d, I've held off responding to your post because I wanted to get the words just right. I don't think I have them right yet because it's difficult to convey my thoughts on this.

In typical dlf fashion, you're looking at the big picture and care about the impact your decision has on everyone involved. It's qualities like this that make you such an amazing and irreplaceable leader. Of course no single person will be able to do the job like you do. I think as long as you continue to run, you will continue to be elected.

The organization will go through some changes if you step back but that's OK too. You've established a strong foundation, have led by example and have shown the group how great it can be. It will take several people to do what you alone do. But based on the way you talk about the team, it sounds like they will rise to the challenge.

As your family grows and changes, so do the decisions you have to make about what you can and cannot commit to. You may have to change your focus from 100% on one group to about 30% on three different groups. You're still involved with your children, giving back to the community and making everything you're a part of better for your involvement.

Well--it's good to see I'm alone in the thinking. I hate to be so egotisical to think that someone else can't get things done--I guess I just need to make a decision and move forward. My youngest starts K next year and I just cannot see being PTO President for another 6 years AHHHHHH.
Thanks
d

dlf, I'm going through the same thing now. Our school has drastically changed since last year due to school closings in our area. We received 150 new students, a new principal, new faculty and staff. Our school has changed for the worst. We have had 4 teachers retire this year alone, and many want to just quit. Our new principal is very unorganized, and things have just fallen apart. With that said, I just want to give up my position as PTO President, and the VP and Secretary want to quit as well. The three of us do all of the work, and we are just exhausted. I love the PTO but I don't feel that we are appreciated by the principal. On the other hand, if we all quit, the children will suffer. I don't want our children to suffer because I know that no one else can fill our shoes. We just don't know what to do at this point.

dlf believe it or not I have just started my sixth year as president and the only president our group has had (started in 2001) and I know what you mean with the 150% thing, I have though realized that I am only as good as the people with me. Maybe no one wants to step up, and so you may find yourself doing it another year...depend on the people around you, I have the best volunteers anyone could ask for, each year I put more and more on them to show them their value. Would your group me the same without you? no but it will still be there, as leaders we may not like what happens when we are gone but it needs to happen. Two years ago I came right out and said at election time I did not feel I could give it 110% and they still elected me in. I love doing it and know that as long as I am delegating and teaching that when that day comes that I don't come back they will be fine...until then I will appease them and do what they want me to do...hee hee.
If you do feel like you cant do it talk, talk, talk, and you have to be ready to make your stand and keep it, no wishy washy type stuff...other wise they may not take you serious. One thing that I have found is if I feel a little down I think of new event or project that I want to do, that I run...that helps with that fun perspective for me. Good luck!

D - I hear you on the 'energy' aspect. I have given and given until I just don't feel like giving. Instead of taking a role and not giving 110% I refocused my talents to volunteering with the teachers & staff. Refocusing it has re-energized me, given me new challanges and helped me to take a step back. From time to time I become active in a few PTO activities and have found, for lack of better words, the ship didn't sink.

I'm in a quandry on all of that election stuff. I've done PTO for 3 years now--two as pres and one as defacto pres (still did all the organizing etc). While I don't want to abandon ship as it were...I know that my energy is waning and I've accomplished as much "organizing" and fixing as I can. I also know that given the amount of work I do, not many would do as much and the organization will change if/when I leave. I had said this was my last year...but have been asked/pleaded with by the AP and P to stay on. Not in a power sort of way--but because we are a genuinely terrific team. I've not heard of anyone disgruntled...and receive an enormous amount of positive feedback but I hate to think I won't be as interested in giving 150 percent next year (as I think I do now). I know I couldn't do the co pres thing...just not my nature and unfortunately I'm pretty picky on how to do things ...So have you guys gone through this and how did you reconcile it within yourself. I also don't want to be a martyr. I get a lot out of this...and all the good stuff does outweigh the bad...but I'm wondering too if it is bad for the organization for the same person to keep holding the position...regardless of who that is or how popular their services are within the group...Our bylaws don't limit service...
Thoughts?
d
d