PTO By-Laws

PTO Bylaws

Bylaws

Revised:  11-1221-2005Adopted 12/1/2005

BYLAWS

SAWTOOTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

ARTICLE I – NAME AND LOCATION

The name of this organization is the Sawtooth Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, Inc. (Sawtooth PTO), located at 1771 Stadium Blvd, Twin Falls, Idaho.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSES

Section 1         The objectives of the Sawtooth PTO are:

  1. To promote a closer relationship between the home and the school, that parents/guardians and teachers may cooperate in the education of Sawtooth students.
  2. To serve as a forum for communication among parents/guardians, teachers, administrators to secure for all Sawtooth students the highest advantages in physical, cognitive, social, and personal development.
  3. To identify needs particular to Sawtooth Elementary School and provide financial support in meeting those needs when appropriate.

Section 2         The objectives of the Sawtooth PTO are promoted through a plan directed toward parents/guardians and teachers; developed through conferences, committees, projects, and programs; and are governed and qualified by the basic policies set forth in Article III.

Section 3         The organization is organized exclusively for the charitable, scientific, literary, or educational 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 III - BASIC POLICIES

The following are the basic policies of the Sawtooth PTO:

  1. The organization shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and nonpartisan.

 

  1. 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 promotion of the objectives of the organization.
  2. 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, candidate for public office; or devote more than an insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise.
  3. The Sawtooth PTO shall work with Twin Falls School District (TFSD) to provide quality education for all students and shall seek to participate in the decision-making process establishing TFSD policy,, recognizing that the legal responsibility to make decisions has been delegated by the people to the board of education.

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

  1. 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.

 g.         UUpon the dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be spent on one or more projects to benefit Sawtooth Elementary School.

ARTICLE IV - ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

Section 1.        The Sawtooth PTO exists as an incorporated organization of its members.  Its articles of organization comprise these bylaws, as from time to time amended.

Section 2.        The Sawtooth PTO is an organization of Sawtooth family units, Sawtooth staff, that is governed by an executive boardboard of directors, defined in Article VI. The executive boardboard of directors reports to the general organization.

ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.        Membership in this PTO shall be made available without regard to race, sex, color, creed, or national origin.

Section 2.        Membership categories shall include, but not be limited to,  parents, s/grandparents, and  and guardians of  Sawtooth students and Sawtooth Elementary staff.

Section 3.        Every member in attendance at a general PTO meeting shall be eligible to vote.

Section 4.        Each member of this PTO shall pay such annual dues to said organization as may be prescribed by the organization.  (we said we would discuss this with the board members)

ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

Section 1.        Eligibility - Each officer shall be a member of this PTO.

Section 2.        Officers

  1. An assistant to the board shall be included when deemed appropriate.  All officer positions may be shared.

b.         Officers shall assume their official duties on July 1 and shall serve for a term of one to one (1two (1-2) years or until their successors are elected, except the treasurer who shall serve a two to twothree (2-3) -year term.  Current officers shall complete business and commitments for the current school year.

  1. A person shall not be eligible to serve more than two threetwo (2(32) consecutive years terms in the same office.  However, a term may be extended if by the 1st day of the last full weekmonth of school the nominating committee has been unsuccessful in finding nominees to fill the positions and isis electedterm extension is approved by two-thirds (2/3) ballot of the general organization present at thea monthly meeting.

d.         If more than one candidate desires an office, ballots will be made available for voting in the school building the day prior to the annual election meeting.

e.         Officers may resign upon written notification to the sSecretary of the bBoard.  The resignation shall take effect when the notice is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date.

fe.        Members of the board may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the members present at the general or special meeting, provided a quorum is present, or by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the executive boardboard of directors at a board meeting.  The Sawtooth PTO must inform the board member whose removal is sought by registered mail at least seven (7) days prior to the general or board meeting or 72-hours prior to the special meeting at which their removal is being sought.

 

Section 3.        Nominating Committee:

  1. The chairperson shall be the vice president.
  2. The committee shall nominate one or more eligible persons for each office to be filled and report its nominees at the March meeting of the general organization, at which time additional nominations and volunteers may be introduced from the floor.
  3. Only those persons who have signified their consent to serve if elected shall be nominated for or elected to such office.
  4. However, if there is but one nominee for any office, the election for that office may be by voice vote.

Section 4.        Vacancies - A vacancy occurring in any office may be filled for the unexpired term by a person elected by a majority vote of the executive boardboard of directors, five (5) days notice of such election having been given to each member of executive boardthe board of directors.  In case a vacancy occurs in the office of president, the vice president/president elect shall assume the presidency and serve notice of a vacancy in the position of vice president/president elect.

 

 

ARTICLE VII - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1.        All officers shall be members ex-officio of the committees supervise to coordinate their work in order that the objects may be promoted.

Section 2.        The president shall:

  1. Preside at all meetings of the general organization and its executive boardboard of directors.
  2. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the general organization or its executive boardboard of directors.
  3. Coordinate the work of the officers of the organization in order that its purposes may be promoted.

d.         Create and appoint special committees as necessary, except the nominating committee, with the approval of at least two members of the executive board board of directors or by vote of the general organization.

  1. Have power to sign and execute bonds, contracts, or obligations in the name of the organization, as authorized by the executive board board of directors or the general organization.
  2. Be authorized to cosign checks.

Section 2.        The vice president shall:

  1. Act as aide to the president.
  2. Perform the duties of the president in the absence or inability of that officer to serve.
    1. Be a member ex-officio of all committees (except the nominating committee) to coordinate their work in order that the objects may be promoted.
    2. Act as a keeper, along with the past president, of the bylaws of the organization.
      1. Recruit and identify possible committee chairs to be brought to the board for approval.
      2. Be authorized to cosign checks.

Section 3.        The secretary shall:

  1. Attend all meetings of the general organization and executive board of directors.
    1. Record the minutes of all meetings, and submit post minutes to the principal for posting on the school and district office websites.
    2. Provide written copies of the previous meeting’s minutes for general approval at each meeting.
    3. Have custody of the official documents of the organization, including, but not limited to, the bylaws, employer identification number, and membership list.

e.         File the PTO minutes and keep such minutes for a minimum of 5 years in the PTO storage area on school premises.  

e.F.      Be authorized to cosign checks.

gf.        Perform other delegated duties as assigned by the general organization, the executive board of directors, or the president.  Such duties may include correspondence.

h.         Produce a written agreement stating terms and conditions for any contracted work or services.  Agreement shall be signed by the pPresident, one other board member and the person agreeing to do the work or services.

Section 4.        The treasurer shall:

  1. Be the custodian of all the funds of the organization.
    1. Keep a full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the organization.
    2. Deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the organization in such depositories as may be designated by the general organization or by the executive board of directors.

d.         Make disbursements as authorized by the president, executive board of directors, or general organization in accordance with the budget adopted by the general organization taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.

  1. Have checks signed by two (2) of the following authorized persons: the treasurer, president, vice-president, or secretary.
  2. Present a financial statement at every meeting of the general organization and of the executive board of directors and at other times when requested.
  3. Provide an account of all transactions and of the financial condition of the organization when requested by the executive board board of directors or the general organization.
  4. Serve on the budget committee.
    1. Submit the books annually, or upon the resignation of the treasurer, for an audit by an auditing committee as defined in Article XII, Section 2.
    2. In the event the treasurer is unable or unavailable to complete this task, the tax filings will be completed by the audit committee.
    3. Prepare a preliminary annual report for presentation at the final meeting of the general organization and prepare all necessary materials for audit at the end of the fiscal year. 

l.          File and keep all financial records for a minimum of 5 years in the PTO storage area on school premises.  

 

Section 56.      The assistant to the board (if this position is deemed necessary) shall:

  1. Fill in for other board members when they are unavailable to perform their duties, especially to take secretary’s minutes.
  2. Assist in organizing committees.
  3. Other functions as required.

Section 6.        The past president shall:

  1. Provide advice and knowledge to the executive board and general organization.
  2. Maintain the bylaws.

Section 7.        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, the 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, immediately, all funds pertaining to the office.

ARTICLE VIII - EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1.        The executive board of the organization shall consist of:

a.         The officers of the organization.

b.         The principal of the school or a representative appointed by the principal.

c.         Up to two faculty representatives.

d.         Up to two additional PTO members, one being the immediate past president, as appointed by the president.

e.         The principal, faculty representatives and past president shall be considered as advisors or consultants to the board, and will not have voting privileges.  Each officer of the eExecutive board of directors shall have one (1) vote.  Co-officers, when they exist, agree to share one (1) vote.

Section 2.        The duties of the executive board shall be:

a.         To transact business referred to it by the standing committees and the general organization to support Sawtooth PTO’s purpose.

b.         To present a report at the meetings of the general organization.

c.         To adhere to motions passed in general meetings unless those motions are revoked or revised by vote at a subsequent meeting.  

d.         Create standing and special committees and approve/disapprove the plans and activities of the standing and special committees.

e.         Prepare and operating budget for the next fiscal year, subject to approval by a majority vote of the Sawtooth PTO members.

f.          Approve overruns of any committee’s approved budget prior to reimbursement or payment.

g.         Amend these bylaws as needed with approval of the general organization as defined in Article XV.

h.         Appoint a nominating committee as per Article VI, Section 3.

 

i.          Appoint a special committee called the nominating committee at least two months prior to the election of officers, composed of between three (3) and seven (7) members in good standing.  The nominating committee shall choose a chairperson from the committee.  They shall nominate one or more eligible persons for each office to be filled and each nomination must be chosen by a consensus of the members of this committee.  All nominees must affirm to the nominating committee their consent to serve if elected prior to posting nominations not less than one (1) month prior to elections.  Current vice presidents will be responsible for soliciting committee chair volunteers for their committees for the next fiscal year.

 

i.          Oversee the separation of Sawtooth PTO funds in the event of a new Sawtooth elementary school being formed in Sawtooth’s current attendance area.

 

j.          STo select an auditor or auditing committee to audit the treasurer's accounts as defined in Article XI, Section 2.

Section 3.        Meetings of the executive board shall be held monthly.  The executive board shall meet within sixty (60) days following an election of officers.

Section 4.        A majority of the members of the executive board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 5.        Special meetings of the executive board may be called by the president or by a majority of its members, five (5) days notice being given to each member of the executive board.

ARTICLE VIII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1.        The board of directors shall consist of:

a.         The officers of the organization.

b.         The chairs of the standing committees and/or parent liaisons.

c.         The principal of the school or representative appointed by the principal.

d.         Two teacher representatives.

e.         The immediate past president (who serves as an advisor).

Section 2.        The duties of the board of directors shall be:

a.         To transact necessary business for the general organization.

b.         To create standing and special committees.

c.         To approve the plans of work of the standing committees.

d.         To present a report at the meetings of the general organization.

e.         To adhere to motions passed in general meetings unless those motions are revoked or revised by vote at a subsequent meeting.

f.          To select an auditor or auditing committee to audit the treasurer's accounts as defined in Article XI, Section 2.

g.         To prepare and submit to the organization for adoption a budget for the school year.

h.         To approve routine bills within the limits of the budget.

i.          To fill vacancies occurring in an officer position as set forth in these bylaws.

Section 3.        One-third (1/3) of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a board of directors meeting.

Section 4.        Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by the president or by a majority of the board of directors, five (5) days notice being given to each member of the board of directors.

ARTICLE IX  IX - GENERAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETINGS

Section 1.        General organizational meetings shall be held regularly, at least eight (8) times a year.  At least two (2) of the eight meetings shall consist of a budget meeting and an annual meeting.  The budget and annual meeting shall be held during the school year unless otherwise provided.

  1. Dates of meetings shall be determined by the board and announced at the beginning of the school year.
  2. Five (5) days notice shall be given of change of date of any meeting except in cases of emergency.

Section 2.        Special meetings of the general organization may be called by the president, or by a majority of the executive board board of directors, five (5) days notice having been given.

Section 3.        The annual meeting, which shall include the election of officers, shall be held in April.

Section 4.        A transition meeting shall be held in May, either as part of a general PTO meeting or as aexecutive board meeting.  This meeting shall include transitioning of responsibilities from incumbent officers to officers-elect. 

Section 5.        The budget meeting, which shall include the presentation of the budget and calendar, shall be held in September.

Section 6.        The members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any general meeting of this organization.

ARTICLE X - COMMITTEES

Section 1.        Only members of the organization shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointive position.

Section 2.        The executive board board of directors may create such standing committees, as it may deem necessary to promote the objectives and carry on the work of the organization.

Section 3.        The chairpersons of standing committees shall be appointed by the board annually.

Section 4.        The chair of each committee shall present a plan of work to the executive board of directors or to the general organization for approval.  The chair of each committee will collect receipts/bills and submit to the treasurer for disposition.  No committee work may be undertaken without the consent of the executive board board of directors or of the general organization.

Section 5.        Special committees may be formed by the president and two other members of the executive boardboard of directors.

ARTICLE XI - FISCAL YEAR/FISCAL POLICIES

Section 1.        The fiscal year of this organization shall begin on 7/1 of each year and end on 6/30 of each year.

Section 2.        The books and accounts of this organization shall be kept in accordance with sound accounting practices and shall be examined annually by an auditing committee of not fewer than three (3) members, the vice president or president elect, and one or more members at large to be determined by the president.  Who, satisfied that the treasurer's annual report is correct, will sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report; this shall be completed by July 1.

Section 3.        A member whose duties require collection of organization funds shall supply the treasurer with an accurate record of such income.  The treasurer shall supply these members with a receipt.

Section 4.        Two (2) authorized signatures shall be required for all withdrawals from savings and checking accounts as defined in Article VII, Section 4.  (e).

Section 5.        The budget for the succeeding fiscal year shall be presented for a vote of the members at the October meeting.  At its annual meeting, the executive board board of directors shall formulate a preliminary proposed budget to be presented at the September meeting of the general organization, and each chair shall present in writing a work plan for his or her committee for the coming school year.

Section 6.        The executive board board of directors may authorize disbursements not to exceed $300$250 per month in addition to budgeted amount or before the budget is finalized, not to exceed $900 in total, without prior approval of the membership. .

Section 7.        The president of the organization may authorize disbursements not to exceed $100 per month in addition to budgeted items without prior approval of board of directors.

ARTICLE XII – CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization’s (Sawtooth PTO) interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the Sawtooth PTO or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction.  This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.

Section 1.        An Interested Person is any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board-delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined in Section 2.

Section 2.        A person has a Financial Interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family

Updated Mar 9, 2011