|
BELLOWS FREE ACADEMY FAIRFAX
PARENT TEACHER STUDENT ASSOCIATION
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I NAME
The name of this association is the Bellows Free Academy Fairfax Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), Fairfax, Vermont. It is a local PTA unit organized under the authority of the Vermont Congress of Parents and Teachers, a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (The National PTA).
ARTICLE II ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION
The articles of organization of a state PTA or local PTA include (a) the bylaws of such organization and (b) the certificate of incorporation or articles of incorporation of such organization (in cases in which the organization is a corporation) or the articles of association by whatever name (in cases in which the organization exists as an unincorporated association).
ARTICLES III PURPOSES
Section 1. The Objects of the Bellows Free Academy Fairfax PTSA, in common with those of the National PTA and the Vermont PTA are:
a. To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community and place of worship.
b. To raise the standards of home life.
c. To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
d. To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.
e. To develop between educators and general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.
Section 2. The Objects of the National PTA, the Vermont PTA and the Bellows Free Academy Fairfax PTSA are promoted through an education program directed toward parents, teachers and the general public; are developed through conferences, committees, projects, and programs; and are governed and qualified by the basic policies set forth in Article IV.
Section 3. The organization is organized exclusively for the charitable, scientific, literary or education purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c 3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding Section of any future Federal tax code (hereinafter “Internal Revenue Code”).
ARTICLE IV BASIC POLICIES
The following are basic policies of the Bellows Free Academy Fairfax PTSA in common with those of the National PTA and the Vermont PTA:
a. The organization shall be noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan.
b. The name of the organization or the names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used to endorse or promote a commercial concern or in connection with any partisan interest or for any purpose not appropriately related to promoting the Purposes of the organization.
c. The organization or members in their official capacitiesshall not—directly or indirectly—participate or intervene (in any way, including the publishing or distribution of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office; or devote more than an insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise.
d. The organization shall work with the schools to provide quality education for
all children and youth, and shall seek to participate in the decision-making process establishing school policy, recognizing that the legal responsibility to make decisions has been delegated by the people to boards of education, state education authorities, and local education authorities.
e. The organization shall not enter into membership with other organizations
except such international or national organizations as may be approved by the National PTA Board of Directors. The Vermont PTA or any of its divisions may cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with child welfare, but PTA/PTSA representatives shall make no commitments that bind the group it represents.
f. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article III hereof.
g. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (i) by an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501 ( c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 ( c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
h. Upon the dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more non-profit funds, foundations, or organizations which have established their tax exempt status under Section 501 ( c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE V RELATIONSHIP WITH NATIONAL PTA AND VERMONT PTA
Section 1 This PTSA shall be organized and chartered under the authority of the Vermont PTA in the area in which this PTSA functions, in conformity with such rules and regulations, not in conflict with the National PTA Bylaws, as the Vermont PTA may in its bylaws prescribe. The Vermont PTA shall issue to this PTSA an appropriate charter evidencing the due organization and good standing of this PTSA.
A local PTA in good standing is one which:
a. Adheres to the Objects and basic policies of the PTA;
b. Remits the national portion of the dues through the state PTA to reach the National Office by dates designated by the National PTA;
c. Has bylaws approved according to the procedures of each state; and
d. Meets other criteria as may be prescribed by the Vermont PTA.
Section 2 This PTSA shall adopt such bylaws for the government of the organization as may be approved by the Vermont PTA. Such bylaws shall not be in conflict with the Bylaws of the National PTA or the Bylaws of the Vermont PTA.
Section 3 Bylaws of each constituent shall include an article on amendments.
Section 4 Each officer or board memberof a constituent organization shall be a member of a local PTA within its area.
Section 5 This PTSA shall keep such permanent books of account and records as shall be sufficient to establish the items of gross income, receipts and disbursements of the organization, including, specifically, the number of its members, the dues collected from its members, and the amount of dues remitted to the Vermont PTA. Such books of account and records shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by an authorized representative of the Vermont PTA or, where directed by the committee on state and national relationships, by a duly authorized representative of the National PTA.
Section 6 The charter of this PTSA shall be subject to withdrawal and the status of such organization as a PTA unit shall be subject to termination, in the manner and under the circumstances provided in the Bylaws of the Vermont PTA.
Section 7 This local PTSA is obligated, upon withdrawal of its charter by the Vermont PTA:
a. To yield up and surrender all of its books and records and all of its assets and property to the Vermont PTA or to such agency as may be designated by the Vermont PTA, or to another local PTA organized under the authority of the Vermont PTA;
b. To cease and desist from the further use of any name that implies or connotes association with the National PTA of the Vermont PTA or status as a constituent organization of the National PTA; and
c. To carry out promptly, under the supervision and direction of the Vermont PTA, all proceedings necessary or desirable for the purpose of dissolving this PTSA.
