PTO Today

I have been PTO Pres for 2 years now. I have enjoyed the position, but due to health and other reasons, it is time for me to move on. I did all I could to find a replacement. I even announced it at the September meeting that it would be my last year and would be happy to answer ?'s through out the year to anyone interested. I even kept a pres calendar journal to help the new pres. Finally 3 days before the scheduled election, a new to the school mom volunteered and was voted in. Well, she backed out last week (hubby up and left her). I sent a note home to parents explaining the situation with no response at all. I have been positive through out my presidency despite lack of volunteers - focus on appreciating the ones I did have, but I am so frustrated that out of a school of 500 not ONE parents will step forward for this role. That infuriates me. A handful of people expect me to just keep the position - which makes me angry - they have no idea what I have given for the last two years. I have nothing left to give. To make matters worse, I heard today that the VP is thinking about telling me she is backing out because she is afraid she will have to be pres. I've asked the principal to compose a letter from him asking for a volunteer as well as spelling out what will happen if the job is not filled (no Bingo night, $$ field trips, etc) I need a pep talk to not be bitter. Help!?!?

Buck--you've done your best...you have worked hard to steer the ship during your tenure and it's time for you to let go. Not having someone step up doesn't speak to you -- it speaks to your parents in the school. Sometimes too, folks need to see that the person in charge is really, truly, honestly not coming back. Then they'll take the position...but again--that's not your issue. I agree it is hard to not be upset-but you have to feel comfortable that you've done your service and it is now up to others to do theirs.
Do offer your services in the sense of "mentor" and make sure the incoming Pres knows that you're not just leaving everything flat. That can mean advice and occassional assistance, turning over of documents and general sympathy get togethers. The new Presidents and I are in our own little club--and occassionally we get together so I can ensure they know the frustrations they are dealing with are part of the job and not their fault. It's kind of like the "Ex-Wives" club and actually helps me feel good as well. I don't get the sense that I've just up and left.

d

I love that. I will keep that in mind.

Our prinicpal sent home a letter stating his concerns, appealing to parents to step up.
I got 2 calls tonight. Keep your fingers crossed!
Thanks for the pep talk!

Maybe a letter could go out asking for possible co presidents to share the responsiblities.

This year was my 3rd year as president and I can totally relate, but you can't take it personal and feel guilty. Out of 500 students they should feel guilty for not volunteering not you.

I didn't run for president this year either I totally needed a much needed break from it all.

You have made your choice now other parents need to step up to the plate.

__________________
Cindy

____________________________________________
"People have the right to be stupid, but some abuse the privelege."

now it's time to be stern. Send out a letter indicating all the open positions for your board/chair positions.

tell them if no one steps up, the reality will be that the PTO will disband and all funds remaining will go to another charitable organization and that the children and school will no longer have XYZ...

then ask for suggestions for a reputable charitable organization to benefit from the funds.


then sit back and see how many responses you get! LOL...

seriously.... it's time to be tough. you've done your best. I feel the same way.... I'm on my way out after two years....I did my best.....now it's time for someone else to take over.


ds

Personally it bothers me that the person who stepped up to be the Vice President is now thinking about abanding ship when she might be needed most.

I mean, it's right there in the description, the the VEEP is there in case the President can not perform their duties. If for an interum there wasn't a President, then yes, the V.P. should be the one performing the responsibilities.

One idea might be to try to see if maybe the V.P. and someone else could take on the job together. Co-Presidents is not a bad way to go.

Just a thought,
PresidentJim