I really don't see this as a freedom of speech problem or a parent's right to be involved problem. Effective parent groups have a solid structure, bylaws, policies & procedures and a succession plan that builds parents up from General Volunteer, through various Board Positions and finally, Officers.

For a random parent to step into the middle of that and decide to behave in a way that's counter to established procedures is rude and disrespectul. A parent who is truly intent on helping out and making a difference does so within the established structure. If the structure is faulty then there should also be procedures followed to strengthen it.

Based on Bayshore's account of the situation (and the only side we really know) this 'problem' parent is unwilling to work within the structure or to respect the advice and input of those who have been elected to lead the group. Therefore, I do believe she should be called out for it and politely asked to work within the system.

PS one call from a parent shouldnt irritate another parent for purposes of informing of a parent meeting! i mean its not like she is calling to sell jewelry or anything for her own benefit.

the proper thing to do for those put off is, not complain to YOU, but be nice, polite, and just say, THANK YOU to the caller, for reminding me of the meeting, and please do not call me in the future.

if all parents did that, that didnt want the calls, the problem might even take care of itself!!!!!

BUT if the unwanted calls continue, THEN it might be something to address. but most people are decent and will respect being told 'do not call me'.

most phone numbers are listed, so it doenst matter where she got the number from. this is a free country. where has shawn been lately? he always has good ideas about free speech.

wow, a parent that increases attendance!!! what a new twist after reading all the posts complaining about lo or no attendance from non board members. maybe create a postion of 'involvement committee' or 'meeting committee' , let that person be the one to remind others of meetings.
sounds like you are happy with the higher attendance but have an issue with the approach the person is using. surely you can find a way to make it win win. this is not the end of the world. sit down and talk it out and dont shut that person out. one can help and be involved without being a voted in member of a parent group.
after all, its about kids and no parent should be shut out if they want to be involved. otherwise, you will be labelled a clique if you try to keep people away just becuase they havent been voted in. since when is teh parent group just the board members? its everyone that WANTS to help. 6 people cant do it on their own, unless your school only has 25 kids.

It's a fine line. I think you pissed her off too. Have you tried (just you and her) to get together and find some common ground. She sounds like she wanted to get involved and make a difference, but also sounds like she's received push back because she' not on the board (sounds clich'ish to me). I have always run my board with open arms, meetings with parents and kids (and yes, they run wild but it's their school). If I had to guess I would say there are some major issues personally that have led to where this is, and where it is going.

You need to find some common ground - you both have the same objective for the kids and need to remember that and work together.

[ 12-05-2006, 05:48 PM: Message edited by: Daddio044 ]

This sounds like a woman we had at our school last year who moved away. Are you in CA?

Why oh why are some people like this? This woman is doing so much more harm than good and can't see past her own agenda to realize this.

It sounds like you have the backbone to stand up to her and the support of your team and principal. As long as everyone maintains this solidarity she will be unable to tear your team apart.

If principal approval is required to post letters and she didn't have that approval then remove the letter.

As far as her myriad questions, I think you're on the right track. Let her know these items have been discussed in previous meetings and hand over a stack of minutes and treasurer's reports. Let her slog through the data to find whatever it is she thinks she needs.