Problem with PTA

[PTAproblem]

Can I ask a quick question from all you knowledgeable PTA people? The chair of our PTA has a bee in her bonnet about fundraising for a very particular (and very expensive) thing. The school has explicitly told the PTA chair that it does not want this thing. There are a number of very good reasons why it does not want this, but mostly because it opens the school up to substantial on-going financial liabilities. In addition, raising for this project will divert fundraising away from what the school really needs (a project which will immediately benefit all children in the school). It would also cause considerable problems for the school when expectations are falsely raised amongst parents.

The PTA chair is determined to launch a fundraising drive for her pet project despite numerous conversations with the head teacher and governors, all giving the same message that this is unhelpful and not wanted. The PTA chair has said on a number of occasions that she plans to use her fundraising post to alter the strategic direction of the school, despite having no teaching experience or any real knowledge of the priorities or needs of the school. The school has been explicit in telling the PTA what the school's priorities for fundraising are.

My interest in this is that I am a governor and we are trying to manage the situation before it all goes very horribly tits up. Any suggestions?

Hi OP. You said it was to alter the strategic direction of the school. Have I missed something specific? Sorry if I have. I do not see how one person can have a pet project. Is there no-one else on the committee or are they all silent yes people doing her bidding? Will have another look as I am confused as to what the pet project is - can you enlighten me???

MMM - Just re-read my last post and realised I sounded properly arsey. Sorry! Just a poor turn of phrase rather than my intention. I posted what the issue was, but then asked for it to be deleted as my name change hadn't worked and I had made myself identifiable. I'll PM you.

We had this only it was worse because although it was a "pet project" it was an idea that most of the PTA were passionate about, and fought for even after their own children were unlikely to benefit. It got as far as it did because our (very good) PTA had been forced into an inappropriate position of leadership and responsibility whilst we were between heads.

The new head came in to find plans at a late stage of development and was in a terrible position. The project wasn't a priority and would need maintenance. It took two years before she and governors faced up to telling the PTA a straight "no".

So I would say, don't let there be any confusion that this isn't going to happen. Put it in writing. Yes, this will end badly, but you're probably already at a point where ending badly is a necessary step to new good things happening - make that come soon. Also - let's not demonise the Chair. No one gets up in the morning and says "I am going to act unreasonably and in bad faith today".