Disenchanted

My kids brought home a flyer a couple of weeks ago about PTO elections.  Before we moved last year I had always been an active PTA member but this year,  I haven't really gotten involved.  So I decided I should run for a board member postion for next year.   I started going to meetings and I realized that our principal doesn't even want a PTO.  Every fundraiser that has been requested has been turned down.  The PTO has literally had 1-2 dances this year and that is it.  The money raised from BoxTops and Campbell's Soup labels (in other schools) goes to PTO...Not here.  The PTO has not received any of that money. 

Why does the PTO need money anyways? Well, when our school was built 3 years ago, it was decided that the PTO would be responsible for raising the money to buy playground equipment.  So for the 2 years that this school has been open, no one but kindergarteners and pre-k kids have had something to play on at recess (they have a smaller play structure and bikes to ride around in a little courtyard).

Since last summer, the PTO had planned an "Eagle Days" activity.  They planned it for May 8th.  It was to have a BBQ, cotton candy, Icee's, game booths, facepainting, and huge jumpies.  Kids can buy an all day wrist band for the jumpies for $10 and BBQ lunch is $5.  There wa also to be a silent auction with each class offering a basket for sale.  The profit from the baskets would be split 50/50 by the teacher and the PTO.  Last year Eagle Days made $3000 for the PTO. 

We found out 3 weeks ago that an all day county softball tournament will also be taking place that day at our school.  (The principal has known since at least October).  So we got bumped from the baseball fields to the football field.  Well then this middle of last week we learned that the principal won't let anything be driven onto or staked into the football field.  We had planned to drive the jumpies to the field (some like the slide weigh 900 pounds) and then the jumpies were going to be staked into the ground (if it is a windy day sandbags won't hold the jumpies down).  So it was decided to postpone the Eagle Days until September of next year.

So now there is 6 weeks (or so) of school left and the PTO has noting planned and nothing to show for this last year.  I have no idea how to deal with the principal but I am still running for office.  Hopefully I will figure something out and the kids will eventually get a playground.