| Challenge High School PTO |
| Bylaws As Amended July 17, 2006 |
BYLAWS OF THE CHALLENGE EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION
ARTICLE 1: NAME
The name of this organization shall be “The Parent-Teacher Organization of Challenge Early College High School” (hereinafter
called “Challenge PTO” or “PTO”), as created February, 2004.
called “Challenge PTO” or “PTO”), as created February, 2004.
ARTICLE 2: OBJECTIVES
1. To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as to secure for all students the highest
advantages in education.
advantages in education.
2. To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate in the education of students.
3. To make available tools and materials to facilitate learning by our students.
4. To provide a safe, pleasant environment and an attractive physical facility in which our students can most effectively work
and play.
and play.
ARTICLE 3: POLICIES
This organization is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes, including for such purposes the
making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or
corresponding provision of future United States Internal Revenue Law).
making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or
corresponding provision of future United States Internal Revenue Law).
The organization shall be noncommercial, nonsectarian, nonpartisan and non-profit and not carry on other activities not
permitted by an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as
from time to time amended.
permitted by an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as
from time to time amended.
In the event of dissolution of the organization, the PTO Board shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all
liabilities of the organization, dispose of all assets to another organization operated exclusively for charitable or educational
purposes as shall at the time qualify as exempt under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the
corresponding provision of future United States Internal Revenue Law).
liabilities of the organization, dispose of all assets to another organization operated exclusively for charitable or educational
purposes as shall at the time qualify as exempt under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the
corresponding provision of future United States Internal Revenue Law).
The name of the organization or the names of members in their official capacities shall not be used in connection with a
commercial concern or with a partisan interest or for a purpose not appropriately related to promotion of the purposes of this
organization.
commercial concern or with a partisan interest or for a purpose not appropriately related to promotion of the purposes of this
organization.
ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
1. Membership in the PTO shall be open to all parents, legal guardians, or caretakers of a student attending
ChallengeEarlyCollegeHigh School, and to all teachers or staff members of ChallengeEarlyCollegeHigh School who subscribe
to the Objectives and Policies of this organization and upon payment of annual dues.
ChallengeEarlyCollegeHigh School, and to all teachers or staff members of ChallengeEarlyCollegeHigh School who subscribe
to the Objectives and Policies of this organization and upon payment of annual dues.
2. The organization shall conduct an annual enrollment of members, but persons may be admitted to membership at any
time. The PTO Board shall set the annual dues for membership and shall approve all increases in dues.
time. The PTO Board shall set the annual dues for membership and shall approve all increases in dues.
3. Only members of the organization whose dues are current shall be eligible to serve in its elected or appointed positions,
make motions, debate or vote.
make motions, debate or vote.
ARTICLE 5: PTO BOARD
1. The Challenge Early College High School PTO Board, hereinafter called the “Board”, shall consist of all the officers (see
Article 8.1), the chairs of standing committees, the chairs of special committees, a faculty representative and the Principal of the
school. Each board member may cast one vote regardless of how many positions this person holds. Standing committees and
special committees may be co-chaired; although both co-chairs are considered voting members, there shall be one vote per
person.
Article 8.1), the chairs of standing committees, the chairs of special committees, a faculty representative and the Principal of the
school. Each board member may cast one vote regardless of how many positions this person holds. Standing committees and
special committees may be co-chaired; although both co-chairs are considered voting members, there shall be one vote per
person.
2. The duties of the Board shall be to:
a. Transact necessary business in the intervals between general meetings and such other business as may be referred to it
by the organization;
by the organization;
b. Create special committees, as needed;
c. Present a report at the general meetings of the organization;
d. Approve the work of the standing committees;
e. Prepare and submit for adoption a budget for the fiscal year;
f. Oversee the administration of the budget;
g. Disburse funds to assist with the financial support of the school.
3. All Board meeting voting shall be by majority vote of those Board members present.
ARTICLE 6: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President of Communication, Vice-President of Activities,
Vice-President of Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian/HISD Board Liaison, Parliamentarian and Faculty
Representative. The Principal shall attend in an advisory capacity.
Vice-President of Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian/HISD Board Liaison, Parliamentarian and Faculty
Representative. The Principal shall attend in an advisory capacity.
2. The Executive Committee shall meet at such times and places before the regular meeting of the Committee as designated
by the President to set the agenda, coordinate all Committee activities and committee work, and make proposals and
recommendations to the Committee. The Executive Committee shall be subject to the orders of the Board, and none of its acts
shall conflict with action taken by the Board.
by the President to set the agenda, coordinate all Committee activities and committee work, and make proposals and
recommendations to the Committee. The Executive Committee shall be subject to the orders of the Board, and none of its acts
shall conflict with action taken by the Board.
3. A majority of members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for a vote of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE 7: MEETINGS
1. For the purpose of transacting business, a minimum of two general meetings shall be held during the year. The times and
places are to be determined by the Executive Committee (see Article 9) and approved by the Board within thirty days from the first
day of school in the fall.
places are to be determined by the Executive Committee (see Article 9) and approved by the Board within thirty days from the first
day of school in the fall.
2. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or by a majority of the members of the Board. The Board will
announce all such meetings publicly to the Challenge Early College High School community. All Board meetings will be open to
all PTO members and Challenge Early College High School faculty and staff.
announce all such meetings publicly to the Challenge Early College High School community. All Board meetings will be open to
all PTO members and Challenge Early College High School faculty and staff.
3. The Principal, or the Principal’s representative, shall attend the meetings.
4. To conduct business at all meetings of the organization, a simple majority of the Board members shall constitute a
quorum.
quorum.
5. Each Board member shall be entitled to one vote, regardless of how many positions this person holds.
ARTICLE 8: OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION
1. The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice-President of Communication, Vice President-Membership, Vice
President-Activities, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian/HISD Board Liaison, and Parliamentarian. These officers shall be elected at
the last regular meeting of the school year. Officers shall serve for a term of the school year, with the exception of the Treasurer,
whose office expires on July 31. The newly elected officers shall assume their duties at the conclusion of the school year,
following their election. Each officer shall hold office until a successor is duly selected and qualified. An officer may be elected
to succeed him- or herself in the same office. Two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of
President and Secretary.
President-Activities, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian/HISD Board Liaison, and Parliamentarian. These officers shall be elected at
the last regular meeting of the school year. Officers shall serve for a term of the school year, with the exception of the Treasurer,
whose office expires on July 31. The newly elected officers shall assume their duties at the conclusion of the school year,
following their election. Each officer shall hold office until a successor is duly selected and qualified. An officer may be elected
to succeed him- or herself in the same office. Two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of
President and Secretary.
2. Nomination of officers shall be made by a Nominating Committee of five members: three members of the Board and two
who are not members of the Board. The Board shall appoint the nominating committee and this committee shall elect its chair.
A member of the Nominating Committee may be nominated for an office for which they are otherwise eligible. The Nominating
Committee shall report to the Board before the last general meeting the name of at least one candidate for each office to be
filled. The consent of each candidate must be obtained before this person’s name is placed in nomination. Additional
nominations may be made from the floor at the last general meeting, provided written consent of said candidate has been
obtained and their eligibility verified before this person’s name is placed in nomination.
who are not members of the Board. The Board shall appoint the nominating committee and this committee shall elect its chair.
A member of the Nominating Committee may be nominated for an office for which they are otherwise eligible. The Nominating
Committee shall report to the Board before the last general meeting the name of at least one candidate for each office to be
filled. The consent of each candidate must be obtained before this person’s name is placed in nomination. Additional
nominations may be made from the floor at the last general meeting, provided written consent of said candidate has been
obtained and their eligibility verified before this person’s name is placed in nomination.
3. A vacancy occurring in an office or committee shall be filled by a vote of the members of the Board. If a vacancy occurs in
the office of the President, the Vice-President shall become President and the office of Vice-President shall be filled by a vote of
the remaining members of the Board.
the office of the President, the Vice-President shall become President and the office of Vice-President shall be filled by a vote of
the remaining members of the Board.
