Just an update about our secretary position. I spoke with someone yesterday who agreed to take the position. (I didn't even have to twist her arm--she actually sounded interested!!) So we're in business now. (Now all I have to do is fill all the committee chair openings!)
I may be way off base but ... as president of the organization aren't you in a position to set the schedule? The Principal may want the meeting at a particular time but if you are truly the head of the organization then perhaps a shake-up is in order.
You may lose popularity for a time, and perhaps will have arguments from the principal, but if your plans bear fruit the popularity may well be replaced with a greater amount of respect.
Be sure to ask at the re-scheduled meeting whether anyone can differentiate between PRINCIPAL and PRINCIPLE. Apparently the school has lost sight of priorities.
Hi Jo
Sorry I'm so late (actually got to go on a vacation !!!)
I had the same thing happen to me but I have been able to keep in touch and as matter of fact I pitched three of my friends ideas and we are working on doing them this year! Sure I miss her (so do my kids since ours would have awsome and LONG play times together) but she still gives me all these great ideas and ideas how to get them kick started!
I'm starting the year with only 3 officers and to have a business meeting I need 4! I would give my......extra 30 pounds (hehehehe) to have her back but ya know, it happens.
Hope this helps Jo and hang in there!!
Jo and Maggie,
I took over as president for a middle school. I had NO experience and not a single note as to what to do AND all of my officers were either new or just accepted the position for elections and dropped out before school started. I was supposed to receieve all that great PTA info but the past pres. did not submit my name and I did not know. I did not receive it until November! Boy was it a long year! Only a few of us on the board even knew each other. My vice was great and between the two of us we nearly killed ourselves getting through the year. (Literally, I had a stroke a few weeks before school let out. I was 38 years old at the time! Forunately I am fine today) The staff and principal helped us out a lot and I learned truly valuable lessons. Ask, ask ask for help! We also left extensive notes on floppy so that no one need ever go through it again. I am very, very glad I did not give up, as these kids are now seniors and I still get a healthy hello and smile from them when we meet. This year I leave this post at the middle school but.... I leave knowing Membership increased by 150% (yes I just figured it out) a knowledgable pool of volunteers, notes that would put any other to shame, and knowing that I did my best and my family and I are richer for the experience. The people here on this board may not be able to help you with man power but you know we can help you with anything else you run across. Just let us know!! I hope I win the horror contest here because I would hate to hear anyone else having a tougher time! Best, Best, Best Wishes!
[This message has been edited by plw (edited 07-24-2001).]
Thanks Maggie, I feel better already! Our principal is great & fortunately, he's dealing just with me right now (it's not that I don't want to share work or info, it's just easier to do a one-on-one as we're starting out). We are also lucky in that we've had a smoothly running PTO since I've been involved (5th year is coming up), so he pretty much gives us a free rein. It's a shame your principal wants a meeting without you! Have you actually spoken with him/her directly?
However, it sounds like they really need your "fresh blood", so do your best to hang in there. Look at it as a challenge! It will probably just take a little longer to undergo the changes than you hoped. Do you have anyone else interested in some of your ideas? Maybe they could chair a committee?
