I don't think I would give up, you were the first board of a new group at a new school...WOW that is alot for any group/school. I think what may have happened is your principal at first didn't have that time to truly devote to your questions so she let you run with it, now I am guessing she is looking and saying what did I do. I would give her a chance, it sounds like she wants to organize it and i truly think you will see her loosen up a little after awhile. I say this from experience so hang in there...the task force thing is great, there are some principals that would not do that and since there are parents on there that says alot!

The principal just took over and the board can't do anything unless it passes through her first. We are pretty much lame ducks. She is a control freak and unless we do it her way, things are beyond miserable. I feel sorry for whoever takes over next year- they will be her puppets.

It amazes, and saddens me to see so many group butting heads with the principal. I just have one question to ask - why is the principal in charge of the PTO? The executive board and the membership should decide the direction of the PTO

We were the first executive board at a brand new school. When we organized, we got approval for everything we did from the principal. She didn't look at it very closely, and then months later when she had time to look at them, changed her mind on some things. There has been much tension between the board and the principal.
Here is our problem...in March, the principal decided to make things work better between the school and the PTO and the SLT by having a task force made up of parents, teachers, herself do a reorg of the bylaws, budget, and a nominating committee. This task force is being led by her best friend. I realize that if the principal isn't in agreement with the PTO, then the PTO won't be able to get anything done, so I feel like our hands are tied. Either do it her way or no way.
I guess my question are: Should we just disband the PTO as it stands now? None of the board is coming back next year- that is how bad it is. Are we at future risk if something should happen next year? Help...any advice would be much appreciated.