4. At the meeting when the election takes place, this piece of business shall take place before the first order of old business.
Each candidate for each contested office shall have five minutes to address the body. Once this is done, voting by secret ballot
shall take place, for contested elections only. Proxies, e-mail voting, and early voting are not allowed. The Nominations
Committee, excluding candidates, shall count the votes and announce the winners. Each candidate may have a representative
to act as an observer. Any protests shall be voted on by the membership present at the meeting.
Each candidate for each contested office shall have five minutes to address the body. Once this is done, voting by secret ballot
shall take place, for contested elections only. Proxies, e-mail voting, and early voting are not allowed. The Nominations
Committee, excluding candidates, shall count the votes and announce the winners. Each candidate may have a representative
to act as an observer. Any protests shall be voted on by the membership present at the meeting.
ARTICLE 9: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
1. The President shall regulate the order of business. This person shall prepare the agenda and preside over all meetings
of the organization, the PTO Board and the Executive Board, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. This person
shall assist in preparing the annual budget, and perform all other duties as may be prescribed in the bylaws or assigned by the
organization. The President shall sign checks in the absence of the Treasurer and generate the yearly calendar of PTO activities
voted on by the Board.
of the organization, the PTO Board and the Executive Board, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. This person
shall assist in preparing the annual budget, and perform all other duties as may be prescribed in the bylaws or assigned by the
organization. The President shall sign checks in the absence of the Treasurer and generate the yearly calendar of PTO activities
voted on by the Board.
2. The Vice President-Membership shall head the membership committee charged with obtaining new members and
oversee other committees the Board shall assign. The Vice President-Communication shall oversee all communication
between the PTO and membership including but not limited to the newsletter. The Vice President-Activities will assist with
developing fundraising activities and other PTO sponsored events.
A Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of that officer.
oversee other committees the Board shall assign. The Vice President-Communication shall oversee all communication
between the PTO and membership including but not limited to the newsletter. The Vice President-Activities will assist with
developing fundraising activities and other PTO sponsored events.
A Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of that officer.
3. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all meetings of the organization and the Executive board, including
attendance records; shall keep a roster of Board members and a copy of the bylaws and amendments; and shall handle all
correspondence pertaining to the organization. The Secretary shall distribute minutes to all Board members on or before each
general meeting, and to other members upon request. This person shall remind the committee members of Board meetings
and special meetings at least seven days before the meeting date. The Secretary shall prepare all blanks and ballots for use of
the organization.
attendance records; shall keep a roster of Board members and a copy of the bylaws and amendments; and shall handle all
correspondence pertaining to the organization. The Secretary shall distribute minutes to all Board members on or before each
general meeting, and to other members upon request. This person shall remind the committee members of Board meetings
and special meetings at least seven days before the meeting date. The Secretary shall prepare all blanks and ballots for use of
the organization.
4. The Treasurer shall receive all monies of the organization, help to prepare the annual budget; keep a full and accurate
record of receipts and expenditures, and shall pay out funds only as authorized by the Board. Checks shall be drawn upon
signatures of the Treasurer and/or President. The Treasurer shall present a statement of account at every meeting of the
organization, provided it has been at least four weeks since the last general meeting, and at other times when requested by the
Board. At the end of the school year, the Treasurer shall prepare an annual report for the Board by two weeks before the final
Board meeting in June. The Treasurer’s accounts shall be examined annually by an Auditing Committee of not less than three
members who, if satisfied that the Treasurer’s annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the
report. The Auditing Committee shall be appointed by the President and approved at the last general meeting of the school
year. The final report is due at the June meeting.
record of receipts and expenditures, and shall pay out funds only as authorized by the Board. Checks shall be drawn upon
signatures of the Treasurer and/or President. The Treasurer shall present a statement of account at every meeting of the
organization, provided it has been at least four weeks since the last general meeting, and at other times when requested by the
Board. At the end of the school year, the Treasurer shall prepare an annual report for the Board by two weeks before the final
Board meeting in June. The Treasurer’s accounts shall be examined annually by an Auditing Committee of not less than three
members who, if satisfied that the Treasurer’s annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the
report. The Auditing Committee shall be appointed by the President and approved at the last general meeting of the school
year. The final report is due at the June meeting.
