First- You need to talk to your VP. I'm not quite understanding what she did or what you are upset about...you were about as clear as mud ...but you really need to ask her or let her know you want to work with her.

Second- My principal asks to see ANYTHING we send home, donation letters, well anything that has to do with the school. We are not a separte idenity and nor will we be, so yep, it is "her" school and I don't mind compling with her. HANG ON- that is at my school. Just as we like to know what are kids are doing, a Principal likes (well you find the rare ones anyone) that want to know what we are doing. fair? Heathr....fair? Okay but do you see my point?

It's always a challenge when we have a great idea and then find out that we were suppose to talk to these people, fill out these forms, jump through that hoop....it's the part of volunteering that is the hardest.

What are you doing that you don't feel you need permission? Don't come to my school. I just filled out an activity sheet for EVERY PTO meeting this school year, every skte party, every assembly etc. I'm up to 50 sheets that have to be hand written. Crazy? Sure it is, BUT the Principal, maintence crew, school board all know when we will be meeting and most of our activites. No it's not an outragious request. They do the same for us but it comes in a calendar.

Please just talk to everyone, espically your VP. I bet she didn't mean any harm, remember this is her first year.
Hang in there.....

I've learned quite alot from this website. So sit down for awhile and read, read, read. There is great stuff and advice everywhere. Do you have any bylaws? If you don't ask others schools in your area about theirs, or look at the bylaws tread on this website. Alot of ptos have sent me their bylaws to look at and then I can taylor ours to our situation. Also go to www.robertsrules.com. They have great help there do. Good luck. :eek:

Is your PTO actually a separate legal organization, incorporated and with its own tax-exempt status? Or are you a group of volunteers operating under the school's umbrella?

The potential solutions are different depending on how you are set up, but, that said, I don't think it's ever good to be doing any type of fundraising without the principal being in on it at the front end. It's probably somewhat of a blessing that the VP went to the principal. What if a parent had called the principal about it, and the principal had no idea what the person was talking about? The principal would probably be looking for your head--doesn't sound like a great way to start things out.

Today I get a call from my vice president. Last week she went to the principal behind my back and asked her if she was doing the right thing regarding donations. Then the principal told her that its a fundraiser and we can't do them. What should I do about the vice president I feel like I can't trust her all ready. Then today I went and talked to the principal at school. READY! I have to follow there rules and policies but she doesn't know what they are because they've never had a PTO before to do what I want to do! I have to ask permission to do anything. HELP! Do I really need the school's permission to run the PTO the way I want to?? Does anyone know? I'm geting very frustrated all ready and we haven't even started school. Now we are even more behind because what my vice president did! Please any ideas? :confused: