What PTOs Really Want from Their School Principal

As a principal, you know that a school is so much more than just classrooms and lesson plans—it’s a community made up of teachers, students, parents, and school leadership, all working together to support student success. That’s where the PTO comes in! This group of parent volunteers plays a vital link between the school and families and a huge role in creating an engaged school community where everyone feels welcome and supported. When principals and PTOs are on the same page, it opens up opportunities for better communication, stronger programs, and a school culture where everyone feels invested in making a difference. But what do PTOs really need from their principal to be as effective as possible? We asked real PTO and PTA leaders in our community to share what they need most from their principal in order to make their partnership thrive. Here's what they had to say:

• "To help us spread the word about needing more volunteers!"
• "Communication above anything else, from the principal, but also at a higher level from the district. I know that there is so much responsibility that falls to principals, the superintendent, and district office, but I wish that people would remember that we are parents who are volunteering our free time while also, primarily being women who are employed full-time with our own high pressure jobs. We give so much and asking to be looped into procedure changes or get responses within a week would make things go so much smoother on all sides."
• "Communication first then partnership. I love it when our principal comes alongside us and says how can the school help make that happen!"
• "Support and guidance on how to work with our district to get things done."
• "A positive attitude, willingness to help, open to ideas, open line of communication and not scared to try new ideas!"
• "It's so important to have a positive working relationship with the principal. For her to support our ideas and cause, be the link to communicating with the school community, and her willingness to allow the PTO to have some control over their events. We took over from an inactive PTO and at first we had some challenges with misunderstanding what the PTO actually does and realizing we are our own separate entity. Being very transparent and honest with her helped her respect what we were doing. It's been awesome after the bumps in the beginning."
• "A principal that is willing to adopt a collaborative approach between PTO, staff, and students. Principals should demonstrate a commitment to building a united and proactive school community. We are lucky enough to have a very supportive principal and it makes all the difference!"
• "Responsive, timely communication."
• "Support, communication to the teachers, and advocacy to parents about joining PTO."
• "To have a way for our PTO to send out communications and reminders so that parents are aware of and can support our fundraisers."
• "Communication and empathy."
• "Clear calendar decisions, longer heads up for events and changes, and an easy way for families to see this."
• "Positive ideas and support to make them happen!"
• "Mutual respect, open 2-way communication, ability to take constructive feedback, and willingness to help drive staff support for our programs. We are all here for the same goal…to be good humans who nurture the growing minds of kiddos who will grow up ready to successfully do whatever they want with their life!"
• "A room to have meetings and store things."
• "The ability to have a way to send out communications and reminders to support our fundraisers."
• "Timely communication and flexibility."
• "Communication from PTA to teachers and teachers to PTA. Support. Support from teachers and staff and how we the PTA can support our teachers to better their classrooms."
• "Open lines of communication, and a willingness to work toward common goals."
• "Being respectful and patient during PTO meetings when we are trying to follow bylaws and basic parliamentary procedures."
• "Truthfully, we have the best. We have never been told no and as long as we give a heads up and discuss things, and it doesn’t really create more work for our principal, she is up for anything. We are truly blessed! If it’s to help, better, or celebrate the kids- we have the green light!"
• "Approval to start a PTO in our school, which is so needed!"
• "Transparency, approachability, and an open line of communication are essential in creating a hard working and dedicated PTO/PTA. Parents want to know what’s going on and want to be asked to help but only when they feel appreciated and heard."
• "An office for our PTO."
• "Information, email responses, and support in advertising our events and programs."
• "Allowing parents to participate in class parties."

More ideas for school principals 👉