Debbie, we have a lot the that same problem. We only have 2 parents for 25 classrooms and 67 staff members. After getting to know our parents, I have found that more of them are working in the afternoon or evening (lots of production/factory jobs) and so they aren't available in the evening. We did find that when we schedule events off site (like Chuck E Cheese) the extended families will step up to help because it's not just the same old school stuff. It was totally different when and where I grew up. My mom couldn't afford to stay home and I feel blessed that my husband is willing to sacrifice a few things so our kids get our full attention. Besides, with 3, I felt like I was always taking off for a sick child and I was too tired to go sit through a boring meeting at 7 at night having been on my feet since 5:30. We moved our meetings to 4 and now staff come without complaining and it's in the middle for both working schedules so it's trying to be fair to everyone. I have no problem with working parents, I did it, but if that was our whole board, we would definately not be able to do as much directly and hands on with the students and staff as we do now.

Last school year, I stepped into the President roll when ours became sick. I was working 32 hours a week then, Cub Scout leader, and taking one college class at night. And I'm the single mom to a little boy who is autistic. It was high stress but I survived it.
This year as secretary, I am a SAHM and I love it! I have my fingers into all the PTA pies and it's been very rewarding to spend alot more time in my son's classroom.
Our current board has three SAHM on it, our VP is a special ed teacher who just had her first baby. Who knows what elections will bring? I don't think that at our school, it would be feasible for all members on the board to be working outside of the home. We have next to nil volunteers, so many of our programs wouldnt even happen.

I'm a Stay-at-Home Dad that runs a business from home (more Dads should try it-even for a week or so) Last 6yrs have been better than any job working for someone (although sometimes I think my 3 children think I work for them)

Our PTA is split about 50-50 stay/work-at-home and working parents.

I feel guilty about missing things 'cuz I feel I've let the 6-10 others that DO EVERYTHING down,
(unfortunatelly, sick kids and USPS or UPS mess my orders up, occassionally)

I just cant figure out why more parents arent involved..or have excuses.

I'm almost 40 and my parents, grandparents and extended family always helped out at school (be it PTA or other function)Maybe it was the Midwest mentallity/ hospitality, not sure.

Oh gotta pick daughter up from school.. more later..... :eek:

I was working full time when I was on the school PTA board but my job was flexible so that I could be at the school for events or anything else. Then I became the council President and every free moment seemed to be filled with PTA work and my real job fell to the wayside.
Now I'm a professional volunteer! The pay sucks (none) but the benefits are terrific (more time with my son and the ability to help other schools as well as ours)
I officially left my real job a few months ago because I wasn't doing it really. I was spending more time working with PTA. Now I am also a devoted homemaker/SAHM and sometimes it's more work than the "real" job but I'm happier.
My husband completely supports it though and loves coming home to a clean house and dinner. He also stopped hating the PTA and joined me in the "dark side"
You don't have to be a SAHM though to volunteer. A lot of work can be done in your off time. A good friend worked evenings and spent the whole day in the school and served as treasurer. Another worked days and helped with the newsletter at night or counting 'something' for PTA.

When my oldest son was in pre-k the PTO pres worked full time. Because he only went 4 days a week I didn't realize what an asset the PTO was. No one was left scratching their heads at events wondering what to do and at Fall Festival and such and everyone had their money at their booths when it was time to start. Every thing was so well organized. When I saw the archives of her notes when I became pres I could see why. She was awesome. A regular Super Mom. The reason she stepped down was to give someone else a chance at doing it. I think she had already done her two consective years as an officer also (that is what our by laws state).

I did work part time when I held office as well as attended college. I felt guilty all the time. Would I do it over? You bet. Except for the part of driving 40 miles in a wind/rain storm from the hospital where my husband was recovering from back surgery for a meeting. I was expected to be at all events. People would have understood if I had of missed for sickness, but I was torn. I felt guilty when I worked (I worked at school as a sub aide) and people wanted to talk PTO while I was on the clock. I did not work when there were major events going on unless I was in a pinch. It happened a few times. Then I felt guilty because it looked liked I was getting paid to do volunteer work. I felt guilty when I had to turn down a job to do a PTO function because I had put my name on the list to work and here I was turning someone down. I felt guilty when I had to ask for extra help because I felt that it was my responsibilty and I felt guilty for not asking people because I wanted everyone to be involved. Yep, alot of guilt there. But I did not have any ulcers or develop a heart condition over it and for the most part it was fun. I did, however, get a few gray hairs out of the deal. Thank goodness for hair color.

I have been a stay at home mom for the last 8 years and I love it. But I really admire go to work moms--sometimes I get overwhelmed at all I do and if I had to add a job onto the load I don't know how I would do it all. I am at the school all the time prolly as much if not more then my kids are LOL!! Our President and VP and secretary all work and I am the only sahm--so i try to be at everything I can be at when it comes to the school and pto things. This is my 3rd year serving as treasurer for our pto.I really love doing what I do and wouldn't change a thing. Oh wait if I could magically get more parents and staff to support our PTO I would LOL!!