Please don't give up. Reading stories of people trying is about all that has gotten me through the last few months with our PTO. I am trying to change things from the inside but the rest of the board doesn't agree with me. Funny thing is the parents and teachers I talk to agree with me. So it's a matter of sticking it out I think until all the pieces come together.

I believe 1 person can make a difference.

Try talking with anyone and everyone you can. I've found that letters get lost and are often unread. We meet and greet our parents at Parent Teacher conference nights, events, and open houses. Maybe if parents get to know you, you'll see a difference. Also teachers and school administrators can be a resource for ideas and support.

Don't feel that you are alone mi3sons. I am in your boat as well. Last year, our fall fundraiser grossed $16,000, and this year we grossed $400. I convinced everyone that having a walk-a-thon would be a good idea as opposed to the usual catalog sale. I feel responsible that it flopped. Our principal could care less about the PTO, which doesn't motivate me at all to continue volunteering as the PTO President. I hardly ever go to the school anymore, which I used to love doing. Parents don't care about anyone but themselves, and we are lucky to get 5 parents at the monthly PTO meetings. My son only has one more year at the school, and when I leave, the PTO will probably be in limbo for awhile because no one cares. It's sad that no one cares, and I'm just tired of working so hard when no one appreciates it.

Would disbanding change anything other than that the school would "officially" not have a parent group? Personally, I wouldn't give up. I'd still keep the group official and I would still keep doing whatever I could to help the school. I would also continue to reach out to parents to try to get them involved in the school. What have you tried in the past? What about trying a simple potluck at the school with some games? Try getting some high school students to be your helpers or even some of the service groups in your community.

I have been the PTO president for 3 out of the last 4 years. There are 2 other active parents. We don't do anything but staff appreciation each month, collect boxtops, personally, I would do anyway. We have meetings that no one attends, we don't have enough money or help do do any activites. Our economy and surrounding area won't support much fundraising.
Do we disband, or start talking about it and see what happens? Like I said above, i love doing staff appreciation and boxtops and would continue that whether we had a organized group or not.
I am very discouaged and feel like I am wasting my time and energy for nothing.