have you talked to the principal? How does he/she feel about the board, their achievements and plans?
When does your group hold elections? it isnt up to the existing board as to who does or even can get elected. Do the bylaws state how long the posiiton is to be held?
These are the things you need to look into if you want to make any changes. Once you get this information, you need to start talking up the elections and what changes can be made in the way things are done.
You cant change everything at once, especially if there has been problems for some time. The first step is going to be making more people feel welcome.
You need to find a few people who feel the same way you do and run against them next year and take over the board. Keep the one or 2 you think you could get along with that have good history to help you and then get something done without the whining!
Frustrated Volunteer-
So sorry to hear about your situation. Was glad to see that you said you "will never go to a PTO meeting again" rather than I will never volunteer at my child's school again. Don't let small minded people get in the way of you doing what is best for your child and for your child's school. Keep in mind that board member's time that they serve is typically limited. Get some like-minded people who care about the school and keep volunteering so when elections come up you can make things change.
In the meantime if you feel like the current board is affecting parent involvement then maybe it's time to talk the principal. Also, maybe you could make a copy of this article and put in the PTO mailbox: www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/arti...is-your-pto-a-clique
All the officers are best friends and if there are any new ideas given that they don't like they sit and whisper and laugh and make fun of them right in front of everybody. I have been involved for two years (this is starting my 3rd).
Last year (all year) they were begging for someone to take over the yearbook. I volunteered 5 times!!!! But because I am not one of their "friends" I was told NO! I was too busy and didn't have enough time. They have no clue how much time I do or don't have, because NOT one of them has ever tried to talk to me or get to know me at all!
Thay are always whining that they can't get any one to help do any thing and they have to do it by them selves. Well, if everyone is treated like crap, why would we want to do any thing!!!!!!???????
I volunteered to be an officer last year and I was also turned down in front of the whole meeting. A teacher that was there came up to me later and told me she was appalled at what happened.
Thanks for letting me vent.
