Chicmom, way to hang in there and be assertive!!
We noticed similar things in our PTO with the "old group" and encountered/still encountering stereotypes. Our town doesn't like change very much, but fortunately the 2nd set of incoming Kindergarten families love change and involvement. It takes time though. We continue to take majority vote on things, involve new people and have noticed that the "old group" chooses to take themselves out. They still try and cause trouble on the outside sometimes, so always be prepared!
I agree that delegation of duties helps with accountability. Keep up the good work!
You guys would be proud of me, we had a officer meeting and when the old Prez/New Vice tried to take over and "volunteer" to run every event, I told her no lets let others have a chance, we can't complain nobodies helping & then not give them a chance. After that she did not respond to my phone call or messages for a few days. Now will see what happens at the general meetings. I know others feel the same as me. Thank will be helpful!!
Hey, I'm in exactly the same position, maybe even more sticky. I have clashed with this person in the past over policy things, and she has been very nasty and made things personal. I dunno, I thought we all should feel free to ask questions and get information about things we're asked to vote on and not just rubber-stamp what certain people wanted (silly me!). Anyhow, that's how I plan to run things this year.
Unfortunately, this person has been verbally abusive to me both in person and on the phone. She can be intimidating, and tends to bully everyone else. I know I'm going to have a job keeping her in line and allowing others -- especially the new people -- the chance to ask questions and be involved.
Keep us posted on your situation -- and I'll let you know how it goes here. Oh, one more thing: as a final hurrah last year, this person put a fundraiser for another school group on the master calendar for the week we usually do our main fundraiser, causing us to postpone ours. And, if the past holds true, it's possible that the materials that come home about that fundraiser won't be clear as to who it's for, and many parents may think its a PTO fundraiser. We plan to get a letter to parents letting them know our fundraising plans, so we'll see how it goes...
The old president is not physically scary a very frail, small woman, but with the bite of a pitbull, I will take the advice and send out a letter, I hope that once people see there is a new board they will pitch in. It will be hard to ask her resign if it comes to that, our daughters are friends, and our son's are on the same ball team. Thanks for the advice!
Hi,
First a question. What makes this woman so terrifying to everyone. She is just a person. If so many are unhappy with her there should be someone willing tell her. Simply tell her your the new President, you have a new board and this is the way you are going to do things. Get with your other members and set task. Such as the secretary does all the calling to parents, since she has the members information. The treasurer will look into fund raising ideas and present them etc. You will be calling any others that are needed, businesses and such. Break down the duties and stick to them. If you find that she has overstepped her duties ask her nicely to stop. If she doesn't then give her 2 other options, 1. resign so that y'all may work in harmony, or 2. get voted out.
Also, send a personal letter home to parents and to the staff. Introduce yourself and the expectations of the new board. Be positive. Get in the school and greet everyone with a smile. Don't gossip. You'll be surprised how fast people will turn around and come to you with a thank you, great job, so nice to have someone like you in here. GOOD LUCK!!!
