I am a new PTO president and I am part of a brand new school. We are working with a very controlling principal. We are not sure as a PTO how much we should decide and how much she should dictate. She has already told us what our fundraising goals should be and where the money will go. Shouldn't the PTO represent what the "parents" want? Everyone is being very cautious and pretty much just following her lead but I see it becoming a very big problem as this school gets underway... any advice?

I wouldn't say it's just "what parents want", no. But nor is it: Just "what the principal wants". Ideally, it's a balance.

If the parents want stuff (activities, purchases) that don't fit what the hired administrator sees as a fit for the school, then communication is needed. Why does princiapl feel that way? Why do parents feel other way? How can we work together?

To me, it's a triangle of parents, teachers and school administrators each doing their own important role as part of a team in making a great school. The principal is like the captain of that team.

Tim

I should have given an example... the PTO has just been formed, we have ideas as to what we want to raise money for but the principal ha told us that our goal for the year is to build a iibrary. The members of the PTO want our money raised for the year to go toward some speciality programs...programs the principal was instructed to form when she was hired. I think we have a big problem with communication and goals.

Are the programs things that are being covered by your district school budget or grant money, maybe that is why she didn't ask for help with those items. I know our district is implementing alot of new things but most of it is grant money. If your school needs to work on literacy the library would be a great start.

It is a magnet school but the programs are not paid for so money will have to be raised and grants will need to be applied for.

I would think that something as large as building a new library would be covered under the board of ed budget and obtained through your taxes. That's the way it's done in NJ.
The PTO should be supporting the school with providing fun events & activities for the children while also providing some support with programs and educational materials/supplies. However, both the PTO and the administrator have to agree. Suggest you schedule a meeting soon so that its clear who is driving the bus and that the bylaws are being followed in the process.