I've had a similar situation so trust me on this: Just stand back and let her go. Give her what information you have, answer any questions you're asked and do whatever tasks you have taken on and let time pass. Don't get petty(not an insult) and stoop to her level. If you are cooperative and take care of your business she can show the world her true colors all by herself and the group as a whole will probably take care of her. If you take her on yourself it could make you look bad and it's not worth the stress it will cause in your life. It may drag your group down for this year, but hang in there and it will pass.

We've all been there in one form or another I think. I finally gave up after the principal did something that she wouldn't readily admit to in a public forum. Thats ok- its their loss. I helped more then I should have for the festival and more then the 6 or so that so wanted to be involved! I gave them everything they needed (even an outline of what should go where) -except volunteers, which they assured me was taken care of and I went so far as to spend hours setting things up. Though they had a very small profit I dont think it was sucessful which is the bottom line- I always felt sucessful when the kids and even the parents kept talking about how much fun they had. (most people were complaining that it was boring as we always had music and little antics going on; the rooms were so crowded that you couldnt tell what was what; and the clincher was they hardly had any volunteers- though they claimed months ago that people were waiting for some of us to be out so they could help out.)
Though in all honesty I do have a small level of satisfaction that they can't do it as well as me, I felt very bad for the kids and I'm afraid what next year will bring. I do not want anything to effect the kids- thats why I have been there for so long doing so much. I will continue to help out as much as I can but if they dont listen they are only hurting the school.
I think the problem with many groups is that there are a lot of politics, backstabbing and cliques which makes everyone forget why we're all there. I applaud you for wanting to stay involved-just do the best you can. Good luck!!

Brooklynmom, I know all about bitterness. This has been one bitter year for me. I was elected secretary after I had made my schedule for my classes last year. The pres changed the meetings to one of my class nights after I gave her my schedule, then starting whittling down my responsibilites. Instead of taking the hint then (I'm a little slow) I let it snowball. I've finally came to terms with that and it's all behind me and I have no ill will toward the pres now. She was just trying to get rid of me nicely instead of making a big deal of it, like I did. I had too much on my plate anyhow and I think she saw that. She actually did me a favor but it took me acting like an idiot for me to realize that.

[ 05-10-2005, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: C. Brooks ]

I volunteered to do anything for 2 years before previous group got tired of people questioning them and dumped it on me. Talk about sink or swim. Then I was given Tres position because I have accounting and money management experience and I think because the only other person wanted to say she called all the shots as Pres. She kept calling all the wrong shots when she cared to do anything. A few more volunteers were recruited and were tried of her messing up and slowly voted away a lot of her freedoms and she took the hint(not soon enough) and left. Our Principal wasn't all that easy to work with but things have slowly seemed to smooth out. I alwasys tell people to hang in there and someone will hear your voice, and if it as merit, they will acknowledge you.

I can totally relate. My daughter (now 16) was in 1st or 2nd grade and I went to a meeting and offered an idea. Clique-o-rama. Boy did I feel out of place. Long time ago, but it kept me far, far away from any form of school parent group.
Kind of fell into the forming of a Middle School PTO 2 years ago. We did our best to not be cliquie. We have done OK. Parent interest and availability certainly not the same as elementary schools.
I guess I might try again, but I know it took me 7 years to even want to consider being in a group-many have a very negative reputation.
Good Luck. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Thanks for your reply. I am feeling better about it.. although the bitterness comes back from time to time... You how something crosses your mind and you think about it .................................................. ....................................
Ok sorry I just had one of those moments... LOL!

I will definitely get on the new board, my child is graduating and changing schools.

Thanks