Justa--whilst I think you have most opinions on your side...I would caution against criticising everything the group does so publically...I suspect there is a modicum of good intent to the group...and while they need to keep folks informed and involved etcetera etcetera...I don't think they're evil. I suspect also there are some parents that do appreciate them and if you venture into one of the more aggressive leadership roles, your mission will be to keep them a part of the group as well. Since both you and the other officers are now reading these boards it would be prudent for everyone involved to become more considerate of their comments reference others. I am certainly not sticking up for the group...just want to ensure that when your time comes to be part of the leadership there is not a huge amount of resentment given the amount of criticism you have for the group...that would be as defeatist as the original situation.

Keep plugging for the children..they deserve it...
d

GoldenBearMom;129322 wrote: Okay...I am new to this group and it just took almost an hour to read every post on this topic. Who needs Days of Our Lives!?!

I think this is a case of the officers feeling a bit "upstaged", if I can use that term. I find it interesting that "Bayshore" has not posted since "Justavolunteer" has come on the scene. I'm not taking sides here, but the current officers really should be glad that there are parents willing to get involved.

A piece of advise to "Justavolunteer"...........DON'T BURN OUT! I have seen so many new Kindergarten parents come to the first PTO meeting of the year all fired up and ready to change the world in one meeting. Within a few months they grow tired and frustrated and stop attending. Right now you are caught up in all of these meetings and posts and trying to defend your position. I hope all of that doesn't overshadow your ability to contribute positively to the organization. Pace yourself and take things one step at a time. I hope you stick with PTO and use all of your energy toward making it better for the kids!

Dear Goldenbearmom:

Thanks for giving me an hour of your time:) . Sad but true this whole situation has become a soap opera and I have no idea what "cliff hanger" is in store next....

I don't want to burn out and I am trying to stay positive about the whole situation... as I have said, I am grateful I have been able to put my focus on being the room mom for my son's class. I am trying to stay active with the school thru that and I have let the principal know that I am interested in helping in any other volunteer projects.

I am just frustrated because the president and vice president continue to keep others, not just me, from helping and contributing to the PTO. They have done a good job of presenting me as the "crazy volunteer" out to destroy the PTO. I am grateful for the individuals who have actually given me the chance to tell my side of the story to them, but since I am new to the school and community i am looked at as the "outsider". A couple of the parents who have spoken to me said they just never thought to ask any questions... they assumed the school kept up with all the things the PTO was doing and how it was being run.

I do intend to keep attending the PTO meetings... the next is scheduled for April 12th... and i do intend to keep asking questions, that is just my nature.

If you were a newcomer in this situation, what would your next step be? Would you be concerned that the President and Treasurer were husband and wife? Would you want to know the budget? Would you want to know what events were planned for the school year and if we did have the budget for it? I just learned that our Kindergarten class has to find a "free" field trip because of lack of funds.... Even though the PTO just spent $564 on a popcorn machine. And the spring fundraiser information and forms, which was supposed to start two weeks ago, still have not been sent home. It was supposed to be done in time for Easter... the spring fundraiser is Eater Bunny candies. So, what would your next step be if you were in this situation?

sincerely, justavolunteer

I have to agree, PTO board memebers loved the initial involvement but when they seen how good of a job was being done by one parent - not the board - most likely felt threatened and acted out in fear. As the years go on with the same board members you will feel the parents reaction in the fundraising (down another year in a row) and no volunteers other than board memebers (events are down or just plain downsized due to lack of volunteers). It is hard to get parents to step up and face conflict head on but it can be done and when done will make a world of difference. While it would be nice to have a 'pack of parents' speak out remember it takes one to begin the process.

Okay...I am new to this group and it just took almost an hour to read every post on this topic. Who needs Days of Our Lives!?!

I think this is a case of the officers feeling a bit "upstaged", if I can use that term. I find it interesting that "Bayshore" has not posted since "Justavolunteer" has come on the scene. I'm not taking sides here, but the current officers really should be glad that there are parents willing to get involved.

A piece of advise to "Justavolunteer"...........DON'T BURN OUT! I have seen so many new Kindergarten parents come to the first PTO meeting of the year all fired up and ready to change the world in one meeting. Within a few months they grow tired and frustrated and stop attending. Right now you are caught up in all of these meetings and posts and trying to defend your position. I hope all of that doesn't overshadow your ability to contribute positively to the organization. Pace yourself and take things one step at a time. I hope you stick with PTO and use all of your energy toward making it better for the kids!

CapeDad;129316 wrote: I'd rather have 100 'problem' members like her than be stuck hustling parents to take on future leadership positions.

Actually, if I had just a few parents like her, being president would be a breeze.

Dear CapeDad:

Thanks again! It was a rough day and i really do appreciate your attitude. Maybe I do need to look into moving out to SW Florida:) !

Today was "Go Texan" day at our school and I had the privilege of helping out in my son's grade. I had a blast working with the students and teachers. I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to be room parent this year... I am not sure I will be so lucky next year, since at our school, it is the PTO who chooses who gets to be room parent out of all the parents who submit their names.

The way things look after today, I am beginning to think the President and Vice President are here to stay, and I can bet they won't choose me to be the room parent for my son's class next year. Even if I am the only one to submit my name...

I really don't know what happened today other than the fact that the other parents who had voiced concerns and questions are now "stepping back". Three of them came right out and told me they were too afraid to say anything, because they did not want to be treated like me. All of them, simply said they did not want life made difficult for their kids or themselves.

We live in a very small town, and I am the "outisider". It still amazes me how all of this started when I simply asked questions and encouraged others "out side the group" to volunteer....

Any advice? Recommendations?

As i said, it looks like the President and Vice President will remain. No one feels comfortable challenging them. These other parents are truly afraid of them and how they will make life difficult for them and their kids if they were to voice their concerns. Sad... and I am not going to push them to do something they are so uncomfortable with. I never dreamed my joining the PTO would be such a rollercoaster. I guess, it is only right for me to stop this ride and let them have it to themselves.

Thank you again for all the feedback and positive comments! I wish you the best with finding those awesome volunteers in SW Florida that are just waiting to be found.... Who knows, maybe a new parent in the area will show up and be your "crazy volunteer" who gets 30 parents to a PTO meeting?!!!

Sincerely~~~justavolunteer:)

Terri Dix;129283 wrote: CapeDad you nailed it! Whoever is President at just a volunteer's school had better be darn next to perfect. I feel for them.

I'd rather have 100 'problem' members like her than be stuck hustling parents to take on future leadership positions.

Actually, if I had just a few parents like her, being president would be a breeze.