I have lived in the same district for 18 years. All of my children so far have done all of their schooling here. There have been problems over the years, that is to be expected, but we are experiencing now is completely out of control.

I was one of the founding members of our last PTA which lasted about 5 years, when due to lack of participation, we decided to disband. MISTAKE! That very year a new super and high school principal were hired and the reign of terror began. The first year was pretty good, with a real cleanup in discipline.

But it all went downhill from there. The principal seemed to delight in tougher and tougher methods, rules, etc, with no parental advisement or notification. He was backed at all times from the higher administrator. By the time he finally left, the community was ready to run him out on a rail. Kids fled our district by the dozens and the superintendent just claimed they all moved.

Our board? Total joke. A very close relative of the super is on the board. Another is a best friend of the family. And yet another's only goal is life is to support the administration 100%. 2 board members are truly valuable, but a minority most of the time.

There was an attempt last year to start a PTO and umbrella under our local PAL group. (Police Athletic League). The PAL was threatened that if they sponsored us and there was any trouble, they would not be allowed to use the school facilities for their activities.

Personal vendettas are carried out against students, parents, and teachers. 2 teachers who recently had a problem with administration and were accused of things, were told if they filed a grievance or told anyone what was happening, they were at risk. Half our teachers are ready to flee.

How in the world do you start a PTO under those conditions? This is a very rural area and participation will likely be lower as the ones really affected have left. Advice?