yes, i did recall your allusion to a wrecking ball.....i thought it fits what i have witnessed. and YES, its all about the kids, but sadly, sometime the adult kids forget that, and let personal politics get in the way, and ruin it for all, even their own kids (ie i wont let you play with the child of THAT mom, or,,,dont even TALK to that mom's kid,, i have heard it ALL) blah blah blah. brother. elementary school it IS.
anyway, keep on sowing, it is FOR THE KIDS, and remember:

'Anyone can count the seeds in an apple; no one can count the apples in a seed.' Anonymous

Hey, funny you should mention a wrecking ball. Did you read my earlier post on a different message board? Here. I'll put it in this one.

Crewchief mentioned that we should take nothing personally, but let's face it. There is nothing fun about getting trashed in front of our peers, especially when we know in our hearts there is no truth in what these people are saying.

I know it's better not to engage, and I haven't done that, but in an effort to build community, how can that be done, when walls are being formed by others who are systematically undoing something before you can even start to build? I'm big on analogies, so let me say it this way:

It's easier to break down a house, right? Whether on purpose (like with a wrecking ball) or on accident (crashing into it with your car), it's easier to do that, than it is to build it or fix it up.

I see our school as a house, and it's our responsibility as parents/guardians, community members to make sure that the structure or framework of that house is stable. But I feel that everything I am doing is counteractive to that.

Directly or not, I take responsibility for some of this "wrecking" if you will, because clearly, these women feel as though I have done them some type of injustice. But the problem is that I cannot get to the root of the problem to rebuild, and they do not want to help me get there, either.

How can I help them see the bigger picture that it is not about us? That this house, if you will, is nearly beyond repair?

I appreciate that everyone has given me such incredible words of wisdom and encouragement. I just want to do what's best for our kids. That's what this is really all about, isn't it?

Jules,

Stay within your realm of responsibility and serve in the capacity you were assigned (or elected) to.

Lead as best you can. Either the vets will follow or jump ship. I am learning that this is part of the cycle of a parent group.

If they choose to see progress or current success as a sign that the past was not good, then that is their problem, not yours.

Don't quit!

Good luck.

notOK why do you say if "I ever", if you want to be president you should go for it. you have great ideas with the Four Agreements thing so there are probably other great ideas in there too. I am sure you would be an asset to your PTO.

Jules. i hear ya.. bad vibes in our PTO too......really bad,,,,wrecking ball variety.....dont take ANYTHING personal. it never is,,,,,hard to say, but let it roll off your shoulder, like Shakespeare probably would have told you:
"Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." William Shakespeare

And if i ever become PTO president, i would require that a membership requirement is to read THE FOUR AGREEMENTS by D. Ruiz and abide by it for PTO work.....in it, he basically says, one should not: make assumptions (ie get your facts straight before passing judgment), dont take anything personally (nothing others do is becuase of you), speak with integrity (dont lie or gossip), and always do your best.

GOOD LUCK you have the right spirit!!!!

If you decide not to continue on in your position, just remember that there are other areas you can always be involved in. Schools (at least in our area) are always looking for volunteers. And as much as I love PTO, and I am still very involved in, it is not the only place to help out. I have found other areas to,also, be involved with. So, I can still help out with our school.
We have had a "bumpy" ride this year and I have been upset with certain aspects of it all. And, yes, you start to question if you should continue. I, personally, have decided that with summer coming up, that this will help us all take a breather. And remember why we are all in this. For our kids. But do not get discouraged. Hang in there.