Isn't the purpose of having a PTO Board is so that the "Board" can work together to enhance the lives and education of the children that attend the school.
If one person is going to dictate and dominate, then what is the purpose of having a board. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" is the quote which I believe should stand paramount in any group; PTO, PTA, marriage, etc. If we as adults can't master that concept, our children will not gain a grasp for it either.
Then you have greedy, power hungry people left to run organizations. While the "willing to jump in and do whatever people" are overlooked, trampled upon, and feelings shattered. We must stop this cyle.
The MetzyMom: You sound as though you have been a very successful Pres. and the kids have really benefitted from it. I was curious what the grumbling could be, unless it was from some people who are jealous or insecure and not willing to work as hard. (You know, like how some people feel about Martha Stewart) I wouldn't let it bother you. You may never please those people. Just do what your heart tells you. You sound very creative and energetic. You also sound very fair and listen to others' ideas and then work at implementing them. If you need to make a list and organize your thoughts for this upcoming meeting, I would make the list and begin it with "Together we have accomplished these goals..... and explain that you enjoy what you do, working with others to achieve the common goals for the enrichment of the students. When you mentioned finding a place at the school for your group to work and have their things centralized, that is a feat in itself. These are real improvements that you would hope to continue with. I wish you good luck in your efforts and am so glad that they have had your expertise at that school. Just know that the fulfillment of your work has come from within.
Hey Metzy
I just wanted to post this little opinion. It seems that there are a few parents/Staff/community members that just need to be reminded that as a President you are not in it for the money you are not in it to kiss up to people (although as Presidents we do a lot of smoothing things over because that is part of our job)You are in it to help the children of the school and help the Staff/Teachers of the school provide the Children a better environment to learn. If Doing all that is what makes a Bad President, then they are just fooling themselves. Keep up the good work Metz and good luck. [img]tongue.gif[/img]
I went on vacation for a week and came back to find all these lovely responses! Welcome New Posters!
First, let me respond to MyKidsMom, who made me laugh! I do laundry on Saturday nights, while I sit at the table doing whatever is necessary to put the up-coming week in order for PTVO. It is when I chat with other PTOers from our school, getting new ideas, incorporating them into future events.
I think the biggest thing we all agreed on was that a bad president is one who forgets why we do what we do. Tied for second place, it appears that a bad president is one who is power hungry. We have "Greed" coming in a nose behind for 3rd place for those who want to show everyone else just how important and special they are... I see a trend here! Could it be that a bad president is one who (OMG! It could be me!) who uses the word "I" more than "WE"? In my post, I used the word "I" 24 times, but only used words pertaining to the group only 4 times. Maybe "I" needed to concentrate more on the 'we' and less on the 'I'.
For those of you who suggested that I make a list of what it is that "I" did, I am going to do that. I will work more on the WE thing, but I'm going to excuse myself just for a minute because I didn't take the credit for any of the things "I" did (I did here, but not at school...lol..). I will also make a distinction between what "I" did, why it was "ME" who did it and why. I am also going to have to clear up that ideas presented at the meetings (by me) were, in fact, 99% not my ideas, but ideas I presented because others were too shy to speak or were afraid to get their idea shot down.
Anyone got any other ideas? I get 5 minutes to speak as to why I should remain as the PTO President. I have a few things already written down, and will be putting it together and begin timing it this next week. We next meet April 22 and I want to have it memorized by then.
OH! Has anyone ever declined a nomination so that everyone could see how tough a job it is and then gone back the following year to do it again? What does everyone think of that? Does the thought hold any merit?
karri- there isn't a whole lot you can do. The former Prez I wrote about is the same way. Last year her husband took on a second job so she could continue her volunteering at school and not have to worry about their son's college expenses!!
She is an awsome volunteer, I will be the first to admit that BUT she is the first name teachers mention when asked who they wish would just "go away!" The Dean of Students even told me "if she could just do her work and keep the gossip/comments to herself!"
One thing I have learned by observation, this person is slowly digging her own hole. You and I know we are doing our best and the parents that have gotten to know us see we are doing the best we can, the only tings we can do is take their negative energy and turn it into positive energy for ourselves....it takes some work and lip biting but I have because a stronger person and gained a lot of respect from parents.
I once told my husband if I ever became famous and won an Emmy or Oscar the first people I would thank would be the ones that told me I couldn't do it. The ones that douhted (SP)me. Thank you for giving me the push to show you wrong..... [img]smile.gif[/img]
Hello everyone I am new to the posts. I am teh current PTO pres for my school and all has been until now. I have an older grandma/aunt that is trying to tell me how to run the organization and she also used to be the PTA president years ago. I recently changed it to PTO due to the monies that have to be paid out. She making my life a living hell!! Everyone says I am doing a great job, all of the teachers like me and the children love me as well. She has a rep of being a terrible person and leader. I am to the point that I am going to ask her to leave if she continues. Am I in the right by doing this?? This didn't have a PTO for years until I came on board. I have brought my experiences in working with non profits to the table and have been working with the media to bring exposure to the school. She is offending other parents as well by taking over projects and telling everyone what they should do. The sad part is she is a great worker!! and she gives her money!! What should I do??
