then remember WHO is the reason you became involved... I'm holding one of my reasons right now......
I agree wholeheartedly with Julier. While the PTO may be a separate legal entity, the two have to work together as a team. Principals are responsible for the students, teachers, the learning objectives, the facilities, and even anything that might impact the school's reputation. So, of course they need to be actively involved in PTO activities and publications. But no, they shouldn't "control" the PTO. Finding the right mix of interaction to have a productive, harmonious relationship is the key. And that mix may change depending on the people involved.
In our case, we expect the principal will want to approve things very similarly to Julier. However,there are also times that he probably gives my decisions more leeway (than some previous presidents) because of the trust and rapport we have.
I can identify more with your post with a previous work situation and a boss similar to what you describe. He micro managed - but at a very inconsistent level. Finally, I sat down with him and went over the various issues and got him to commit to when he wanted approval rights, timelines, areas of responsibility, etc. I put that in writing after the fact, documenting what we had agreed. It helped. He was still a micro-manager and inconsistent, but I could remind him "I did it this way because we agreed that..." At least it helped keep things from escalating and established some patterns.
Our PTO is blessed with lovely principals. Our PTO covers two schools, and each school has co-principals. Usually all four principals attend our meetings. We have a certain degree of autonomy, but they do have to approve what we do. Any paper that gets sent home to the kids must be approved by a principal. Usually they just glance over and okay it, maybe change some wording. I understand that they want to be aware of everything that's going on in school.
Any activities that occur outside of school hours are ours alone to plan. Things like roller skating parties, etc., that are off school premises the principals stay out of, except to approve the letter sent home to kids.
Anything in school, like the book fair, we coordinate with the principals. We have to work out dates and logistics with the school.
Luckily, the PTO and the school staff have a terrific relationship. They understand that if we are able to provide them with something we will, and they truly appreciate all that we do. From reading many posts on this board I can see that not all PTOs are this fortunate.
The principal at our school is a control freak. She picks apart every activity, event, newsletter, etc. that goes out from the PTO. Is this normal ? Does the principal have final say on everything or is she overstepping her bounds ? She is a dishonest person and pacifies whomever is in the room with her at the time. She says things and denies them and basically just causes a lot of grief whenever possible. She makes being on the PTO or being involved at the school at all more trouble than it is worth. I am in my first year of school with my son and didn't realize what a big job it is to be on the PTO. I want to know if anyone knows how the PTO should function. Is the principal Lord and Ruler? Is the PTO in charge of the PTO or is the school in charge ? Please help me. I am at my wits end.
