Have you read your bylaws? Does it mention any term limit. If not, perhaps you should look into adding it. That might not help you now, but help with future problems. Maybe the past Pres can be VP?
See dm3567 you are not alone. I would bet that more than half of the pto's countrywide are having the same problems. It's called envy. It's called jealously. It's called love seeing others miserable. It's called misery loves company. Unfortunately, everywhere you go there are negative people anymore. Don't join them. Put your good heart and body to better use. Spend your time with your family. If you are president and you do the job right not to mention put up with all of the negatives your children will pay for it. You will let their school needs, ex; homework fall by the wayside. Volunteer in other ways than being an officer.
Are you me?!? I'm in the same boat -- just elected and dealing with two "ladies" very much like you described. I have thought of quitting many times, but have stuck with it. Do you have the support of others on next year's board? Try ignoring the troublemakers (as much as it is possible) and work on building a coalition with the rest of the board. In my case, some of the new board members and some old ones would walk if I quit, so we're all staying. In the meantime, I have to deal with this year's prez as my assistant prez for next year; and also in the meantime, she has set up a fundraiser for the media center (her pet project) for the usual time we do our major fundraiser. We will have to wait several weeks to hold our fundraiser, and we can only hope it does not hurt us too bad financially. And now, despite the outgoing prez's statements, it looks like we will have a budget shortfall to start out the year. Also, don't be afraid to directly tell these people that you are all volunteers, and that you don't have to take their abuse. In my case, both of these people have gotten into personal insults and even profanity -- at first I just ignored it, but I have recently hung up the phone on both of them. I won't hesitate to tell them directly in the future that such behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable -- and if it's during a meeting or in front of others, all the better. Good luck to you -- may we both perservere!
I agree with workaholic. That's why I decided not to run for another term. I have been made miserable in the last 3 months of my term this year for speaking up for something I believe that was wrong on the school's behalf. I will put my efforts into another area that's independent from PTO. Don't put yourself thru that it's not worth it. I have another 6 years to go in that school and believe it takes lots of courage to come face to face with someone I know was wrong but in my heart I know what was right and I do have a conscious. So, they are the ones that have to live with it not me. Look into the future that maybe if they move on then you can be on the board.
Take it from a second year president, don't fight city hall. If these two officers are going to still be at the school and a part of the pto while you'll be in office, don't run. They will cause you trouble throughtout your term. You probably are like me you want to get in and make a difference and the differences you make you want that warm and fussy feeling about. Guess what these two will make you miserable. They will scrutinize everything you do or say. Take it from me don't go where you are not wanted. Remember it's all volunteer you don't get paid. Step back and do this. Volunteer to help the teachers and staff independent of pto. Help read to the children, be homeroom mother, etc.
Good luck. I am now (as of 6 days ago) president of a PTO for a school that hasn't even opened yet. Kids from 4 schools will be attending when it opens in the fall. When I was nominated I accepted the nomination pending elections. During conversations over that period of time when I was asked "who are you running against" my standard answer was "I am not running AGAINST anyone - I am running FOR the kids" and further if someone else wanted the job then they could have the title and I would do whatever I could to help that person. In my humble opinion - and I am not criticizing you, please don't read this that way - it's not about a title, it's about knowing something needs to be done and doing it. I don't care if you call me dog catcher or trash collector - it's what I do not what it says in the minutes. Serve your heart and best wishes to you!
