I know it seems unfair but the principal or school board do have the right to tell you an event cannot happen. It is their school after all is said and done but if the problem is too much work make sure you line up all the help you need then go to them and they have no argument. We are lucky to have a very receptive principal and school board but we supply all the labor for everything no staff has to work at anything. Does this PTO have bylaws you really need to get a copy and read them they will tell you everything they can and cannot do!! If there are no bylaws they need some and quick!

Hi. Thanks for the advice. I already have a friendly relationship with the principal, however I can't seem to get the president to call me. I will work on that. There are no monthly meetings, no financial reporting, etc...if it is too much work for the staff we can not run the activities. I want to be completely armed with some info....first, does the school board have any say in what we can or cannot do? or the principal. I thought PTO was an independent organization designed to bridge the gap between home and school. Does anyone have the right to say we can not run an activity because it's too much work or the kid's are too small?

If you came from a wonderful PTO, then you already have some ideas on how the organization should run. Write those down. You also might casually ask some fellow parents what they would like to see done in the school. (just start a simple conversation with-"you know at this time of year the school we were at before always did such and such, do you guys ever have events like that?") This may help you find out what parents want in the school and give you a sign of how much parent involvement and volunteer effort you would get. Also, chat with the principal and current president in the same manner. Just tell them about the school you came from and how much you enjoyed what they offered and ask if your current school ever has similar things. Offer your help with the events they do have and just be a friendly, helpful parent. You will soon be well known, trusted and valued for your experience and knowledge.

I would first suggest to read this board often, you will get a lot of wonderful ideas and get the wisdom from others who have been in almost every situation imaginable. It might help to get familiar with your groups bilaws (update or create them if necessary), and roberts rules for dummies can be a big help. More than anything imo, you need to establish a good relationship with the principal and the current president, even if you dont care for their pto leadership. If selected PTO president, you will need their help more than you realize.

Hi Everyone! I need some serious help! I just moved to a new state from New England where we had a wonderful, involved PTO. I have been trying to find out when PTO meetings are and how to get involved, but have had no luck until today. I found out that the PTO is horrendous! They have an appointed Pres. (I didn't know you didn't have to vote) and she does nothing. People will ask her or the principal if they can run a function and most of the time they are turned down. They general idea is that everything is too much work. No one is doing what should be done. In Apr. they will be voting (I think for the first time) anthother Pres., but if no one will step up the old Pres. will be in again. I want to help, but I want to be completely armed about how to run a PTO. Where can I learn how to? I know some things, but not everything. Can anyone help?