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Bylaws

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) By-Laws

Ridge Meadows Elementary

 

Article I.  Name

 

The name of this organization is the Ridge Meadows Elementary Parent Teacher Organization of the Rockwood School District (hereinafter "Ridge Meadows PTO" or "Organization").  It is a local independent unit created by the parents and staff of Ridge Meadows School, having no affiliation with any other association, be it state or national in origin.​

 

Article II.  Articles of Organization

 

The Organization exists as an unincorporated association of its members.  The Organization's Articles of Organization consist of these Bylaws, as amended from time to time, and its Articles of Association, if any.  In the absence of separate articles of association, the Bylaws shall be deemed to be the Articles of Association.  In the event of any conflict between these Bylaws and the Articles of Association, these Bylaws shall govern.​

 

Article III.  Purpose/Objectives

 

This Organization is organized exclusively for the following charitable, educational or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code:

 

To promote the welfare and education of children and youth eligible to attend the Rockwood School District and Ridge Meadows Elementary School in the home, school and community.

To support the school in improving education in ways that will adhere to administrative policy and the Rockwood School District's mission, goals and beliefs.

To raise funds for programs and equipment to further the education of children and youth.

To bring about a close relationship between the home and the school, that parents and teachers may work cooperatively in the education of children and youth.

To foster communication, cooperation, support, information and education within the Rockwood School District, including District staff, parents and the general community.​

 

Article IV.  Policies

 

Section 1.  No substantial part of the activities of the Organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the Organization shall not participate in or intervene (including the publishing or distribution of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

 

Section 2.  This Organization shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan.  No commercial enterprise or candidate shall be endorsed by it.  The name of the Organization and names of its officers in their official capacities shall not be used in connection with a commercial concern or with any partisan interest for any other purpose than the regular work of the Organization.

 

Section 3.  This Organization shall not seek to direct the administrative activities of the school or to control its policies, but can serve as a liaison between parents and administration when concerns arise.

 

Section 4.  The Organization shall be supportive of school educational efforts and student needs.  The policies of the Organization shall be developed cooperatively by parents and teachers.  The Organization shall conduct all operations in such a way as to reflect positively upon the school and the Rockwood School District.

 

Section 5.  In no way shall one member, officer or committee chairperson make policy, program or expenditure decisions, or bind the Organization in any way, absent the consent of at least the Executive Board.  When representing the Organization, any member, officer or committee chairperson shall be aware of the authority extended by the Organization and shall not exceed such authority.

 

Section 6.  This Organization may cooperate with other organizations and agencies active in child welfare, such as conference groups or coordinating councils, provided they make no commitments that bind the Organization.

 

Section 7.  The Organization shall act in accordance with all Rockwood School District Board of Education Policies and Regulations, which are incorporated herein by reference, including but not limited to Policies 2950 and 3370 and Regulations 2950 and 3370 pertaining to fundraising activities.  No fundraising activity of the Organization shall financially benefit a PTO member, faculty member, student or parent without prior Executive Board approval.

 

Section 8.  No part of the net earnings of this Organization shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the Organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered.  Services provided by members and officers are voluntary and will not be compensated, unless specifically authorized by the Executive Board prior to completion of such services.

 

Section 9.  Any notice required or permitted to be given to members may be given by written notice (including distribution of flyers and posting notices through school), by telephone, by facsimile, by electronic mail, or by any combination thereof, or by any other method reasonably designed to reach the members.

 

Section 10.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on: (a) by an Association exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal revenue Law); or (b) by an association, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

 

Section 11.  Upon dissolution of the Organization, the Organization shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the Organization, dispose of all the assets of the Organization by distributing the same to the Principal of Ridge Meadows Elementary School.  Said principal shall, upon the advice of the Ridge Meadows Elementary School teachers and administration, supervise the expenditure of said assets for essential educational materials and equipment.  In the event that this is not possible, said assets shall be distributed to organizations as shall at the time qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Organization's executive Board shall determine, with preference to be given to educational programs of the Rockwood School District.  Any assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court in the county of the principal office of the Organization.

Article V.  Membership and Dues

 

Section 1.  Any parent or guardian of a student of Ridge Meadows Elementary School and any teacher or staff member interested in the objectives of the Organization and willing to uphold its policies and subscribe to its Bylaws may become a member.  Any certified staff member of the School may be a non-voting member of the Organization.  Staff members are not required to pay membership dues, if any.  Membership in the Organization shall be available without regard to race, color, creed or national origin.

 

Section 2.  The Executive Board shall determine the amount, time, and manner of payment of the membership dues, if any, from time to time.  Each member shall pay the annual membership dues; however no household shall be assessed for more than one annual payment of membership dues.

 

Section 3.  The Organization shall conduct an annual enrollment of its members, but persons may be admitted to membership at any time during the year as defined above.

 

Section 4.  The privileges of membership shall be the right to hold office or appointed position, make motions, chair a committee and vote.  Only those members current in payment of membership dues, if any, are eligible to vote or to serve as an officer or representative of the Organization.  Non-members are welcome to attend meetings and may ask questions and participate in discussions as recognized by the President.​