Bylaws

The name of this organization is the Council Traditional School Parents and Teachers Association (CTS PTA), Mobile, Alabama. It is a local PTA unit organized under the authority of the Alabama Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc. (Alabama PTA), a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA)

*ARTICLE II: PURPOSES

Section 1: The purposes of Council Traditional School PTA, in common with National PTA and Alabama PTA, are:

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship,
To raise the standards of home life,
To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth
To develop between educators and the 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 purposes are promoted through an advocacy and educational program directed toward parents, teachers, and the general public; developed through conferences, committees, projects, and programs; and governed and qualified by the basic policies 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.

*ARTICLE III: BASIC POLICIES

The basic policies of Council Traditional School PTA, in common with National PTA and Alabama PTA, are:

The organization shall be noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan.
The organization shall work with the school and community 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.
The organization shall work to promote the health and welfare of children and youth and shall seek to promote collaboration between parents, schools, and the community at large.
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 individuals 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 of Article II.
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.
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 that have established their tax-exempts status under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and whose purposes are in accordance with those of National PTA.
The organization or members in their official capacities 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; or devote more than an insubstantial part of its activities to attempting to influence legislation or propaganda or otherwise.

*ARTICLE IV: RELATIONSHIP WITH NATIONAL PTA AND ALABAMA PTA

Section 1: Council Traditional School PTA is organized and chartered under the authority of Alabama PTA in conformity with National PTA Bylaws and Alabama PTA Bylaws. Alabama PTA shall issue this PTA a charter evidencing its organization and good standing:

Adheres to the purposes and basic policies of PTA,
Remits dues to Alabama PTA by dates designated in these bylaws,
Has bylaws approved according to the procedures of Alabama PTA
Has a current officer list on file at the Alabama PTA office

Section 2: Council Traditional School PTA shall adopt bylaws for its governance. These bylaws shall not conflict with National PTA bylaws or Alabama PTA bylaws.

Section 3: The bylaws of CTS PTA shall include an article on amendments

Section 4: The bylaws of CTS PTA shall include a provision establishing a quorum.

Section 5: Each officer or board member of CTS PTA shall be a member of CTS PTA

Section 6: The bylaws of CTS PTA shall prohibit voting by proxy

Section 7: The board of directors of Alabama PTA shall make all decisions regarding the recognition and good standing of CTS PTA. CTS PTA must be in good standing in order to receive the annual local PTA packet and membership cards and to participate in scholarship, grant, and awards programs.

Section 8: CTS PTA shall keep permanent books of account and records sufficient to establish gross income, receipts, and disbursements, including the number of members and dues collected from members. Such books of account and records shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by an authorized representative of Alabama PTA or National PTA.

Section 9: The charter of CTS PTA shall be withdrawn, and the PTA dissolved according to provisions in Alabama PTA bylaws. CTS PTA is obligated, upon withdrawal of its charter by Alabama PTA to:

Surrender all books, records, assets, and property to Alabama PTA, an agency designated by Alabama PTA, or another local PTA organized under the authority of Alabama PTA.
Cease to use the copyrighted name PTA that implies association with or status as a constituent organization of National PTA or Alabama PTA; and
Carry out promptly, under the direction of Alabama PTA, all proceedings necessary for the purpose of dissolving.

Section 10: Organization/Chartering

CTS PTA shall be organized in the state as a unit of National PTA and Alabama PTA for the purpose of promoting the purpose of National PTA and Alabama PTA
CTS PTA shall be authorized to make its own rules for the transaction of its business provided they are not in conflict with National PTA bylaws or Alabama PTA bylaws.
CTS PTA shall become a PTA unit upon receipt in the state office of (i) national and
state dues, (ii) two copies of proposed local unit bylaws, subject to approval by Alabama PTA, and (iii) the names of charter members and a list of officers.
The Board of Directors of Alabama PTA shall make all decisions regarding the recognition and status of organized units.

