anon- So sorry to hear that it's been such a frustrating year! Couple of thoughts/questions:
-Is the VP going to be in the same position next year?
-Have you ever had a honest heart to heart with the principal? If not, think it's time. He or she needs to hear how you feel. Best advice is to come up with a list of what you think works with the PTO/school relationship, what your group has accomplished and a list of hurdles you have faced this year. Lead with the positive, then express that because of the hurdles you feel like the PTO is in jeopardy and that you don't feel comfortable recruiting new officers if the current situation continues.
Wow.. All I can say is.. "been there, done that"..
It's extremely hard when you feel that you are butting your head against a wall. Just try not to get too frustrated and remember the following:
1) Everyone is a volunteer. No one is getting paid to donate their time.
2) You are there because of the kids. Not just your own kids, but all of the kids in your school.
3) Kill them with kindness (I know.. this can be the hardest one). But if you are smiling and friendly to everyone in your school, they might just smile back and become your best volunteer.
4) You are the President of your PTO. Don't confuse that title with Dictator. Take a deep breath and remember that you are supposed to be a moderator and voice of reason.
5) Sometimes the school doesn't respect the PTO. You are 1 in a long list of parent groups that they have seen throughout the years. Some have been amazing, some have been disappointing. Look at this as an opportunity to shine.
I hope that you can all move forward and work together for the good of your school and community.
This year was a challenge. I am PTO president with a wonderful co-president and a VP who did nothing but talk behind out backs and make excuses why they couldn't do anything...no secretary, and a treasurer who made mistake after mistake. THe administration made decisions counter to what we had planned and discussed and never told us. Parents bullied and belittled us and the admin did nothing. We were very rarely thanked and consistently treated like dirt. Now we have to try to convince another parent to do this? How? How can we throw a friend to the wolves? Clearly the school doesn't respect or appreciate the PTO. I would LOVE your thoughts!!!
