Thank you for the advice. I admit that I could have handled this situation much better than I did. This was sort of a straw that broke the camel's back situation. I am learning a lot about diplomacy and am taking positive steps toward working well with the prez. I have problems with some of her decisions and lack of leadership, but I also realize I must do whatever I can to ensure that we have a good working relationship.

As for the prez/principal situation, I don't think there is a conspiracy against me personally, but I do know they have made certain decisions between the two of them that are not necessarily in the best interest of the school, PTO, or the kids. I have been privvy to these decisions after the fact, ranging from deciding to throw out all of the former PTO files (and no, that was not done out of lack of space) to deciding to keep the issue of the embezzelment a secret from all parents who are not on the PTO board.

We have a lot of problems in our group. There were no officers last year besides the prez and treasurer (the one who stole the money), there is little interest by the parents because of past problems, the prez is offering very little leadership and communication to current officers because she didnt have to do that last year, and our principal is new this year (although she was vice principal for the past two years). Yes, I should not let my personal feelings get involved in this--and in fact I have a good relationship with the principal--but my attitude of concern is shared by many parents who have spoken with me about PTO and the administration.

I cannot with a good conscious sit on the board and let things happen as they have happened in the past. Although I was not elected (we do not hold elections) I feel it is my job to represent the parents and kids to the best of my ability. Now, having said that, I have also come to realize, having heeded the advice of some of the members of this message board, that charging in and trying to make changes will do more harm than good. But I know what I have seen and heard, and I cannot operate on the assumption that those who are in charge always have the best interests at heart of those they are working for. Maybe I sound cynical and conspiracy minded, but I do know there are other agendas at work here other than the mission statement of the PTO.

And I have learned to tred lightly, pick my battles, and as my granma always said,"get more flies with honey than vinegar." I realize other people have good ideas too, and sometimes they have good reasons that aren't always clear to me for doing or not doing something.

Thank you to everyone who has spoke up on my issue. I am so glad I found you guys--it gives me the opportunity to sound off before I do it publically!

I have read everyone's comments, and I agree with alot of my fellow colleagues,there are several factors to consider. First, you need to look at the economic climate of the school- My school I help as PTO Pres is a 89% economicly disadvantaged school. We have to be very careful with our funds and budget accordingly to ensure we can cover basic expenses. Second, you have to look at the funding that is given to schools by state and federal agencies. You would be suprised by the percentage of money that is given to a school for operating expenses- we figured it out as a school it is around 2% of Federal and State monies given in a year. That is an eye opener! Third, you have to look at it from a consumer point of view. Go to a Office Max, Office Depot, or Staples and price paper and toner. you may spend more than $30 for a box of paper and a simple toner or ink cartridge. Even recycled paper and recharged (remanufactured)toner/ink cartridges are comparable. There is just no better system of obtaining these supplies for schools that would be cost reductive.

I want to also express concern about your opinion of your President, Principal, and current situation. First off, I don't think your President and Principal have some secret pact or personal agenda between them. Have you read the article here online about making your principal a Partner in PTO? I would advise you to read it and maybe you will gain some insight on their relationship. I think others may see your negativity as personal jealousy and start to question your credibility. I would like to extend my sincere empathy on your embezzlement situation of a former PTO Treasurer. We are overcoming the same scars of theft and deceit by a board officer. But, why not see this as an opportunity to rise above the stigma of this tragedy? If you keep telling yourself and the board, "...we simply can't afford it...", You limit yourself on the vast possibilities and solutions that are at your disposal. I would definitely take a deep breath, then a look look at the whole situation before making negative comments that could come back latter to bite me on the kiester. Just a thought, don't mean to preach.

Originally posted by KDW:
But it is the responsibility for a corporation to handle their own expenses.

I agree with this to a point. It is also the responsibility of a corporation to foster beneficial relationships with other organizations that improve your financial position.

In our case, our newsletters alone would cost us about $600 per year, not including paper. We do a ton of fliers and forms, too. IMO, we can better spend that money in the media center or on classroom improvements.

Even if we were to replace the inks and toners used, we'd still be way ahead. I have offered to pay for these things, but our principal sees this as something they can give back to us for doing so much for them.

If we had $25k in the bank, I am not sure I would feel differently. I would see us funding all sorts of things and taking programs to a new level. That $600+ might really mean something when we got down to spending.

We pride ourselves on being 501c3 and incorporated. I feel that if we have the income we should pay for our own copies. This was decided soon after we started the PTO 2 years ago.
The new board is asking about making copies at school. With 25K in the bank I don't think the school should be supporting our printing needs. There are costs to running a business and I feel that this is one of them. A few (20) copies on meeting night? Ok with principal. But it is the responsibility for a corporation to handle their own expenses.

Writermom, I know how exciting it is when you first start out, but you might want to consider reviewing past records and listening to other people about their ideas and experiences and take things one step at a time. We all go in to this with certain expectations and ideas, but once you become emersed in the school you can better grasp things from the point of view of parent, board member, and maybe even see the views of the staff. Your enthusiaism will be rewarded only if you don't scare everyone off with it.

I would like to add to this that we can use the school's copiers as needed but we are required to provide paper.

A lot of times, we get paper donated, either right from stores or from members.