Section 11: Procedure for Dissolution

The charter of a local PTA may be withdrawn in the following manner:

The executive board shall adopt a resolution recommending dissolution and directing that the question of dissolution be submitted to a vote at a special meeting of its members having voting rights. Written notice stating the purpose of the meeting is to consider the advisability of dissolution shall be given to each member entitled to vote at the meeting at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Written notice of the adoption of the resolution, accompanied by a copy of the notice of the special meeting of members, shall be given to the president of Alabama PTA at least twenty (20) days before the date of the meeting.
Only those persons who were members in good standing on the date of adoption of the resolution and who continue to be members in good standing on the date of the special meeting shall be entitled to vote on the question of dissolution.
Approval of dissolution shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present and entitled to vote, a quorum being present.

*ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1: Every individual who is a member of CTS PTA is, by virtue of that fact, a member of the National PTA and of the Alabama PTA by which this local PTA is chartered, and is entitled to all the benefits of such membership.

Section 2: Membership of this CTS PTA shall be made available without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin to any individual who subscribes to the purpose and basic policies of PTA.

Section 3: CTS PTA shall conduct an annual enrollment of members, but persons may join at any time.

Section 4: Each member of CTS PTA shall pay annual dues determined by the association. The amount of dues shall include the portions payable to National PTA and Alabama PTA.

Section 5: The amount of such annual dues shall include the portion of $1.00 payable to the Alabama PTA and the portion of $2.25 payable to National PTA. Section 6: Each member of this CTS PTA shall pay annual dues of $6.00 for each individual or $15.00 for a family of 3 or more individual memberships to the association. This amount shall include portions payable to National PTA and Alabama PTA.

Section 7: The state and national portions of dues paid by each member of CTS PTA shall be set aside by CTS PTA and remitted to Alabama PTA as state bylaws provide. Alabama PTA shall pay to National PTA the national portion of dues paid by all members of CTS PTA.

Section 8: The local treasurer shall keep the record of the national and state portion of the membership dues separate from the record of general funds of CTS PTA.

Section 9: When remitting dues, the local treasurer shall send the names and telephone number/email addresses of CTS PTA members for whom dues are being paid.

Section 10: CTS PTA shall make at least one remittance of state and national dues by December 1. Remittance made on or before March 1 shall determine (i) voting delegate representation at state convention and (ii) eligibility for state awards.

ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS

Section 1: The officers of Council Traditional School PTA shall be a president, immediate past president, three (3) vice presidents (1st vice president: Membership and aid to the president, 2nd vice president: Fundraising, 3rd vice president: Volunteer Coordination), a secretary, a treasurer, and an assistant treasurer.

Section 2: Officers shall be elected by ballot at the last general meeting of the school year.

Section 3: The vote shall be conducted by ballot and a majority shall elect. When there is only one candidate for any office, that election may be by voice vote.

Section 4: The following provisions shall govern the eligibility of individuals to be officers of CTS PTA:

Each elected officer and appointed executive board member shall be a member of CTS PTA.
No officer shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.
An officer who has served more than half of a term shall be considered to have served a full term.
A PTA member shall not serve as a voting member of CTS PTA's executive board while serving as a paid employee of or under contract to CTS PTA.

Section 5: Officers shall assume their official duties following the close of the meeting in which they are elected and shall serve for a term of one (1) year or until their successors are elected.

Section 6: A vacancy in the office of president shall be filled for the unexpired term by the 1st vice president. A vacancy in any office other than president shall be filled by presidential appointment and shall be confirmed by the executive board by the last general meeting of the school year.

Section 7: There shall be a nominating committee composed of five (5) members who shall be appointed by the executive board on or by the third PTA general meeting as outlined in Article VI, Section 2. The nominating committee shall:

Elect its chairperson at the first meeting
Advertise the open officer positions indicating the deadline date for submission of a short biography to support each nomination
Review nominees and nominate an eligible person for each office to be filled and report its nominees (slate of officers) to the CTS PTA executive board.
Nominate only those individuals who are current members of CTS PTA, and who have given their consent to serve if elected.
Post the biographies of the nominees in the school gym or on the school website.
Present the slate of officers (with the executive board) to the general membership at the final PTA general meeting for the school year.
Additional nominations may be made from the floor; nominees must present a 1-2 minute verbal biography to the membership. Section 8: A candidate for the office of president shall have served one (1) of the last six (6) years on the CTS PTA board.

ARTICLE VII: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1: The president shall:

Preside at all meetings of the association
Serve as an ex officio member of all committees except the nominating committee
Coordinate the work of the officers and committees of this PTA in order that the purposes may be promoted.
Appoint a parliamentarian, subject to the approval of the executive board
Perform other duties as provided by these bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the executive board.

Section 2: The vice president shall

Act as aide(s) to the president
Perform the duties of the president in the absence or inability to serve, in their designated order 1st vice president (Membership), 2nd vice president (Fundraising), 3rd vice president (Volunteer Coordination).
Coordinate and report the activities of those standing committee(s) and chairpersons established for the effective function of this PTA.
1st vice president Membership and serves as County PTA Representative
2nd vice president Fundraising - coordinates and reports activities of all fundraising committees; provide accountability of funds turned over to treasurer.
3rd vice president Volunteer Coordination – coordinates and reports all volunteer and support efforts established by the association.
Perform other duties as provided by these bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the president or executive board.

Section 3: The secretary shall:

Record the minutes of all general membership meetings and executive board meetings.
Be prepared to read records of any previous meetings.
File all records
Have available a current copy of bylaws
Maintain a membership list
Be responsible for any correspondence representing the PTA including thank you notes, invitations, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
Coordinate and report activities of those standing committee(s) and chairpersons established for the effective function of this PTA
Perform other duties as provided by these bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the president, or executive board.

Section 4: The treasurer shall:

Have custody of all of the funds of the association
Maintain a full account of the funds of this PTA
Make disbursements as authorized by the president, executive board, or this PTA in accordance with the budget adopted by this PTA,
Have checks signed by the treasurer and one other officer
Keep a full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to this PTA
Present a written financial statement to the executive board at each meeting
Present a written annual report of the financial condition of the organization
Submit the books annually for an audit by an auditing committee selected by the executive board at least one month before the meeting at with new officers assume duties,
Report finding of the annual audit to the executive board
Perform other duties as provided by these bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the president, or executive board.

Section 5: The assistant treasurer shall:

Perform the duties of the treasurer in his/her absence,
Perform other designated duties assigned
Coordinate and report the activities of those standing committee(s) and chairpersons established for the effective function of this PTA.

Section 6: The teacher representatives (selected by Principal) shall:

Serve as a liaison to the faculty
Perform other designated duties as assigned
Coordinate and report the activities of those standing committee(s) and chairpersons established for the effective function of this PTA.

Section 7: All officers shall perform the duties outlined in these bylaws and those assigned from time to time. If any officer shall at any time cease to meet the qualifications or fulfill the duties of the position, that person may be removed from the board by resolution adopted by the executive board. Upon expiration of the term of office or in case of resignation, each officer shall turn over to the president, within seven (7) days, all records, books, and other materials pertaining to the office, and shall return to the treasurer all funds pertaining to the office.

ARTICLE VIII: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: The executive board shall consist of the officers of the association, a parliamentarian (if appointed) and the principal of the school.

Section 2: All of the executive board members shall be members of CTS PTA.

Section 3: The duties of the executive board shall be:

To transact necessary business in the intervals between association meetings and such other business as may be referred to it by the association.
To create standing and special committees
To approve the plans of the standing committees
To present a report at the regular meetings of the association
To select an account or review committee to examine the treasurer's accounts,
To prepare and submit to the association for adoption a budget for the year. Each annual budget shall provide a reserve fund of $2,000.00 to be on hand at the beginning of each fiscal year. Such reserve fund may be used by the executive board at the beginning of the fiscal year for such purposes as the executive board deems necessary pending approval of the budget by the general membership.
To approve routine bills within the limits of the budget.

Section 4: Any officer or committee chairperson purchasing budgeted items shall try to obtain the lowest price possible for any purchase. Furthermore, the executive board will request a minimum of three (3) cost comparisons for any anticipated purchase over $300 on "non-specifically budgeted items or services"

Section 5: 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. The majority of the executive board shall constitute a quorum. Special meetings of the executive board may be called by the president or by a majority of the members of the board, five (5) day's notice having been given.

ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES

Section 1: Only members of CTS PTA shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointive positions.

Section 2: The executive board may create standing committees as it may deem necessary to promote the purposes and carry on the work of the association. The term of each chairperson shall be one (1) year or until the selection of a successor.

Section 3: The chairperson of each standing committee shall present a plan of work to the executive board for approval. No committee work shall be undertaken without consent of the executive board.

Section 4: The power to form special committees and appoint or eject their members rests with the association or the executive board.

Section 5: The president shall be a member of ex officio of all committees except the nominating committee.

Section 6: Standing Committee

Standing committees shall be established to assist the executive board.
The chairpersons of the standing committees shall be appointed by the officers of the association at the executive board meeting following the election of officers.
Chairpersons of standing committees may, as required, attend executive board meetings to provide a detailed report of the committee, solicit board action, or receive guidance and instruction from the board.

ARTICLE X: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Section 1: At least three (3) regular meetings of the association shall be held during the school year. Dates of meetings shall be determined by the executive board and announced at the first general membership meeting of the school year. Seven (7) days notice must be given for a 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 will be held during the second semester of the school year that will include the election meeting.

Section 4: At least twenty (20) eligible voting members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in any meeting of this association.

ARTICLE XI: COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: CTS PTA shall be represented in meetings of the Mobile County Council of Parent Teacher Associations by the president or alternate, principal or alternate, and by one (1) delegate or their alternate.

All representatives to the council PTA must be members of CTS PTA
Delegates and their alternates shall by chosen by election
Delegates to Mobile Council of PTAs shall serve a term of one (1) year.

Section 2: This local PTA shall pay annual dues of $0.50 per member to the Mobile County Council of PTAs as provided by the Council PTA bylaws.

*ARTICLE XII: ALABAMA PTA CONVENTION

Section 1: CTS PTA, if in good standing with Alabama PTA, shall be entitled to be represented at the annual meeting of Alabama PTA by its president, or appointed alternate, and one voting delegate for each 50 members or major fraction thereof.

All representatives to the Alabama PTA convention must be members of this CTS PTA
Delegates and their alternates shall be chosen by appointment two (2) months prior to the convention.

ARTICLE XIII: FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of Council Traditional School PTA shall be from July 1 through June 30.

*ARTICLE XIV: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern CTS PTA in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with these bylaws, National PTA bylaws, or Alabama PTA bylaws, and special rules of order or Articles of Incorporation.

*ARTICLE XV: AMENDMENTS

Section 1: These bylaws may be amended at any regular general membership meeting of the Council Traditional School PTA by two-thirds vote of these members present and voting, a quorum being present, provided the proposed amendments have been approved by Alabama PTA and notice of the proposed amendments has been provided to the membership fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting

Section 2: A committee may be appointed by a majority vote at a general membership meeting of this PTA, or by a 2/3 vote of the executive board of this PTA to submit a revised set of bylaws as a substitute for the existing bylaws.

Section 3: Submission of amendments or revised bylaws for approval by Alabama PTA shall be in accordance with the bylaws and regulations of Alabama PTA

Section 4: The adoption of an amendment to any provision of the Alabama PTA bylaws identified by a star symbol (*) shall serve automatically and without requirement of further action by Council Traditional School PTA to amend its corresponding bylaws.