Anonymous wrote:I think this question is really more geared towards non-W schools, where the PTAs may be weaker. In W cluster schools, they usually have strong principals and intense, highly dedicated PTA presidents that do quite a bit for the school - fundraising for their foundations, community outreach and coordinating clubs, donors and speakers.

Uh huh, and they still pale in comparison to the importance of the principal.

Anonymous wrote:Principal is a professional with extensive training and experience.

PTA president is a valued volunteer who works tirelessly to support the community.

There shouldn't be a conversation over who is "more important." If there is, then your community has some issues.

Oh please. The reason there shouldn't be a conversation about this is that the answer is patently obvious. Anyone who thinks there is any comparison between PTA president and principal either has a completely ineffective and absent principal or is completely delusional.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ooooh, someone tattled on the posts that discussed the helicopter / control freak, wannabe PTA president contender in Bethesda & they had the posts removed.

Seriously?

My, my, my... so sensitive, yet wants to be PTA president?
You'd better thicken up that skin ponytail, or you'll get eaten alive.

This post makes me so glad I don't live in Bethesda.

Oh, please.
This happens everywhere, not only in Bethesda.
It's not location, it's inherent on the personality type that runs for PTA president, not the other way around.

Again, at lots of other schools, no one "runs" for PTA President, they are begged to do it so the school will continue to have a PTA. At other schools, people appreciate the individuals who give up their free time to do a community service for the school. So, yes, it is Bethesda. You sound insufferable.

The principal of course! They set the tone for the entire school. PTA Presidents come and go.

Principal.

There's something seriously wrong at a school where this isn't clear.

Middle school?

Anonymous wrote:Ooooh, someone tattled on the posts that discussed the helicopter / control freak, wannabe PTA president contender in Bethesda & they had the posts removed.

Seriously?

My, my, my... so sensitive, yet wants to be PTA president?
You'd better thicken up that skin ponytail, or you'll get eaten alive.

Bottle blonde ponytail?
Resting b!tch face?

If so, I know exactly who you mean.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ooooh, someone tattled on the posts that discussed the helicopter / control freak, wannabe PTA president contender in Bethesda & they had the posts removed.

Seriously?

My, my, my... so sensitive, yet wants to be PTA president?
You'd better thicken up that skin ponytail, or you'll get eaten alive.

This post makes me so glad I don't live in Bethesda.

Oh, please.
This happens everywhere, not only in Bethesda.
It's not location, it's inherent on the personality type that runs for PTA president, not the other way around.

When I was getting my teaching credential a wise professor told me - be respectful and friendly to the head custodian, office manager, and head of the cafeteria. They know everything that goes on at the school and can make it smooth sailing if they like you or hell if they don't. That is the only thing I learned of value getting my teaching credential. It is absolutely true.

Anonymous wrote:Principal. But if you have a political connected PTA they can get rid of a bad principal.

What? I have never heard that before. Politically connected to whom? BOE? MCPS?

Principal. But if you have a political connected PTA they can get rid of a bad principal.

Principal.

Most PTA presidents of just sycophants for the principal.

Anonymous wrote:What a stupid question!! Principal, you idiot.

Probably the only reason the question was raised was to provide an opportunity for people to bad mouth the pta and parents who volunteer for it.

Can we close this down now?

Of course it's the Principal! The big difference is that this is the Principal's career. Major decisions are on him.
The PTA President is a volunteer parent who half the time doesn't want the role but was sort of forced into it. The PTA Pres does the events and runs fundraisers. It's a very time consuming role, but it's a volunteer position and major decisions about the school are not on this person to make. I'm the PTA President of a focus school and someone earlier said that PTA Presidents are for stay at home helicopter moms who like to boss other women around. Ha! Believe me, I am not any of those things. I barely spend time with my own kids these days because of the damn PTA. I can't wait for my 2 year obligation to be over and I have a feeling that many in the same predicament as me are feeling the same thing. That said, you do NOT want the PTA President's role to have more weight than the Principal's role given the fact that it's basically a thankless position and PTA Presidents, all know that.

What a stupid question!! Principal, you idiot.