I believe that we need much more information. What are the differences. How do they do it and how is that different than the way your school has always done it.
I agree change is a difficult thing. And change for change's sake is not always the best way to go, but maybe some of the things that they are doing is worthwhile, while maybe some of the things that your group has always done would be best for you.
We were in this same type of situation when our new facility was built. Our school moved across the street and some students from another school came over as well to help with their overflow. Suddenly, all we heard is how they did it over there.
The response to this was that our school has its own history and traditions. Although the ideas may be well intended, it is insensitive to ask that the traditions of this school be disbanded just to mirror those at the other school. Each has its own history, personality of students and philosophys. Each school should be different and not a cookie cutter of another. We did tweek some of our events and incorporate some new things, but we did not create a mirror image of the other school. In your case, the ages of the students are different so what works there may not work at your school. You have to consider quite a few things here.
As far as the conflict of interest, our bylaws state that a person cannot hold the same position in more than one school. You should check to see if yours says the same since it could be considered a conflict and she should step down from one school or the other (president / co-president = same thing).
If your PTO is a democracy, then voting should come into play and opinions be heard by others. But listen and see what could be considered and what is touching upon discarding tradition.
I would approach the situation positivly by listening to the ideas & processes the sister school uses to accomplish whatever is being presented. As ideas are presented questions need to be asked with regard to can this work for us and if not what what are the hurdles. Many times when people understand the hurdles (many times the volunteer base to make things work) ideas are either dropped cold or drastically changed to suit the kids needs. Try to keep in mind that just becasue another school is doing it doesn't mean it would be a horrible thing for your school nor does it mean you absolutely shouldn't do it because they are doing it. Part of being a PTO officer is learning from other PTO's, listening to other parents ideas and applying the changes that benefit the school as a whole. Good luck and let us know how things progress.
<font size=""1"">We must overcome the notion that we must be regular...it robs you of the chance to be extraordinary and leads you to do the mediocre."</font> (Uta Hagen)</font></font><br /><br> <br /><br>"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments...
Just recently we have added new board members to our PTO. We are a pre-k, 3-5. Some of these members are from a sister school k-2. One of our moms is serving as president at the sister school and co-president at our school. She is trying to convince everyone that the way they do it at the sister school is the way it should be done at our school. In recent years our PTO has accomplished many wonderful things for the students as well as the school. The overall temperature of the PTO Board was positive and easy going. Now there's a feeling of them against us. Old members versus new members. Instead of saying lets see what we can do NOW for our school its well...this is what we've always done and it worked for our school. These 2 schools are so different and should be treated as such in my opinion.
