I agree with the premise of attendance, it is far better to have parents enjoy themselves at PTO Sponsored functions then to be bored at meetings. I feel that this is the primary reason for PTO- to bring families together for the success of their children.
Roxy has a good dilemma, and I would discuss this with the principal himself. Explain the conflict of interest on the schedule and offer a compromise- can you set meetings maybe during school hours? Offer an alternative and it may work for all. But, why is your Pres giving away her position and duties to the principal? I feel talking to other board members is in order and maybe a change in the bylaws would be in the works as well. Our bylaws state that the principal is not a member of the board nor can serve on the board in an executive manner. Also will be instilling a clause to reinterate about PTO not running school affairs that the school should not interfere with the operations of PTO that does not conflict with school policy. I feel this would be adequate to solve your problem.

As far as getting dads to join PTO- maybe just asking could do the job. According to a poll conducted on Dad participation- most said they were never asked to join. I am a Dad and also the Pres of our PTO. I remember what another father said to me when my daughter had her going on ceremony at her elementary school, he said" I am thankful that there are Dads like you here,we need more fathers like you here at this school." My question running through my mind was,"...and why aren't you?" Ask your dads That question and tell them this story and let me know what reaction you get. Good luck to all!

I second that motion, and move that we adjourn. Then we all head out the dooor and down the street to the local neighborhood bar.

As long as your goals are met for activities, fundraising and whatnot. People at a meeting is just icing on the cake. We have one well attended the one not, then well, then not.

Whether its PTA, PTO, Boy/Girl Scouts, a community service org or whatnot (sorry, its my unofficial word of the day). The masses will not come (to a meeting) ,even if that annoying little voice is saying ('Build it and they will come)

When I first got involved in PTA, I stressed over the attendance at the meetings. But the President at the time put it to me this way, as long as they show up everywhere else, I'm not worried about the attendance. Believe me, if you were doing something really wrong, they'd be there to tell you.
I noticed that first year that we had tons of volunteers and really successful events. The feeling is the same throughout the PTA ranks- strong meeting attendance is a bonus but it's not necessary. What you get the rest of the time is what matters. Sometimes it's just not easy to go out on school nights with all of the activities. Soccer, baseball, gymnastics, etc. Plus, you want to spend those evening hours that you aren't running, spending time with your family.

Tim has always preached about "attendance is not the most important thing." So I stopped going to meetings. JUST KIDDING!! I tend to agree with him unless I've done spent alot of time on preperation for just a handful of people,then it gets a little frustrating. Sounds like your board needs a little break. Work on a schedule and agenda while you give them some time and lay out what you expect of them. Perhaps you need to recruit more helpers if they aren't willing to pull thier weight. One thing that was hard for me to comprehend was that not everyone was so passionate about PTO as me.

I like the idea of getting more dads on board too. Most guys around here share the same philosphy as my husband: "My wife takes care of all that." Kids like seeing dads around as much as they do the moms. Sometimes even more. There are so many kids that do not have a male influence in their life. Go Dads! You are appreciated.

Our board this year went through something very similiar, except it was the president who felt we didn't need meetings we could just "do things over the phone", plan or "okay" things with one or two board members, or she would schedule a meeting for the next morning. You can imagine.... to say the least it was very frustrating. And don't get me started on not having an agenda(thats a topic for another thread)

It was one of the causes that made us write bylaws. Included in our bylaws where a minimum number of general meetings a year, 3: beginning, middle and end. Board meetings: monthly. also included is when meetings had to take place by 10/15 each year.

I do agree with Goalie that its better to have 500 people at event..... But it can be very frustrating for those who "volunteered" to be on the board, who may need guidance, or for a person who is on the board who may want to be president but is unable to "learn all the details" due to lack of interaction with a board.

I am not of the belief of having a meeting to have a meeting, schedule & agenda, know when your gonna meet and why.

Andrea

I guess you can say that towards the end of the year I am just not that into wanting to go to meetings.

Our president is letting the New Prinipal this year call the shots for the PTO including when we meet. He decides the date and time, reglardless if any of the board members can make it or not. He thinks that 5-5:30 is a good starting time. I guess I am supposed to have dinner at 8:00, my husband doesn't even get home until 5:30 or so which means sometimes I had to take my kids with me! Which means they don't eat either unless I make dinner super early. Just doesn't work for me or my kids.

I tried talking to the pres, but she said it's his school..........
I guess I am just very annoyed by it.....
We never had this happen before the new principal this year. The board members decided when the meetings were before that.

~Roxy