Thank you for your suggestions and i will take them and work it out. I do believe that she is tring to let go. I will try to call her with the agenda befor hand.

NVolved, that is a great response. From where she stands, it is probably very difficult to let go because SHE KNOWS THE ANSWERS! She knows the answers, and it is simpler (to her) to just answer the questions and get it resolved.

Her late arrival to meetings probably signifies one of two things: either she really is trying to let go; or it is a passive-aggressive response to try and avoid letting go. Assume she really is trying to let go, and work with her from that position. (Remember, in the long run you will never regret having taken the high road!)

If there is an item coming up on the agenda, and you suspect her instutional memory will be called upon, call her in advance. Ask her about it, and be prepared to answer the questions yourself. I made frequent use of a past-president's experience while I was president, but I tried to avoid having to flat-out ask during a meeting.

Raesmom,
I think you should take her aside and tell her basically what you just told us. That she was a great president, and is a terrific resource for you, but that parents are confused about who to direct questions to because they aren't sure who is in charge. Let her know you understand how hard it is to turn over the reigns - especially about something she feels so passionately about - but that it might be best if she try to trust you to guide the group now.

I believe as long as you approach her in a friendly and respectful manner, she'll take it OK. (of course, I don't know her temperment... )

Let us know how it turns out.

I'm having a problem with last years president. She has done a great job in the last 2 years,but she is having a hard time letting go.When i moved here last year i had given her some suggeston to help raise some money for the PTO. I was asked right away if i would like to take over this year because she was ready to step down. Well after alot of thinking and talking to my husbond i decided to go for it.
My problems is that at each meeting she is still tring to run each meeting even when she doesnt know what is on the agenda and comes to each meeting late.
I have been learning alot from her but i need a way to nicely tell her to let me run the show.
Each meeting goes over our time schudale and parent and teachers get confussed on who to ask the questions too.
Please help! :confused: