ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of the association is the Westmont Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Martinez, Georgia.

ARTICLE II: ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

The organization exists as an unincorporated organization of its members. This document includes the bylaws and articles of organization.

ARTICLE III: PURPOSE

The purpose of the organization is to promote the holistic development of children in the home, school, and community by:

a) Encouraging stronger parent-teacher communication

b) Supporting programs and materials that enhance the learning environment.

ARTICLE IV: POLICIES

The following are basic policies of the organization:

a) The organization shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan.

b) The name of the organization or names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used in any connection with a commercial concern, with any partisan interest, or for any purpose not appropriately related to promotion of the objects of the organization.

c) The organization shall not – directly or indirectly – participate or intervene (in any way, including the publishing or distributing of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. However, the organization reserves the right to provide opportunities for discussion of various political views as they affect the education of Westmont Elementary School students.

d) The organization shall cooperate with the school by supporting the improvement education in ways that will not interfere with administration of the school and shall not seek to control their policies.

e) The organization may cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with child welfare, but persons representing the organization in such matters shall make no commitments that bind the organization.

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1. Any parent, guardian, or other adult standing in loco parentis for a student at the school may be a member, as well as the principal, any teacher, and staff members employed at the school; they are subject only to compliance with the provisions of the bylaws. Membership in this organization shall be available without regard to race, color, or creed.

Section 2. The organization shall conduct an annual enrollment of members, but individuals may be admitted to the membership at any time.

Section 3. Dues will be established by the executive board. Annual dues for family memberships are $8.00. Such annual dues shall remain in the treasury, to be used for the benefit of Westmont Elementary PTO.

Section 4. Only members in good standing shall be eligible to serve in any of its elected or appointed positions.

ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

Section 1. The officers of the organization’s executive board shall be president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. All are to be elected biennially, for a term of two years. They shall be ineligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

Section 2. Nominations shall be accepted at the beginning of January and continue until the date of the January meeting.

Section 3. Nominees shall be presented to the membership at the January meeting, and when more than one candidate for office is nominated, the membership will be provided the opportunity to vote during February by ballot.

Section 4. The election shall be by ballot when there is more than one nominee for an office.

Section 5. Duties of the new officers shall be assumed at the May meeting.

Section 6. If there is a vacancy in the office of president, the vice-president will become the president. At the next regularly scheduled meeting, a new vice-president will be selected by the executive board. Vacancies of any other office shall be filled by the executive board.

ARTICLE VII: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The president shall preside at all meetings of the organization and the executive board, shall appoint chairmen of standing committees and other committees, and communicate information to the membership at each meeting. The president will be the chief liaison between the PTO and the school administration.

Section 2. The vice-president is responsible for pursuing and coordinating fundraising for the school, act as an aide to the president, and be prepared to perform the duties of the president in the absence of that officer.

Section 3. The secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of both the organization and the executive board, take and record minutes, prepare the agenda, give the reading of the minutes at the organization meeting, and shall perform such other duties as delegated.

Section 4. The treasurer shall receive all moneys of the organization; shall keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures; and shall make disbursements in accordance with the approved budget, as authorized by the organization. The treasurer shall present a statement of account at every meeting of the organization, and at any other time deemed necessary by the executive board. In addition, the treasurer will submit an annual financial report to the auditor of the Columbia County School System.

ARTICLE VIII: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. The executive board shall consist of the officers of the organization and the principal of the school, or her appointee, and the teacher representatives.

Section 2. Its duties shall be to transact necessary business between regular meetings of the organization, to approve plans involving the work of all committees, fill vacancies, and present a report of its activity at all regular meetings.

Section 3. Regular meetings of the executive board shall be held one week before each regular meeting of the organization and a majority shall constitute a quorum. Special meetings may be called by the president or by a quorum of the committee.

ARTICLE IX: MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular meetings of the organization shall be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m., or as agreed upon between members of the executive board and the principal. The number of meetings per school year shall be determined by the executive board. The final business meeting of the academic year shall be the annual meeting and will provide for both annual reports and the installation of incoming officers.

Section 2. The privilege of holding office, making motions, debating and voting shall be limited to the members of the organization who are in good standing.

Section 3. The membership present at any business meeting shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE X: STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. There shall be standing committees, whose chairperson reports to the executive board. These include:

1. Hospitality

2. Box Tops for Education/Campbell Soup Labels

3. And any others that may be developed to promote the purpose and interests of the organization.

Section 2. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, with the exception of the nominating committee.

ARTICLE XI: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1. Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised shall govern the organization in all cases in which they are applicable, and those in which they are not in conflict with these bylaws.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS

Section 1.

1. The bylaws may be amended at any regularly scheduled meeting of the organization by a quorum of the membership, providing notice of the proposed amendment was given at the previous meeting.

2. A committee may be appointed to submit a revised set of bylaws, only when approved by either a majority vote of the membership or a two-thirds vote of the executive board. The requirements for adoption of revised bylaws shall be the same as in that of amendments.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

(Subject to change by two-thirds vote of the executive board)

1. Call to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3. Announcements

4. Inspirational Message

5. Reading of the Minutes

6. Treasurer’s Report

7. Title I Report (Principal or Assistant Principal)

8. Open the Floor for Questions and Discussion (as needed)

9. Adjournment of meeting

10. Program