I feel for you. At or last 2 elections our board ran unopposed and they were accused of a "fixed election" but in acutallity, we begged for parents to step up. This year we lose our Pres & VP and again only on person for each seat ran, so again they were unopposed and again we were acused, only this year we sent out 2 separate flyers asking for people to run for all the positions in our school, be it PTO, SAF or SAC and the school got back 9 sheets, all from active PTO members with the same nomination names on it - what more could we have done but call each parent and aske personally - will you run..... I think that if you have (especially new incoming) parents willing to help, all arms should be open, what will happen when those long term people leave and there are no experienced moms sitting on the board.

I would insist on seeing the by-laws and if it is too late for a chair seat - take on an Executive board role that is important like Year book or a big fundraiser so that you get your foot in the door.....

A sign that the new President (whomever he/she is) has no lasting negative feelings would be to appoint the other candidate as Chairperson of a major activity. It would show that bygones are bygones and the kids are what is important. Keeping all the parents involved and working together is a great example to set for not only the rest of the parents, but for staff & students.

cleeta-I'm actually relieved to hear this has moved forward in a positive manner. Who ever becomes president will need to show a great deal of leadership to get the team back together and healthy. It may be tough but it won't be impossible. Pick some very clear goals for the year and make sure you continue to listen, understand and validate people and their thoughts. The good news is you have parents that are interested and willing to step forward. Maybe their shoes were a little squeaky, but they're still walking in the right direction. You all have a lot of energy to capitalize on...DON'T LET THAT GO...! Everyone that was fussing can now come forward and do something good. Give them that chance. Thanks too for letting us know what happened. Sometimes we never hear and it is like not getting to the end chapter of a story.

Whatever happens, we are here to assist and provide healthy problem solving suggestions.

d

There is always healing after a trauma and it sounds like this team was definitely traumatized by recent events. However, if folks are talking and are willing to learn, grow and compromise then they will make it through the healing process. If there are still a few sore feelings and folks impeding the process then it may take longer than necessary but they will make it.

As for "affecting any friendships with the children", that comment bothers me a great deal. If parents are letting their problems affect their kids' relationships then they have a lot more to worry about than a functioning parent group.

cleeta thank you for your final reply although things have been talked out with your president I still believe that there are some very hurt feelings and I believe that it will take your PTO a while to heal and try to mend some of the relationships with both parents and school officials hopefully this has not affected any friendships with the children. As for a fair election now, I believe that it would have always been a fair election provided that everyone had the kids in mind.

That's good news, cleeta. Congratulations to everyone at your school for finding a way to work through this. You're sure to be a stronger team because of it.