Section 8 This PTSA shall collect dues from its members and shall remit the required portion of such dues to the Vermont PTA as provided in Article VI hereof.
Section 9 Each local PTA shall include in its bylaws provisions corresponding to the provisions of such these bylaws as are identified by the state symbol *.
ARTICLE VI MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section 1 Every individual who is a member of this PTSA is, by virtue of that fact, a member of the National PTA and of the Vermont PTA by which such local PTA is chartered, and is entitled to all the benefits of such membership.
Section 2 Membership in this PTSA shall be made available without regard to race, color, creed or national origin, under such rules and regulations, not in conflict with the provisions of the National PTA Bylaws, as may be prescribed in the bylaws of the PTA, to any individual who subscribes to the Purposes and basic policies of the National PTA.
Section 3 This PTSA shall conduct an annual enrollment of members, but may admit persons to membership at any time.
Section 4 The amount of the State portion of each member’s dues shall be one dollar and fifty cents per annum ($1.50). The amount of the National portion of each member’s dues shall be one dollar and seventy-five cents per annum ($1.75).
Section 5 The state and National PTA portions of the dues paid by each member of this PTSA shall be set aside by this PTSA and remitted to the Vermont PTA through such channels and at such times as the state bylaws may provide. Each state PTA shall pay to the National PTA the amount of the national portion of dues paid by all members of local PTAs in its area.
Section 6 A member in good standing is:
a. One whose dues have been remitted to the Vermont PTA.
Section 7 Only members in good standing of the Bellows Free Academy Fairfax PTSA may vote in elections, on budgets and/or other issues concerning this PTSA.
ARTICLE VII OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION
Section 1 Each officer shall be a member in good standing of this PTSA.
Section 2
a. The officers of this organization shall consist of a president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer.
b. Officers shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting, to be held no later than July 1st. However, if there is but one nominee for any office, election for that office may be a voice vote.
c. Officers shall assume their official duties following the close of the fiscal year in June and shall serve for a term of two years.
Section 3 Nominating Committee
a. There shall be a nominating committee composed of three (3) members who shall be selected by this PTSA at a regular meeting at least one month prior to the election of officers. The committee shall elect its own chairman.7
b. The nominating committee shall nominate an eligible person for each office to be filled and report its nominees at a regular meeting at least one month prior to the annual meeting, at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor.
c. Only a member in good standing may be nominated for office.
d. Only those persons who have signified their consent to serve if elected shall be nominated for or elected to such office.
Section 4 Vacancies
A vacancy in the Office of President shall be filled by the Vice-President for the remainder of the unexpired term. Any other vacancy shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VIII DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1 The president shall:
a. preside at all meetings of the association;
b. perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the association;
c. be a member ex officio of all committees except the nominating committee;
d. coordinate the work of the officers and committees of the association in order that the Objects may be promoted; and
e. perform other delegated duties as assigned.
Section 2 The vice-president shall;
a. act as aide to the president;
b. perform the duties of the president in the absences or inability of that officer to serve;and
c. perform other delegated duties as assigned.
Section 3 The secretary shall;
a. record and distributethe minutes of all meetings of this association;
b. have a current copy of the bylaws;
c. maintain a membership list; and
d. perform other delegated duties as assigned.
Section 4 The treasurer shall;
a. have custody of all the funds of the association;
b. keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures;
c. make disbursements as authorized by the president, executive board, or association in accordance with the budget adopted by the association;
d. have checks or vouchers signed by either of two persons, the president or the vice president;
e. present a financial statement at every meeting of the association and at other times when requested by the executive board;
f. make a full annual report at the meetings at which new officers officially assume their duties;
g. have the accounts examined annually or upon change of officers by an auditor or an auditing committee of not fewer than three members, who, satisfied that the treasurer’s annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report;9
h. submit the books annually for an audit by an auditing committee selected by the executive board at least two weeks before the meeting at which new officers assume duties; and
i. perform other delegated duties as assigned.
Section 5 All officers shall perform the duties outlined in these bylaws and those assigned from time to time. Upon the expiration of the term of office or in case of resignation, each officer shall turn over to the president, without delay, all records, books, and other materials pertaining to the office, and shall return to the treasurer, without delay, all funds pertaining to the office.
ARTICLE IX DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1 Executive Board
a. The executive board shall consist of the officers of the association.
b. The president may appoint a parliamentarian, subject to the approval of the officers of the association.
c. A PTA member shall not serve as a voting member of a constituent organization’s board on the local, council, district, region, state or national level which serving as a paid employee of that constituent organization.
d. The duties of the executive board shall be:
aa. to transact necessary business in the intervals between association meetings and such other business as may be referred to it by the association.
bb. to create standing and special committees;
cc. to approve the plans of work of the standing committees;
dd. to present a report at the regular meetings of the association;
ee. to select an auditor or an auditing committee to audit the treasurer’s accounts;
ff. to prepare and submit to the association for adoption a budget for the year;
gg. to approve routine bills within the limits of the budget.
e. Regular meetings of the executive board shall be held during the school year,
the time to be fixed by the board at its first meeting of the year. Special
meetings of the executive board may be called by the president or by a
majority of the members of the board.
f. When any person ceases to hold the office, which entitles him/her to be a member of the Board, he/she shall automatically cease to be a member of the Board and shall be relieved of all duties and responsibilities incident to such membership.
Section 2 Board of Directors
a. The board of directors shall consist of the executive board members, the chairmen of the standing committees, and the principal of the school or a representative appointed by him/her.
b. Each board member shall be a member in good standing of this association.
c. The duties of the board of directors shall be:
aa. to create standing and special committees;
bb. to select the chairmen of the standing committee; and
cc. to address program issues, non-financial in nature.
ARTICLE X MEETINGS
Section 1 Regular meetings of the association shall be held each month during the school year, unless otherwise provided by the association or by the executive board, five (5) days’ notice having been given of change of date.
Section 2 Special meetings of the association may be called by the president or by a majority of the executive board, five (5) days’ notice having been given.
Section 3 The annual meeting shall be held in May.
Section 4 Four (4)members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in any meeting of this association.1
ARTICLE XI COMMITTEES
Section 1 Only members in good standing of the association shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointive positions.
Section 2 The Board of Directorsmay create standing or subcommittees, as it deems necessary to promote the Purposes and carry on the work of the association. The term of each chairman shall be one (1) year or until the selection of a successor.
Section 3 The chairman of each standing committee shall present a plan of work to the Board of Directors for approval. No committee work shall be undertaken without the consent of the Board of Directors.
Section 4 The power to form special committees and appoint or elect their members rests with the Board of Directors.2
Section 5 The president shall be a member ex officio of all committees except the nominating committee.
Section 6 A committee may have a separate operating budget if authorized to do so by the Executive Board. In such case, the committee shall keep such permanent books of account and records as shall be sufficient to establish the items of gross income, receipts and disbursements of the committee. Such books of account and records shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by the executive board.
ARTICLE XII SUCCESS BY SIX COMMITTEE
Section 1 The chairman of the Success By Six Committee shall report directly to the Board of Directors of this association.
Section 2 The Success By Six Committee shall maintain own budgetary line item as set forth by this association. The Success By Six Committee, only in the Annual Budgetary preparation and process, will delineate the Success By Six State Grant Money for use. The Success By Six Committee shall also be entitled to submit requests for additional funds as any other committee.
Section 3 This committee shall consistently meet program requirements of the State Success By Six Grant in order to maintain eligibility for these funds. The minimum program requirements include welcome infant services and kindergarten transition services. Any and all additional programs shall be determined by this committee’s membership.
Section 4 Success By Six Committee Members may receive stipends, per budget, for delivery of program services only.
ARTICLE XIII FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of this PTSA shall begin on July 1 and end on the following June 30.
ARTICLE XIV PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the National PTA and its constituent organizations in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with the National PTA Bylaws, or the articles of incorporation of the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act of 1962.
ARTICLE XV AMENDMENTS
Section 1
a. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the association by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, provided that notice of the amendment shall be subject to approval of the state PTA.12
b. A committee may be appointed to submit a revised set of bylaws as a substitute for the existing bylaws by a majority vote at a meeting of the association, or by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The requirements for adoption of a revised set of bylaws shall be the same as in the case of an amendment.
c. Submission of amendments or revised bylaws for approval by the Vermont PTA shall be in accordance with the bylaws or regulations of the Vermont PTA.
Section 2 The adoption of an amendment to any provision of the Bylaws of the National PTA identified by a Double star shall serve automatically and without the requirement of further action by the local PTA to amend correspondingly the bylaws of each local PTA. Notwithstanding the automatic character of the amending process, the local PTA shall promptly incorporate such amendments in its respective bylaws.
Section 3 The adoption of an amendment to any provision of the bylaws of the Vermont PTA identified by a number (*) symbol shall serve automatically and without the requirement of further action by the local PTA to amend correspondingly the bylaws of the local PTA.
September, 1992. Revised November, 2003. Revised March, 2004
Appendix 1
1 Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised states: “The minimum number of members who must be present at the meetings of a deliberative assembly for business to be legally transacted is the quorum of the assembly. The requirement of a quorum is a protection against totally unrepresentative action in the name of the body by an unduly small number of persons.”
2 As a special committee is created and appointed for a specific purpose, it automatically goes out of existence when its work is done and its final report is received.
3 To ensure the inclusion of the required (starred) articles and section of the Vermont PTA, local unit and council bylaws and proposed amendments must be submitted to the Vermont PTA for approval.
|
