I wouldn't go for this at all...when you are representing your school you need to watch what you do. Our bylaws actually say that officers are accountable to the school at all times at any time we represent our school. I am confident that your principal will handle this as this is a reflection on his school.

It wasn't on school ground, we live in a tourest area and our town holds a national festival this time of year. The booth had 2 big signs saying _____ _____ Elementary School PTO. We sell drinks there that parents have donated. It is a huge fund raiser for us. I went to school today but didn't go to festival, so my mind has cleared a little, I didn't tell the principal, I told a staff member that I'm close with that is pretty close with pricipal. She told me that it was being handled, so I'll wait a little while and see. I'm heading out of town tomorrow for a long weekend,(we have fall break) hopefully getting away will help the way I feel. We are losing people because of our new president, but he seems to be clueless.
Thanks for answering my post. It feels better just talking about it.
Thanks again,
eesmom

Sounds like a few things are going on:

- Drinking at booth. I'm actually assuming this is a local Fall/Harvest Festival that the school rents a booth at and not at the school. Still poor judgement. If the booth was the PTO's space then you represent the school. Save the drinking for the beer tent.

- Disregard for the bylaws. If the new board wants to change all the rules, that's fine, they can do that. But they have to do it according to the bylaws and with input and support from the community they're serving.

- Lack of respect and appreciation. Parent groups cannot run effectively without caring, energetic volunteers. The quickest way to lose people is to act like they don't matter. Don't wait for the elected leaders to set a good example. I say, as Volunteer Coordinator, you're well within your role to make all volunteers feel appreciated. Develop a commitee to help you. Write announcements for the newsletter or website if you have them. Decorate the bulletin boards or hallways with snapshots of volunteers in action. Be present at events and make an effort to say Thank You! to everyone there. YOU be the example. Even if you don't change their behaviour, your community will know that their efforts are welcome and appreciated.

Hang in there, eesmom. Your team needs you more than they know!

SOunds like you were on school grounds at the time. alchol is prohibited on the grounds of public schools is it not? did they get authorization/exemption from the principal?>?>?

your SUPERINTENDENT should be informed immediatley, theyare ultimately responsible for violations on school property. they should sanction the violators. how can parents that drink at a childrens event, even if just preparing it before the events start and no kids around, be respobsible ie in handling teh ca$h the event brings in? thats just one thing to consider. but there are many more. UNparents, unite.

Wow that is pretty bad behavior on the part of the board! I'm assuming they were not drinking on school property, were they? I can't imagine any principal allowing that to happen. Since you seem to be one of the rare voices of reason in this group, my advice would be to stay on as volunteer coordinator and continue doing the good work you're doing. Things can only get worse if you leave. Perhaps a meeting can be held with the board, principal, you and anyone else who feels their behavior was problematic and you can get back on the right path. Chances are they are going to continue losing good members who don't want to work with people who conduct themselves this way.

Do other members feel as you do? I'm really curious as to what the principal's take is on all of this.

But if you do feel that stepping down from your position is the only option that will give you peace of mind, there must be other ways you can volunteer, either through the office or your child's teacher. PTO is not the only venue for being involved in the school (I hope).

We've had a new board this year that has just gone in a completely different direction as for as leadership goes. There is issues with election, minutes, board members doing work, I was asked by the ex. board to be volunteer cordinator, I have worked so hard at this job, and I'm happy to do it, even though our new pres. seems to snub me, doesn't say thank you and #1 thing doesn't listen to anyone else oppinions. One of our big fund raisers is as a festival that last 4 days, it started yesterday, I worked the first shift with 2 other volunteers,(it's a booth selling items at the festival) the ex. board was still setting up the booth when I arrived, they proceded to sit behind me and other workers and drink Margeretta's and Bloody Marys the entire time I worked 10am - 1pm. I was appaulded and needless to say very disappointed. What people do in there own time is their business, but when your reprisenting the school that is another. I let a staff member know at school, that also let the pricipal know. I have lost all respect for this board, I don't want to give up volunteering at school, but I'm serious thinking about not doing the volunteer cordinator position. But then again I do feel I do a great job, and don't want to let my child think quitting is OK. I have cried several times after leaving school this past week. My work with the PTO has always gave me great joy in the past.
Thanks for letting me vent,
eesmom