I am sure that handling it all yourself must be overwhelming. I do not have that problem.. my ex-pres doesn't let me handle anything. The best advice I can give you is to ask with a compliment. Say something like "I don't know how you did it all! Ican't even begin. What did you do about...." If you let tehm know that you do not think you are better than them and that you sincerely want their advice they will usually help out.
Keep communication open bewteen your board members. Ask for their thoughts and input on suggestions and ideas...Don't use the word "I"...In my PTA the president chooses committee chairperson with cooperation of the Exec Board memebers. This was never done in the past until I came on board. I openly let my mebership people know can call me at home email me and talk with me. I always smile and say hello even to the people I don't know. i am at the school usually during dismissal to just mingle (no i don;t pick up my kids they take the bus home I make sure I leave as the buses are pulling out so I can beat the bus home). I am up at the school talking to teachers and students. i can honestly say that most of the 900 students in my school know who I am-even if their parents don't--
Read your bylaws, ask for peoples input, listen and try to implement changes. Try to bring speakers into the mtgs to cover topics of interest to parents. Look honeslty at yor mtgs and ask yourself what are my parents leaving with- Did they get anything out of this mtg that they could not have gotten if I maid hem the agenda. If the answer is i could have mailed them the agenmda and they would not have missed anything at all then you need to change the mtgs. you need to get something else in their that will give them a purpose for coming.
The final thing is enthusaism(spelling). keep smiling and keep up the spirit.
First of all, I love all of the messages about the bulletin board, I am going to talk to our principal this week about one for our school.
I am the new president of the PA at my daughter's school and have always loved being involved at her school. I have most of my committees covered (thank goodness). MY problem is that I have no relationship at all with the past president. I need her to direct me a little but our relationship is awkward. I am only a second grade mom, many of these mom's have been involved in the school much longer (they have kids in high school). I guess that I feel like an outsider. I am looking forward to doing this job because I know that it is going to be a great learning experience and I really do believe that it is important to be involved in our children's education.
Any suggestions on easing this awkward situation? Also: can anyone clue me in on some major does and don'ts?
