To give you a perspective different than mommytlc, I'm a president, and I think I have a much easier (and less time consuming) job than our treasurer has. I work full time, so I am rarely at the school during the school day. I try for a couple of hours every other Friday morning. The key is to have good people in important positions and then actually and truly delegate to them. Don't micromange them, and don't allwo your board ot do so either. This is my first year in this role, and I am constantly redirecting comments at meetins by saying things like "those are all good thoughts and, if you feel strongly, talk to [Mary Jane] offline, but I'm going to trust that [Mary Jane] can make this decision and let us know how it goes. I also say "that sounds like a good idea - -who's willing to lead this?" If no one steps up, then it doesn't happen -- I don't think I have any obligation to fill every gap. To give you some idea of scale, we're a relatively small city, public elementary school (250 students) but we raise and funnel over $100,000 each year to support everythign from $500 supply funds for each teacher, to a vocal music program to a chess program to a volunteer coordinator, a part time counselor and reading instructor, etc. The adults fund raise through direct giving, an auction and book sales. We don't ask our kdis to sell things door to door. My point being that even with a big program, you can structure the role so that it doesn't consume you. On the other hand, if you want to be consumed, it can easily do that. But if you are the type who likes to be consumed, remember that part of your job is to find and groom your suceessor -- and if you're doing it all yourself, you don't give other folks the chance to test their wings, or the group to imagine what it would be like to be led by anyone else.

Good luck.

I am the PTO President at my son's school and I am serving my second term. I will tell you that I am at the school nearly everyday. I am on my computer at home everyday as well typing letters and sending emails and researching different things. Since only 2 other Moms help out on a regular basis, I don't have the luxury of delegating the work that needs to get done. I count the Box Tops and give out the rewards to the kids. I compose, copy, and distribute all letters that go home. I make phone calls, hang posters, go shopping, organize fundraisers, maintain PTO files, etc. It is a lot of work but when you don't have any help, you have to do it yourself. Don't get me wrong, I love being at the school and being involved. It can get overwhelming, especially when parents don't want to get up off of their butts to help out. Good thing I am not working right now or our PTO would be in big trouble!

How difficult it really is....hmmmmm...There are no right answers to that one. It depends on how much you see your organization doing. I don't find doing this hard...but it can be complex and frustrating when you don't have the support when and where you need it...I think that some key skills are: ability to organize people and events; Ability to motivate; selfless sense as far as personal recognition (i.e. don't expect any and you won't be disappointed--cause you will get some for sure). You absolutely have to have a good sense of humor and believe what you are doing really benefits all the children including yours. If you see yourself as a part of the school's leadership that's what you'll start to be considered. If you see yourself and your group as a satallite organization that will be the role...neither of those is more right...it is just what you personally can bring to the table.
It is a handful...don't get me wrong...but making copies isn't terribly difficult, just time consuming. So ask yourself if you really want to commit to a sort of selfless service for your school, what ideas, fun can you bring to the table and what do you want out of it. If you don't mind getting paid in smiles and waves and occassional sticky handshakes then you are going to be rich.
To me what PTO President means is a lot of people help me raise money to do tremendous things for our children...the smiles, waves and sticky handshakes are the bonus in my paycheck.

Good luck and tell us what you decide...
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My childrens school has no pta because no one will step up and be prez. I am afraid if i take the posistion, I will not be able to handle it and do not want to over commit myself. Could someone maybe do a quick explanation of just how difficult it reaaly is? Our principal says it is only as hard as you make it. Also we have never had a strong, supportive pta. Parent involvement in a school of 270, is a handful of parents. So if anyone can help me I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.