5. All officers shall deliver to their successor or the incoming President a permanent portfolio and all official material not later
than ten days following the last day of school. These materials shall include an annual report and recommendations.
than ten days following the last day of school. These materials shall include an annual report and recommendations.
6. The Vice-President and other officers shall have such other duties and responsibilities, and shall oversee such other
committees, as the Board shall from time to time prescribe.
committees, as the Board shall from time to time prescribe.
ARTICLE 10: BUDGET AND EXPENDITURES
1. The Executive Committee will prepare the annual budget by the final Board meeting in June, based on estimates of
revenues and spending needs. In preparing the budget, they will consult the chair of each standing and special committee.
Expenditures for fund-raising activities will be included in the proposed annual budget. The Board shall submit the budget for
approval by the membership by the August general meeting.
revenues and spending needs. In preparing the budget, they will consult the chair of each standing and special committee.
Expenditures for fund-raising activities will be included in the proposed annual budget. The Board shall submit the budget for
approval by the membership by the August general meeting.
2. The Treasurer is authorized to pay all bills incurred up to the amount approved for that category of expenditures in the
budget. The Treasurer must have the approval of the Board to make payments for expenses exceeding the budget amount by
$250 or 20% whichever is less. All PTO checks over $250 must have two signatures, the Treasurer’s and the President’s.
budget. The Treasurer must have the approval of the Board to make payments for expenses exceeding the budget amount by
$250 or 20% whichever is less. All PTO checks over $250 must have two signatures, the Treasurer’s and the President’s.
3. Expenses not allocated in the budget must be approved by a vote of the Board at a regular or special meeting.
4. The Board shall leave a balance of at least $1,000 in the treasury at the end of each school year to cover initial expenses
for the following school year.
for the following school year.
ARTICLE 11: COMMITTEES
1. A Nominating Committee consisting of the Vice President, SVC Coordinator, two parents and one faculty member shall
gather names for nomination for all standing committee chair positions to present for the ballot by the spring meeting.
gather names for nomination for all standing committee chair positions to present for the ballot by the spring meeting.
2. Standing committees shall be created by the Board, as may be required, to promote the objectives and interests of the
organization. Nominees for the chair of each standing committee shall be announced as soon as possible following the
President’s election at the spring regular meeting and the chairs shall be approved by the Board at the final meeting of the
school year in June. The term of office shall be one year.
organization. Nominees for the chair of each standing committee shall be announced as soon as possible following the
President’s election at the spring regular meeting and the chairs shall be approved by the Board at the final meeting of the
school year in June. The term of office shall be one year.
3. The Board as required shall create special committees. The chairs of these committees shall be selected by the
President and approved by the Board and shall serve for the life of the committee or annually whichever is less. These created
special committee chairs and co-chairs shall become members of the Board and therefore have voting rights (one vote per
person) the same as standing committee chairs.
President and approved by the Board and shall serve for the life of the committee or annually whichever is less. These created
special committee chairs and co-chairs shall become members of the Board and therefore have voting rights (one vote per
person) the same as standing committee chairs.
4. The chairs of all committees shall present plans of work for approval by the Board.
5. All expenditures by a committee over the allotted budget must be preapproved by the Treasurer.
6. When the chair of a standing committee becomes vacant, the President shall appoint a new chair. The chair of each
committee shall deliver to their successor a permanent portfolio and all official material not later than ten days following the last
Board meeting of the school year. These materials shall include an annual report, budget/expense report, and
recommendations.
committee shall deliver to their successor a permanent portfolio and all official material not later than ten days following the last
Board meeting of the school year. These materials shall include an annual report, budget/expense report, and
recommendations.
