In defense of the principals (no I'm not a principal), they are really impartial to the PTO. They need to hold this impartial position because of the other relationship they need to maintain with the parents (as the principal) concerning their children. I have a great relationship with our principal and it sounds like I need to be quite thankful for that. I do however have a problem with one of the officers on our board. She has induldged in a "clicK" with two of the other parents and they have undoubtedly decided to blind side me with "issues" in the monthly meeting. I really never know what to expect anymore. And no the officer, who happens to be my Vice President, does not bring these issues up during our officers meetings. But she has a problem with things during the monthly meeting. I have been approached by not only other parents but teachers and the principal and was told how great I handled the situation so I know that their childishness is being recognized by everyone (probably even themselves). Now my decision is if I should address their behavior in our next membership meeting or just continue to ignore it and not give them any benefit.

Your story sounds ALL too familiar to me as well (it's nice to know we aren't alone in these battles even when it feels like we are!) Anyway, I have problems with communication with our principal as well and was just handed the presidency because noone would do it. I have tried and tried to rejuvinate our PTO and it seemed to be working but as soon as things began to look good our principal put a stop to all our events. I don't know why--it's almost as though he doesn't want us to suceed sometimes (even though I really hope that's not the case). I did discuss my concerns with him (over a 3 hour long meeting and a very lengthy letter! [img]redface.gif[/img] ) ) but I still don't feel as though there was any closure to a lot of my concerns. It just seemed like he was trying to get my mind off of my concerns and onto other things so I would just shut-up. I totally understand how frustrated you feel right now--even though our principal has been at our school for years and years, the help he offers feels like this is his first year sometimes. I also have a quarrel with an ex-president and past board member who had agreed to walk me through the processes of the PTO when I agreed to become president and keep the PTO alive. But, somewhere along the line I offended them in some way but I have no idea what it is I did--it just makes no sense to me why as parents we cannot come together to work for the sake of our children. What is wrong with people nowadays? Ugh! So, I was at the very end of my rope after putting in endless hours getting programs ready to do with school only to be told in the end that we could not do them. I was crushed over and over--ended up in tears many many times over stupid crap but after a while it get you so emotional. You are tired, pissed and totally unappreciated. I know! Thank God we have this board for support and advice--if I wouldn't have found you all I would not have survived as long as I have. I have yet to decide whether or not to run in the election next month, I guess first I need to develop a calendar that would have to be approved by the principal so I will know whether or not it will be worth my time and effort. I don't like doing just programs that MAKE money--I like to do things that are 'just for fun' sometimes too and that's where I run into problems. So, please don't feel alone. Whether or not to throw in the towel? Well, I don't really know what to tell you on that one--I had to consider all of the issues I had. Was I so stressed out that my family was suffering--if so, how was that helping MY children? Was I getting a feeling of accomplishment? If not-why am I doing it?! Those type questions are the ones that are running through my mind right now and even though I LOVE the kids and love to be able to interact with them--sometimes it sure doesn't feel worth it! At least in my case though--I'm not battling with someone on a day to day basis and they are not above me trying to make sure I know where my place is--sounds like that's what you are going through and I think it's terrible and awful of them to do the things they are doing. It would sure be nice to 'show them up' but please consider yourself in the equation because the last thing you want to do is win the election and give them the opportunity to sabotage you so you look the loser! Another thing to consider (I went through some of this that's why I mentioned it!) Well, I hope I helped you in some small way and if anyone has any advice for me I'd appreciate it too! Good luck Scooby Doo--our thoughts will be with you! Keep that chin up high and never let them see you down! (if you can help it anyway!

Scooby Doo it sounds like you are in a difficult situation. Wouldn't it be nice if the parents acted as mature as the kids? You said that you reviewed the By-Laws and discussed them with your principal. Is your principal a member of your Executive Board? How do the other members of the Executive Board feel about thid current President? If they are behind you, I suggest that you call a closed session of the Executive Board to discuss this issue. It may be tough but it looks like it has come to this. You may have to go head-to-head with her. The main reason we as parents get involved is because we care about our kids and want the best for them. They are our main focus. Obviously, your current President is using this as a power trip and doesn't care a thing about the kids!! She's acting like a spoiled brat!! Gather your group of supporters and make sure they attend the meeting when you will be voting on a new president. Fill the room with your supporters. Maybe this will open her eyes. Good luck!!! :eek: :eek:

Well, I wrote a letter to the principal. (I still need to give it to him!!) I wrote down section by section, article by article, letter by letter, exactly what by-laws they have broken. I also suggested him take the president from 3 years ago off the nominating and election committee. I mean who is to say that she will be honest in counting votes if she is the one who suggested the new president run again?? I for one don't think so. She can quote as many scriptures as she wants. She still took all my duties and now she has managed to wrangle her way into a job that I was supposed to have as a sub-parapro at the school! Thank God her youngest is moving up to middle school!! She says she still plans on working there though. She has all this influence on our presiding president, who I might add was the sweetest, quietest person when I first met her. Now she has turned demanding, rude and bossy. (That is what some of the parents say).I just want a way to win this election without looking like I am turning against the PTO. HELP!!

Thanks for your support guys!! But it seems hopeless! She has now appointed an election committee, although we are supposed to vote on it. The head of the election committee is the old president who happens to be the one who talked her into running again. (I think she just doesn't want me in charge).The principal doesn't seem to care or if he does hasn't called them on it. I am so frustrated I feel like screaming!! HELP!! What to do...what to do... :eek:

This may sound harsh, but... As my mother would say "Get your wagons in a circle". I also like my own words of wisdom "Stand Up or Shut Up". WAIT!!! I'm not talking about you, I'm talking about everyone the old prez has pissed off. These folks are saying they will vote you in. Get them, their friends, neighbors, whoever you have to get to get voted in. One of the posts above said that you only give her power if you chose, and while that is not completely true, it is you and yours who let her get voted in. I say circle those wagons and throw your hat in the ring and her butt out of the ring! Again, I'm sorry if this was kind of harsh, but I have a similar-but-not-really-the-same kind of problem with a nasty Vice President. Don't think for a second that I haven't got a winning team already put together for elections later this month. I may have to deal with her until May, but she will have to deal with the hopefully overwhelming shut out in votes she is about to experience. Tit for tat... :eek: :eek: