Does your PTO typically hire and negotiate with teachers? How many? And for how long have you been doing that?
That's pretty unusual. There's a small percentage of PTOs and PTAs who fund some positions, but usually that goes through the district, which remains responsible for things like negotiating and witholding and benefits. But sounds like your role is well past that even.
Guess we'd need more background before giving specific feedback on the hiring stuff.
RE: bad feelings and differences of opinion. That can happen to any group on any number of issues. How are folks communicating? (Are they communicating?) Are all voices being heard. Often, there isn't a decision that can make everyone happy. The key is making sure that everyone knows that they're heard and considered and keeping fopcus on good work and -- at times -- moving politely past folks who can't accept that they won't get their way on every issue.
Help! We have a new PTO board that is having a tough time negotiating pay rates for the non-credentialed teachers (PE/ART/COMPUTER). Concerned about future fundraising in this "down" economy, the Board cut the hours on teachers who were told last Spring that their continued employment was voted on and approved for the next school year. It has gotten really ugly, and negotiations are at an impass. Parents are calling for the President to resign, letters are being sent to the District, and no one is getting paid for the classes they are conducting. How does our school get out of this mess?