7. The following committees shall be the standing committees of the organization, serving with such special committees, as
the Board shall create. In every case where possible and practical, the committees shall have at least two members.
the Board shall create. In every case where possible and practical, the committees shall have at least two members.
a. Membership – The Membership Committee shall be under the Vice-President and shall assist in the membership drive
for new members.
for new members.
b. Directory – The Directory Committee shall produce a student directory at lowest possible cost; sell advertising to defray
some of that cost; and produce it as early in the school year as possible.
some of that cost; and produce it as early in the school year as possible.
c. Senior Celebration – This committee shall consist of parents, the principal and faculty representative who will plan a
special event at the end of the school year for graduating seniors as well as assist with planning a yearbook signing celebration
and with a graduation/awards ceremony.
special event at the end of the school year for graduating seniors as well as assist with planning a yearbook signing celebration
and with a graduation/awards ceremony.
d. 13th Grade Celebration -- This committee shall consist of parents, the principal and faculty representative who will plan a
special event at the end of the school year for 13th graders as well as assist with planning a yearbook signing celebration and
with a graduation/awards ceremony.
special event at the end of the school year for 13th graders as well as assist with planning a yearbook signing celebration and
with a graduation/awards ceremony.
e. Yearbook – The Yearbook Committee shall assist the staff to organize and publish the annual yearbook, take orders from
students, and distribute the book in the spring.
students, and distribute the book in the spring.
f. Hospitality/Teacher Appreciation – The Hospitality Committee shall plan special events throughout the year for teachers
and staff, including a luncheon. The School Volunteer Coordinator will provide to this committee a list of parents who have
agreed to provide refreshments for school functions. This committee will also act as official hostesses
and staff, including a luncheon. The School Volunteer Coordinator will provide to this committee a list of parents who have
agreed to provide refreshments for school functions. This committee will also act as official hostesses
g. Newsletter/Publicity – This committee shall edit, print and distribute the PTO newsletter and submit articles and
photographs of interest to area newspapers and media. They will coordinate with school personnel to accomplish these goals.
photographs of interest to area newspapers and media. They will coordinate with school personnel to accomplish these goals.
i. Fundraising – This committee will report to the Vice-President and is responsible for proposing and coordinating all
fundraising deemed necessary by the Board to include a minimum of one major fundraising event per semester. Details of
collecting money will be overseen by the Treasurer to insure proper controls are followed and timely deposits are made.
fundraising deemed necessary by the Board to include a minimum of one major fundraising event per semester. Details of
collecting money will be overseen by the Treasurer to insure proper controls are followed and timely deposits are made.
ARTICLE 12: STANDING RULES
The Board or membership may, by a majority vote of either body, create standing rules to govern the behavior of officers,
members, meetings, and all other matters of the PTO, to the extent that they do not conflict with these bylaws. These rules are
expected to include an elaboration of all special committees, meeting schedules and agendas, and membership dues, among
other things as seen fit.
members, meetings, and all other matters of the PTO, to the extent that they do not conflict with these bylaws. These rules are
expected to include an elaboration of all special committees, meeting schedules and agendas, and membership dues, among
other things as seen fit.
ARTICLE 13: RULES OF ORDER
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern this organization in all cases to which they are
applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and with standing or special rules of order this organization
may adopt.
applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and with standing or special rules of order this organization
may adopt.
ARTICLE 14: AMENDMENTS
These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the Board by an affirmative vote of the majority of the members
present, provided written notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given to the members at least one month before
the date of the meeting. Said proposed amendment will then be presented at a general meeting.
present, provided written notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given to the members at least one month before
the date of the meeting. Said proposed amendment will then be presented at a general meeting.
ARTICLE 15: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
The Board may remove officers or committee chairs demonstrating nonfeasance or malfeasance. If the Board, by a majority
vote, feels this may be necessary, one warning shall be provided.
vote, feels this may be necessary, one warning shall be provided.
h. Campus Beautification – The Campus Beautification Committee shall oversee the implementing and planning of projects
throughout the year that result in the improvement of the interior and exterior appearance of the school campus.
throughout the year that result in the improvement of the interior and exterior appearance of the school campus.