I logged on to this message board because we are having the same types of problems. We also have tried to work with a new principal who feels that every cent PTO raises should be spent by her. She also trys to run our meetings and our board agenda. I think you have taken the correct steps by seeking help from School Board and Superintendant. There are some people who will never benefit from a heart to heart. Control is the only way for them. You need someone outside of your organization to tell the Principal to butt out. He/She does not understand this is not hers to control. You need to do this for future Boards. Please post your results. We are pursuing similar plans.
More than likely you have a losing battel in your hands. The superintendt and school board HIRED the principal. Doubtful they will not side with her.
Politics are always messy and unpleasant. Would be nice if your principal had been more communicative and conciliatory. seems way over the top and a waste ofeveryones time, to have had to go to the lengths youve gone with a mediator and all. after all, its a parent group. cant parents and principals work things out among them???? wonder how the principal and the staff relations are...............surely similar.
I would suggest NOT using email for your situation. they are all too easily (and happily) forwarded to other staff, and who knows where else, district and board. not that you dont want them to have the info, but your email should be read by your intended recipient only, and the forward button on ohters PCs, you have NO control over, and principals are only human.
also emails along the path of multiple forwarding, can be manipulated, truncated, inadvertently changed etc, creating possible misunderstandings that can make your problem WORSE.
Talk in person is best, with folluw up in regular letter format, to record what was discussed. Oldfashioned is sometimes the better approach. Just think, how many emails have your freinds forwarded to YOU from others that didnt know it was being sent on???
Start an email chain with your Principle, politely documenting everything. If she tries to speak with any of you in person, politely refuse stating you do not have time now but state that would like to discuss further, follow up in email. Be very, very careful what you write. Have someone else always proof read too. Emails are considered public documents. The School Board can read them. YOu need to be careful so that your words cannot be misinterpreted in any way.
Email to and from public employees are public records. You will have your own records to hand to the School Board or any other authority as needed. You will eliminate the he said/she said factor and her own words will speak for themselves.
I suspect when you limit her communications to email, she will back off without any choice.
Good Luck
Keep your fingers crossed for us. We are having the "big pow-wow" Thursday with the Principal, PTO Board, Superintendant, Asst. Superintendant and a mediator. We have also asked the School District Financial person to look at our books so that we don't have to endure them asking for or demanding them. Looks better for us if we offer them up despite the fact that we know they are all in order.
