Hey, it's not the name of the group, it's the people! I've been a member of a PTA for 5 years and I can't say enough about how well we work together and the good that it does. I was a member of a Middle school Parents group for 4 years (2 kids) that was un-organized, un-fair, and frustrating to deal with. Both groups were supported by the schools administration and no matter how much some of us parents complained about the bad group,nothing changed. Fortunately, it's only a 3 year school and I have another year before my last child gets in there. I did find ways to work within the system and spoke up to make small changes but you have to have A LOT of support to oust a group if it's supported by the administration. Most people are content to go with the flow, and just (sigh) stop attending/participating if they don't like it. good luck!
Thank you for your advice. And yes, we all are involved one way or another outside of PTA. I agree the school would be better off served by one well-running parent group, unfortunatley our PTA is nothing short of a coffee club. Hopefully our group of over 100 parents can make some positive changes. This web site here is a great idea and very helpful. Thanks again
Yes, it is technically just fine to have both organizations in one school.
That said, I don't recommend it. I think it leads to too much confusion and (potential) competition/bad feeling.
If your group of "unhappy with current PTA" folks is big enough, then i hope you'll all get involved and make changes. They won't happen overnight, but you can make change. Perhaps the group of like-minded souls could propose one activity or change and work really well to make that happen. And then go from there.
And remember, too, that you can be involved at school outside of your PTA.
I realize this may not be the answer you're looking for, but i do think that -- in the long run -- a school is best served by one, really well-running parent group.
Can you have both organizations in one school? And if there are many parents who are unhappy with the current pta who do we talk to? We have tried to talk to the president and principal with out any results. So at this point many of us are interested in starting a pto. Thanks!!
