Originally posted by stanley:
Our problem is that our PTO board members don't even hold meetings, except for themselves. They decide everything - from what events to have and how to spend the money raised - without any input from members. I don't even recall having an election for the board members. This little group of friends just decided who would do what. The VP doesn't even have a child at our school!

Adding to my post.
The new Prez this year has great ideas. She wants to do surveys on what parents and the kids want....

When I took this job, I asked hubby and kids. They ll gave me ideas.
hubby and I have lots of ideas and when I did it a a board meeting, I was told be a semi "newbie," THAT COST MONEY!!..I sat there because it was first meting in 3 yrs and thought... OK YOU ARE PEGGED!!!!!(I know it does and that's why we charge for it!!)
the prez and I need to talk to get this back to a group and the parents.

(great getting real steamed again!!!

Originally posted by melloweer:
you know what I don't understand about this...and a lot of things that get posted (about problems)Yes I understand we never get enough volunteers or that we have problems and can get burnt out to a point but its volunteer work. I see so many ppl complaining and it just amazes me if people like these people on the pto are so burnt out and whiny about everything why do they even bother.

II agree with your post.. I was on he board and also chairperson for 5 years. I got burnt out!!! and some teachers saw it.
I was recently asked to come back as the VP and school has been in a week ad already I am steaming!!!!

The clique when I was before wasn't the "clique" that you think. It was open, friendly, and when a parent wanted to express, we took it in stride.
Now I am seeing, only after a week, the prez and I are together, 2 others are the clique and one will stay neutral and the other won't show up or answer any email.

I posted a prob in another subject, and it depends on what happens tomorrow, I'm ready to hang it up again!!!

Our problem is that our PTO board members don't even hold meetings, except for themselves. They decide everything - from what events to have and how to spend the money raised - without any input from members. I don't even recall having an election for the board members. This little group of friends just decided who would do what. The VP doesn't even have a child at our school!

That doesn't just happen with PTO's it's happened to my school and we are a PTA. It takes time to regroup but you can do it and come out stronger.

As for that bad group over at Texas' school, hold the door open for them and let them go. The reason they're so burnt out is because they're a bunch of b*tchs.

No one should ever feel unwelcomed. This IS your child's school too! If they don't what you, please feel free to move up here to NJ. I'd gladly take you, we need all the help we can get. I welcome everyone into our meeting, then I lock the door so they can't leave until they volunteer for something!

Whoa - that is the EXACT same thing that happened to me down to the letter!

The current PTO administration sent out a flyer soliciting for new officers for the next school year. As of yet, there has been NO information as to what is going to happen. My gut feeling is that they are going to "dunp and run" and tell us good luck.

I am currently up for the position of President - and I refuse to be caught off guard. I am fully preparing, soaking up information and even going as far as getting flyers and other information ready so we will not be caught short. I have also purchased a domain name and web hosting space and have that ready to populate if the call comes.

It is so frustrating when you want to participate in your child's school and the closed-minded PTO shuts you out!

This sounds like my situation with our organization. We had a Middle/High School PTSO. I too had to track down info on when the mtg would be. After 3 months, I finally went to a mtg which consisted of 4 people. Well, I asked two other friends of mine to join. We went to the meeting and found out that a Science Fair was coming up and we actually got everything DUMPED on our laps including every position avaiable except the treasurer. They wanted us to do everything from fundraising to handling everything for the MIDDLE SCHOOL Science Fair. Did I mention that all the money was going into one pot for everyone to share.
Well, this did not go over well with the myself and the other two ladies I enlisted. Like you, I was told that no one wants to join either.
Well, I told them if this is a Middle School function, then the money should go to the Middle School students. I also told them I felt as if I was DUMPED upon. They reply: "That is the way it was always done before to them" I could not believe the reply. So, needless to say, feelings were hurt and I found out that no one wanted to join because of them.

Today, we broke away and now there are two PTSO, one for MS and one for HS. We had the Science Fair, received $225.00 in cash donations, cases of water free, gift certificates totalling $200.00 from local businesses and had a bake sale profiting $300.00. And we have added 25 members within a month. I am sure next year turnout for membership will be greater.
I would just start your own and do whatever you can for the kids. If you don't start it, no one will.

The PTSO previously NEVER did anything for the 8th grader graduation, NOTHING. We are have a dance and also giving them a present.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.