I know it's hard when someone comes in and steps on our toes. I think we've all been in that situation. But why can't you work with this woman? If she brought 30 parents out to a meeting, she's getting results. Maybe you DO need to be calling people. I would put her in charge of volunteers since that is where she seems most interested, tell her that some things she is doing is making parents angry, and together come up with a way that she can share her energy and enthusiasm.
I'm curious what board position she has taken over? She sounds like a go getter thats forsure.
Personally I'd call her to a meeting with yourself and the principal and explain the procedure of how your organization does things.(the only reason to involve the principal is because it was stated that the principal gave her that empty position) I'd also state that the group is getting complaints about the way she is going about things. Then maybe she'll understand that your group has a way of doing things stated per your by-laws. I know you stated that on two occasions you have told her the way things are done but it obviously isn't getting thru to her. Especially if your school requires background checks for volunteers then the correct procedures needs to be followed. I'd also bring a copy of the by-laws and hi-light everyones positions and what is expected of them.
Our principal is not allowed to just hand over a position empty or not. That position must be voted on by the Executive board members. She got complaints for sending out thank you notes and a room parent roster? What title did she use for herself?
The best way to handle these things is lots of communication. She may not like hearing it but she may also not understand or (get it) that this is a very organized group and must follow the by-laws. When I first joined up many years ago I was amazed how a PTO was actually ran, so organized and for a very good reason and cause.
WE are a small PTO. We have 6 Board members. I am the new president. We were so excited to start off the school year. We met a new parentwho wanted to become involved. We had her help us with the room parents. We made it clear that it was not a board position, but that in April we would be holding elections and would love her to join. Well in the past 3 months she had overlooked the fact that I am President, she calls people and invites them to our PTO meetings. We had 30 parents attend (which is wonderful) along with there 15 children running around. We had a talk with her stating that she is not a PTO board member and she does not need to call to invite parents that we send out flyers. (We had had parents complaining about her calling them) Well the next day was our Thanksgiving lunch I had called volunteers to come help. I got there 2 hours early and there she was and she had called volunteers. (Where did she get there names and numbers, did they fill out the background check)
I told her that once again she is not on the board and she does not need to be calling parents to volunteer that that was my job. She stated that she was a board member that the Principle had made her one. WE talked to the princliple and of course she had not made her a board member but that this lady has read the bylaws and it does state that is there is an open position that the principle can fill it. It also states that to be on the board you must be a member in good standing for a year. She has only been member since August. What can we do to stop this woman! There is no way she will be voted on since she had made all 5 voting board members mad!
Last week we received 10 compaints over this woman who sent out thank you cards and a new room parent roster with her name and non existing board postition. She has very good intentions but she is making parents mad.
