I agree with intomykids. Hold out the olive branch. A similar thing happened to us. I think the last president was threatened by us, thinking we would do a better job, forget all she did, etc. It took over a year but things are coming back to normal and we all get along really well. It just takes time for people to realize you're all in it for the same thing. You know ... whether you're a ex-president or a current president, it's a thankless job and sometimes someone is just looking for a pat on the back or a thank you for everything they've done.

Definately do not talk to the principal or superintendent unless it they bring it up first. They are (I'm sure) aware of her issues and also aware of what you are doing for the kids.

Keep killing her with kindness - if she offers to chair a committee politely let her know that you already have another volunteer (and then find one quick!!!!!!) but if she would like to help......

Sounds like she enjoyed the power she held and resents you for taking it and doing a better job. One way to turn this around is to ask her "advise". Tell everyone what a great job she did and that you would not be able to do the things you are doing without her foundation.

Sometimes you can turn people around and if not then at least YOU look good and SHE looks bad!!

Smile even though it is hard - part (a large part) of your job as prez is to deal with the PIA people!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! When I posted this message, I was at such a point of frustration and needed to get advice from people like myself. You have all been wonderful! I will take your advice and take the high road. Also -- not appoint the offender to anymore committees. How foolish of me! I thought I was taking the high road when I did that! But unfortunately that road out to be the "naive road". Should I talk to the principal and superintendent? Or should I just let things go?

But sometimes Dave,it's not that easy! When I was living through my "mess", I wanted my children to see their Mom doing her best to work and deal with this Mom with tact,....I never wanted them to see the negative. Now the son I was pregnant with at the time still doesn't like her , and it's been three years!

This is one of those times you need to let things to hit the fan before you can be the hero with the Lysol.

Mag,

Dont appoint them to anymore committees! Hate to say it htis way, but if you let them lead another project you will just have more of the same.

I dont know how you appoint chairs to committees, but as president you are ex officio (unless this has been excluded in your by laws). This means you are a voting member of all committees, except those specifically in the by laws (such as the nomination committee).

I appoint committee chairs, I can un appoint them at any time I desire to. This is a power spelled out in our charter. Maybe it is time you all revised your by laws to allow this power to one person or maybe the board itself (which is in most cases in any case).

I am not so sure the Principal or the super are all that keen on hearing from a former board member about the current board. But it is up to them to tell the person that they really don't want to hear it any longer. Most of these people will be polite and listen but believe me as with most ocmplainers they are thinking "Will this person please go away and leave me alone."

I think if you leave this situation alone and not appoint this person to any committees it will correct itself in time. The biggest mistake you could make IMHO, is to talk about it yourself, you would be playing into their hands, making it you that is doing the talking and the gosiping.

Anyway that is my 2 cents worth! [img]smile.gif[/img]

I agree..been there done that. The ironic thing is after a year of watching me and waiting for me to mess up I now have the past PTA's support and we have ALOT of laughs. I agree with the above posts about having a heart, rumors sometimes add to it but somewhere she does. hang in there