Cheers to all of you! You seem to have great attitudes and optimism. I'm not doing as well with it. After 8 years on the board, 4 years as an officer and the last 2 as president, I'm really struggling to find my role. I'm not sure the new president really wants my input. I've been fairly involved and still chair a committee, but I sense a lot of tension between us. I try to choose words carefully and remind myself that she wants this organization to succeed as much as I do, but I'm grieving. I guess I just haven't found my new niche yet. My youngest is only 7 so I'll be in the school for several years yet and I want to be vital and productive. My oldest started high school this year so maybe I should direct my energies that way. Thanks for listening and I'd love any helpful strategies!
JHB: I was Corresponding Secretary my first year in and then Co President for 4 years. My Co for the first year was the Co for 8 years! (No one wanted the job)My second CO, I twisted her arm and told her I would do everything, just come on board. My Co from last year apparently has not wanted to learn anything (was never a board officer prior to becoming a Co)and as it looks this year hasn't. I try to stay out of it, though. If she did not want to learn last year, it will definitely show up this year.
I am still involved in chairing the book fairs at both our schools (been doing that for 4 years too). I am working with a new co chair and showing her the ropes and we work extremely well together. This will be my last year of involvement as my youngest is going into high school. Our HSA has 3 new officers out of 5. No one seems to want to become a board officer and it is difficult to find people you know will step up and actually do a good job. It sometimes is hard to step back after doing it so long, but it is nice to have a little more time now. I am a person who likes to get involved though and am now involved in a high school music booster club at my daughter's school. ( I am a sucker for punishment but I really do love being involved)My kids do not know me any other way than someone who steps up to the plate and is part of their school lives. Hopefully, they will become a volunteer and have community involvment when they get older and have their own children.
This year will be my second year this term as Secretary so I will have to step down this Spring but am interested to see what nominations will bring. With my oldest 13 and youngest 2 I wonder how long I can do this and when do I move on to the School Baord position etc.
I did take a year off when the baby was born, never recommend pregnacy and President to anyone unless they have a strong team to help.
You know, until the baby is graduated and in college, in my family I'm always going to be the "PTO Mom"....or as my mom calls me "everyone's mom"
After working on our board for several years, I too have taken a very low key role. First, I made sure that I had trained up and coming parents to take on leadership roles. Also, by not being around, I was able to resist "that won't work" mentality that is easy for an old timer to get.
I have now moved on to our city athletic association. I want to make sure that all kids who want to play can.
Next year my oldest goes to middle school. I am sure I will be back in it again, but for now, it is nice to go to school just to see my boys and not have "PTO" business.
After two very hectic(construction,joining with another school, melding two groups together,building a playground)years as President. I took a very laid back role last year. I was still on the board, but the positions I had were much less stressful. It was wonderful! I had more time for my kids, my husband, my house, my friends, and me. This year I've taken on a little more(love those Book Fairs)and the stress level is elevated because I'm having trouble finding volunteers, but it's still nothing like being President. I can't really see myself staying off the board as long as I'm needed somewhere, but I don't know that I ever want that top leadership role again. I've come to enjoy my "hanging in the background" spot too much!
At different times several of us have discussed the ups and downs of our roles in the PTO as leaders. The movement from volunteer to leadership. The struggle to lead with various environments and personalities. And then the sometimes difficult task of stepping back as others move into leadership.
Is anyone still on the Forum that is still involved in PTO, but no longer the key leader? How are you doing? What are you doing now? (Or have you been drawn into "Round 2"?)
I finished my tenure as "past president" last May and was no longer a Board member for the first time in 7 years. I'm still a volunteer of my elementary PTO and, as of last week, Secretary of the middle school PTO - so now back on a Board again.
I didn't want to be the President, but I've been leading the PTO effort on some front or another for so long, I wasn't sure if I was capable of just sitting back and going with the flow.
Surprisingly, I'm finding being a follower a lovely role now. At the meeting, I chimed in with ideas, but quite happily allowed others to lead and set the pace.
but I really do love being involved)My kids do not know me any other way than someone who steps up to the plate and is part of their school lives. Hopefully, they will become a volunteer and have community involvment when they get older and have their own children. 
