I'm finishing up year 2 as Pres. Our bylaws state that one person can only serve 2 consecutive terms, so altho I'd love to stay....
Just when I thought things were going GREAT, I'd get a weird call or letter like you received and I'd start second-guessing myself.
You ARE allowed to ask folks to come to the meeting, esp. if they ARE members! I was accused of swaying the WHOLE FACULTY on a vote--if I had THAT much power of persuasion, I'd be doing more than PTA!
Syril, I'm a little confused about something.. You said you "campaigned", does that mean you were actually running against someone? (At our school, our nominations usually consist of one person per office. We're usually happy to get the one!) If so, is that person helpful toward your administration? Can you get them involved in some way?
Jo
Keep your head up and SMILE! The only way I know to fight this type of underhanded tactic is to smile, be polite, and do your job. Ask for advise from the past and present board. Let everyone know you appreciate and welcome their advise. For many people this is an emotional involvement. It's hard to let go and move on because you feel so attached to your position. Try to understand that this "attack" is probably not personal but is coming from the writer's inability to let go. As a smart boss once said to me "Take it to heart -- but DON"T take it personally."
Nothing like making the job just a little easier. One unsigned letter is just that. There will always be one group who will be your thorn. You need to know that you are putting in your time and effort for the right reasons and ignore the negatives. Do everything by the book. Study your by-laws if you must. Some people just will not see the forest for the trees. But if you are confident you are doing the best you can then the majority will learn to trust you. As for the past president- does she want the job again? Ask for her advice (not that you have to follow it) but have a nice chat over coffee and ask why she doesn't support you. Make sure she has her facts staight and knows you are sincere. If she is a group leader and a good person hopefully she will help stop some of the negativity. Good Luck
Hello all, I too have just become the next PTO president, at my daughters elementary school. I am not one for titles, more for what is best for the kids. The election was just two weeks ago and I already know the transition is not going to be easy. I am very frustrated and I not in office yet. An annonomous letter was sent to the present board and the new board. It was not a plesent thing to read. It questioned my lack of qualifications and also stated that I fixed the election. I did campaign by asking (calling) a few very involved parent/teachers if they would come to the meeting. If this act is unethical than I am very lost. I am asking how can I go forward with a smooth transition with all this negative feedback that is supported by the current PTO president? Look forward to your feedback. syril
