When is it time to retire?
April 11th, 2008 by Kathryn LIn the April issue of PTO Today magazine we ask:
As the school year draws to a close, parent groups will be electing new officers and existing leaders will be
deciding whether to go another round. How do you decide when it’s time to retire?
Would love to hear what folks think about this. Please add a comment and let us know what you think!
April 13th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I am facing that question right now. My office is the only one not at the end of its term. However, there is so much controversary with the other offices and nominees. Do I stay another year and maybe have to be on a board with others who are concerned more with their image and how they look than what to do for the kids and school. Do I resign early, and allow individuals I do not feel will do what is best for the school run the board. It is a tough decision. I enjoy very much working with the school, planning activities and even running the meetings. I do not like the pettiness that goes on between individuals.
April 18th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Marie,
Staying seems like the right thing to do even if it appears to be the hardest thing to do right now. Our children are in need of those that care about them being willing to bridge the gap between home and school. You are to be commended for your willingness to remain stoic in your resolve.
Dig your heels in and prepare for the ride. You go girl!
T.
April 18th, 2008 at 10:28 am
As far as when I plan to retire; my daughter starts preschool next year. I told the school I would take care of the PTO as long as 1) they wanted me to or 2) I had children in that school. So, with Sissy going to start there in the fall, looks like I’ve got 11 more years of this bliss. I started as President when my son was in Kindergarten so when it is all said and done, I will have been here for roughly 18 years….that will definitely be time to retired.
I love it. Frustration sets in at times, I’ll be honest but overall this is one of the best things I could ever have done. It has taught me so much about our school, allowed me to be close to the staff and more involved in my children’s education. I built a relationship with their teachers that I would not have otherwise had. I guess retire when it feels right. I had to set a time limit or I would do this until I died. Of course, if my grandkids happen to start at this school around the time Sissy leaves, maybe I’ll stick around a little longer.
April 18th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
We are very fortunate at Thomas Edison Charter School. By-laws were created when the school was formed and our terms are two year commitments. We don’t have to worry about when we should step aside. This allows others the opportunity to serve and bring fresh ideas to the table.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 am
Our by-laws state that each officer should only be in one position for three years at a time. This is my third and should be my final year as president. There is no one on our board that is willing to step up and take over. The only person who has shown any interest is the one board member who never follows through. She never does what she promises to do and someone else always has to step in at the last minute and clean up after her. She has even suggested that I incorporate the volunteer coordinator role into the president’s role since I have done all the work for her anyway. Multiple board members have suggested that we simply change the by-laws. That could possibly leave me in the president’s position for another 4 years. I am truly conflicted. I think it isn’t healthy for a PTA to have the same officers for a long time, but at the same time, I have worked really hard and added a lot of new programs for the kids that I would hate to be lost now. Does anyone have any advice?
April 24th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Hi Lisa - I’ve gone ahead and posted your question on the message boards. The boards are the best spot to ask for advice. Thousands of parent group leaders helping each other and our own PTO Today experts jump in to the discussion as well. Check out the “Robt’s Rules, ByLaws, Legal” category - http://www.ptotoday.com/boards