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Rift grows over suspension of school's PTA

Spring Hill Elementary's principal says all is fine. But the president of the PTA says the group's absence is taking a toll.

SPRING HILL - By this time last year, the Spring Hill Elementary School PTA had welcomed teachers back to school with a breakfast, consoled sad parents with a boo-hoo breakfast and begun plans for the school's fall festival.

This year, the organization has had no role on campus.

Principal John DiRienzo suspended the PTA in May amid allegations of election improprieties and general rancor among the parent group. He could not say when he would reinstate the PTA. The PTA's absence has not hurt the school, though, he said.

"We are still accomplishing things. Our fundraiser (began) Thursday. We have volunteers throughout the school," DiRienzo said. "It's not like the kids are suffering. Things are just being provided in a different way."

To PTA president Tammy Monfette, the situation had political undertones and most certainly is taking its toll.

"John DiRienzo suspended the PTA in May because some of the old board did not get reinstated and they complained," said Monfette, who has two children attending the school. "The longer he waits to decide what to do, the more it's going to hurt the children and teachers of Spring Hill Elementary School."

The state of affairs has caught the attention of local and state PTA leaders, who hope to mend the rift as soon as possible.

"Spring Hill PTA has been so good for that school and the students," said Barbara Renczkowski, president of the Hernando Council of PTAs. "I am trying to get with Mr. DiRienzo to get his blessing to get it up and running."

Florida PTA president Pat Lancaster said she is setting up a meeting with DiRienzo and some PTA members to discuss any concerns they have.

She suggested that the problems at Spring Hill Elementary appeared to stem from poor communication.

"Perhaps all of last school year there were things that were happening that might have been questioned, not in terms of money but in terms of how things generally were running," Lancaster said.

"We were maybe not aware of everything going on throughout the year. They probably need some training."

From Monfette's point of view, the PTA was operating just fine. She mentioned how the group inaugurated a successful mother-son dance last year, collected generous contributions from local businesses and created new fundraising events, such as a family fun auction night.

The May election was properly advertised and conducted, despite accusations to the contrary, she said, and the results should stand.

"I am the elected PTA president, according to the state and county council, and I have no idea what is going to happen," Monfette said. "This is such a disappointment. The children are going to hurt from it this year."

It's not unheard of for local PTA chapters to run into a rough patch, said Lancaster, who oversees about 1,200 chapters in Florida. The vast majority, however, run "very well without any problem," she added.

Florida PTA stands ready to assist the Spring Hill Elementary chapter, Lancaster said.

"I do feel very strongly that we will have a resolution of this for the parents," she said.

"I don't think it's an insurmountable problem."

- Jeffrey S. Solochek can be reached at 352 754-6115 or solochek@sptimes.com