Thank you everyone for your responses and your support! We had a meeting last night and brainstormed some ideas to inform people of officers' duties and event planning. We do have the full support of our principal and she's willing to help in any way she can. Our school has a weekly newsletter, so we'll begin with that and follow up with phone calls. We'll also contact parents who have helped run events and ask them to take them over (the groundwork for this has already taken place). Our treasurer is very concerned that her position go to someone trustworthy - unfortunately we may not have control over that.
It's been a wonderful 6 years (although a lot of work) and we'd love to see our programs/events continue. Thanks again for your feedback.
You are the super PTA Pres!
6 years is a long time- and I know you loved it (or you would not have done it for so long.)
However, I commend you for knowing it is time to step down. The only way others can learn leadership is if they themselves are forced to "step up to the plate".
Maybe what has people spooked (about joining the board) is they are afraid they won't "measure up" to you! It is hard to follow a a very strong leader.
Try assuring someone you think has good leadership potential that you will not be judging them. Encourage them to bring their new ideas to the job.Tell them you will be around to help IF ASKED, but that you will let them run their own show.
I have gone thru a little bit of this myself this year. I have been a president for 2 years (the max in our by-laws)and held every other position on the board as well (over the years). My son is moving on to middle school so others must take over after this year. But the 2 people that I was sure were well trained and waiting in the wings- got cold feet. It was only after having a heart to heart talk with one of them, that I found out the did not want to follow "Miss Perfect" (their words). I assured them they had my total support- that everyone does things differently, and that it was important for them to bring their own ideas to the table- to keep things fresh.
Once they were sufficiently reassured (although still nervous) we finally were able to place a board. We are installing it on Thursday night.
Now all I have to deal with is my own separation anxiety.
Good luck- and I am sure you will find those that think PTA/PTO is important enough to do the jobs required.
Beleive it or not, there are others who will step up. They're just waiting to see if you will follow through on you're intent to leave. Six years is a long time and I commend you on that! Stick to your guns and someone will take charge.
Our secretary, treasurer and vice president are all leaving after this year due to children graduating from the school. I have been president for many years (6) and announced at the beginning of the school year that this will be my last year. I do have a child at the school for 2 more years and would like to do more behind the scenes projects - filing for non-profit status, implementing new involvement ideas, etc.
Our problem is that there is no one waiting in the wings to become an officer! We do have very good parent involvement at our small school (150 children), but no one wants to become an officer!
How do we handle this? Just let things drop and hope someone steps forward? Have some kind of recruitment? Any ideas? Our PTCA has really eveolved over the last few years and we have many wonderful activities - we don't want to see them disappear!
