I don't understand why a principal has anything to say about who PTO officers are. First, she should be grateful that anyone wants to be an officer. Second, it is not "her" PTo and she can't set rules for it. If the PTO or school board bylaws do not forbid it, then the principal has nothing to say about it. In our area we have a real problem with school board members not having any kids in school. They are all retired. PTO officers are a great school board asset, as they give the board a real-world perspective.
Hi there! I happen to be one of those moms whos on the school board, but also active in PTO and many times I wish our school had some type of rule against both just because of the time they both take....however....I am a mom and I like helping raise money for the school. Perhaps I'm fortunate, that when I was voted on the school board, I made it clear that the school board was...1.My priority since I solicited the votes and 2. Had nothing to do with PTO. 3. I would not speak about any board actions that weren't public knowledge. Consequently, I seem to have become a "liason" to both groups. Occasionally, I am asked QQQ on my opinion or who to ask about something and I'm happy to offer whatever help I can. So far its been great and many times I've been able to resolve a conflict before it arises for both sides. The one disadvantage....teachers treat the 2 groups entirely different. They only show up at PTO to demand money. They show up at board meetings with meger "requests." I have to grin to myself a lot !
A friend of mine was voted on the School Board last fall and this Spring was nominated to serve on the PTO. The Administration at our school sited a conficted and advised her to choose. Her husband (also a friend) agreed and
she choose the board. I was also asked to run for the Board this year but the Principal smiled and said "I'll wait a couple years for Tina. I need her in the PTO right now."
My friend lives at the school and is mercy to every emergency meeting called, every meeting the school had with contractors while we were in construction, hours she missed with her family. Then to go to another meeting for PTO...
Maybe when all my children are in school I will feel different but right now it just sounds like alot to take on.
mykidsmom - I can see why it's difficult to be a school board member and why it's difficult to be a PTO executive board member, but I don't see why doing both makes either one more difficult. If you are a school board memeber you are going to be privy to private matters and you'll be expected to maintain confidentiality. That's true whether you're on the PTO board or not. You get stopped in the parking lot and bugged by somebody whether you are on the pto exec board or not. In fact, that kind of goes with the elected territory. There's no rule that says you have to blab everything you know to your fellow PTO board members if you're on the School Board. Just like you wouldn't have to tell the school board about the private discussions of the PTO executive board. A mature adult could handle both. My two cents.
Maybe this will help put a light...Cats and dogs can tollerate each other but you will rarely see a cat "hanging" with dogs. If you want to serve on the school board great BUT NOT both! There are to many issues, especially personnel issues that no one should know about or be privy to. I honestly- even being a at home Mom- couldn't imagine serving on both! Maybe I know too many parents that would eat me alive to know what I would know if I was on the board and PTO board, I sorry everyone but I just really see one person asking for trouble. Being stopped in the parking lot and have a parent DEMAND know why you voted NO......another say 'Oh come on I won't say anything!'.......or 'You are going to vote this way, aren't you!'
There are not too many things I get excited about (well like this anyway!) but I have just really seen the down side......
I don't see what the problem is. Our bylaws do not exclude school board members. If this person wants to do the work and is elected to both posotions, good for her. I actually see it as a plus. I bet it would help the school board and the PTO understand each other better.
