One of the hardest things for me the first year as "past president" was when the incoming crop of officers came in and basically re-did everything. Sure I expected them to put their own stamp on things and find different ways. But some of it was (I felt) just change for the sake of change.

I had thought some of the "lessons learned" would save them time. For example, instead of trial and error for developing the most effective form, they could focus on the program - etc. And I had to watch them make the same mistakes we had made in the past. Don't get me wrong - they did a great job. After awhile you get some perspective and realize it's ALWAYS like that. It's just part of the cycle.

It's especially interesting when you take the view of a teacher or principal who's been there for 20 years. As president, you live and breathe this stuff and it's all so critical! And it IS important, but when you think about, say the membership drive in one particular year in the span of 10 years, hmmm - you do recall it's not life or death.

It's hard at first, but common sense, a little sensitivity on both sides, and -most of all - TIME will help how you feel.

THANK YOU GUYS so much for the advice. I have been laying low & venting to my husband. I think I will attend the 1st meeting as a parent & just be really low key. I signed up to volunteer in my kids classes. And I'll let her come to me when she needs me.

I think the reason I am most hurt is that she has made changes(raising membership fees, changing the format of meeting etc..) and that makes me feel like she thinks she can do it better or I did things wrong. I was really lucky when I became Prez. the old prez. went to vice we had our hard times but she was 1 of my best friends so she understood.

I am also sad because I started many cool school traditions & she is changing them. I didn't know they needed change.

Anyways thanks for the advice.... [img]tongue.gif[/img]

I definitely ditto what JHB said!!!

Plus I am in the same spot as you are this year. I am now a "past president", having served in that position for 4 years and another board positon prior to that. While it is hard to let it all go.... remember the person before you did it too. I remember my first meeting I conducted and how I scanned the audience to see if the last president was there. I would have been a little nervous, I think, if she was there. She stayed away.. and probably because she did not want me to feel incompetent or that I could not live up to her "way of doing things". BTW - We were both co presidents the year before and had a good relationship [img]smile.gif[/img]

To this year's Co Presidents, I have made myself available anytime. Although, since I was a FANATIC at making loads of files and notes that I put on a CD for the new officers, I do not believe they will need to contact me. Did I say I was a FANATIC at record keeping?..LOL that is the ultimate best thing any officer can do to help the officers to follow. I believe that if you really do care for the organization's future, you will take the time to do this after every thing you do. Just plot down at your computer and do up some notes. Be kind and Help the incoming. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

This year, I will stay involved as the Chair for our 4 bookfairs (two at each school). I have been doing this for 4 years now and have someone shadowing me for a year. Since I do not have all the other responsibilities that go along with being a President, I can now do a real bang up job on the bookfairs! My youngest is in 8th grade this year and it will be my last year of involvement with the HSA too.

In addition to everything that JHB said about meeting attendance and getting involved in other things, I am already "out of one pan and into another". I have become Fundraising Chair for a booster club in my daughter's high school -My second year there. (Yikes!!!I just can't sit still!)

You will be fine!!! Give it time and sit in the backround for awhile.. go get your nails done with all the new found time.

ok my book is done....LOL!!!

I've also "been there" and it can be awkward at times. For myself (as outgoing president) I chose to keep a low profile the first couple months - even missing a meeting or two, while the new Prez established herself. But I was clear about being available to her as a resource.

Sense of humor and a conscious movement towards "letting go" are also key.

To help fill the void, find new ways to be involved. For me, it was taking on a committee task that was pretty self-contained. It didn't usurp anyone's interests, but allowed me to focus on a particular goal. Maybe you want to focus for awhile on something related, but not PTO - like volunteering in the classroom or serving on a district level committee. And maybe it's time to look at non-PTO activities like church or professional organizations that you never had time for before.

Stay involved and keep your sense of humor. That's my best advice.

Not to be the bad guy . . . but here is my opinion, which comes from the other end of the spectrum. I have been a part of our PTO for five years - in different capacities (Treasurer, Program Director, Comm, Chair, etc.) This year I am now president. Our president of the last two years has been having a difficult to relinquishing her position! It has made for some unpleasant situations. I understand her feelings in the situation, but if someone would have two years ago done the things to her that she has been doing to me I know she would not have appreciated it.
Many people were INTIMIDATED by here, and stopped coming to meetings. She doesn't like that I am now trying to rebuild bridges and boost involvement again. So everything I propose she tears apart.
The funniest part is she will say "Oh we have already tried that!" The funny thing is my family has been at the school and I have been an active part of the PTO 2 years longer than her.
At this point, I am trying to grin and bear it. But - I don't know how much longer I can.

Anyway, the point of this rambling - was just think about your new president. While I am sure he/she wouldn't mind some assistance, I am sure he/she also came into the presidency with ideas that they are very passionate about! Good Luck!

You should definitely stay involved with the group - as a parent, not as an advisor.

You can tell the new president that you are there to assist in any way, at any time. Just don't be offended if the new president doesn't jump at the offer right away. You are invaluable, and she knows it. She needs to establish herself in her way. Just give her time.

Most importantly, remember why you were involved with the PTA in the first place, FOR THE KIDS. There are probably many volunteer opportunities in the school assisting the staff and the students. Volunteer! The principal and teachers would greatly appreciate it.