As a newly elected Chair, I am trying to make the transition taking over from a Chair that has had the position for the past 8 years. It is a priority that this goes well, however, there seems to be a feeling of animosity among some of the older members.

I think a great deal of us have had this experience at some point in our work on school councils, board committees or other areas where we volunteer in a group setting.

I would suggest that you make sure that at the first meeting as Chair, you spend some time recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of the outgoing Chair and her team. If this person is staying on as a member of the council, thank them for their continuing commitment as well as others who are returning.

Make sure to communicate that new ideas do not mean that previous work was not successful, it is just a chance to revitalize the council and its work.

It will also be helpful to let the outgoing Chair provide the history on matters that have been before the Council in the past and to defer to them in matters where they were heavily involved prior to the elections which resulted in you being made Chair.

If there continues to be a strained relationship between yourself and the previous chair, ask for time to meet outside of the council meeting to try and resolve the situation in order that the students benefit from a cohesive school council.