BLOOMSBURG MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY PARENT TEACHER

ORGANIZATION BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I- NAME

The name of this organization is Bloomsburg Memorial Elementary Parent Teacher Organization of 500 Market street, Bloomsburg, PA, 17815, to be referred to as “PTO” throughout this document.

ARTICLE II- OBJECTIVES

• Enhance children's learning experiences by providing enrichment programs and social activities.
• Provide opportunities for community service to promote citizenship as part of a well-rounded education.
• Support the staff and school.
• To raise funds for school programs and equipment to enhance the education of students.

ARTICLE III- BASIC POLICIES

• The organization, the name of the organization and any member shall be noncommercial, non-profit, non-sectarian and non-partisan when acting in an official capacity of the PTO.
• The organization may wish to cooperate with other organizations or agencies active in child welfare. However, such cooperative effort shall be approved by the Executive Council. (See Article IX)
• Upon dissolution of the Memorial PTO organization the Executive Council shall after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, dispose of all the assets of the organization in such manner, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future united States Internal Revenue Law), as the executive council shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the corporation or organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes as said Court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
• The organization may provide funds for educational materials and activities to supplement those provided by the school district. Purchases must be approved by the school Principal.
• Meetings of the general membership will be held throughout the school year at a time and place to be determined. An agenda will be provided.
• A meeting must consist of at least three executive council members and two other members in order for any business to be conducted.

ARTICLE IV-MEMBERSHIP

• All parents, legal guardians, direct relatives of children currently attending or who previously attended Bloomsburg Memorial Elementary, educators and staff of the district, and community members, are considered members of this organization with all equal voting rights.
• Only members whose descendants are currently enrolled in Bloomsburg Memorial Elementary are eligible to be members of the Executive Council.
• The President has no voting rights unless to determine a tie.

ARTICLE V- FISCAL YEAR

• The fiscal year of the PTO shall run from July 1- June 30th.
• Tax forms will be completed by July 30th to maintain our 501(c) non-profit status.
• A minimum of two audits must be completed per year.

ARTICLE VI-PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

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

ARTICLE VII-ELECTION OF OFFICERS

• The officers of this organization shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Fundraising chair(s).
• Officers shall be elected by ballot annually in the month of June. In the event of only one member running for an executive position, a verbal majority vote will be taken at the meeting.
• Officers shall assume official duties following the close of the fiscal year and shall serve for a term of one year or until the election of a successor.
• The principal will serve as the Judge of Elections.
• Nominations of those who would like to be on the executive council will be made from the floor at the May meeting. A person does not have to be in attendance to be nominated, but must submit a letter of intent at the May meeting. Nominations will be closed at the end of the May meeting.
• A list of those nominated will be made available to all PTO members at least one week prior to the June meeting.
• Ballots will be available at the June meeting so members may vote. All ballots will be placed directly into a ballot box.
• The Judge of Elections will, with the assistance of a PTO member not currently running for or currently holding an executive position, tally the votes and make the results known within 24 hours to the Executive Council.
• Voting of the general membership shall not be permitted by proxy or by absentee ballot. However, members attending the meeting via Zoom may cast their ballot via an electronic form during the meeting voting time.
• A vacancy occurring at any time during the year, shall be filled for the unexpired term by a PTO member, and appointed by a majority of the remaining members of the Executive Council.
• Any officer unable to fulfill the duties of their position, and no changes after written explanation from the President, a motion can be made to vote an officer out of office with a motion of no confidence. A majority vote from executive committee members will decide the vote. The President can vote in this decision.

ARTICLE VIII-DUTIES OF OFFICERS

• Establish a time and date of all meetings of the organization.
• Prepare and provide an agenda for general meetings.

• Record the minutes of all meetings of the organization and submit draft copies for review and provide a corrected and final version to those present at the meeting.
• Keep a file of all vital PTO correspondence.
• Maintain a yearly budget for the organization.

The President shall:

1. Preside at all meetings of the organization and the Executive Committee.
2. Perform other duties as prescribed in these by-laws or assigned by the organization of the Executive Committee.
3. Coordinate the work of the officers and committees of the organization
4. Serve as ex-officio member of all of these special committees.
5. One month prior to the call for nominations for officers will be accepted and the rules applying to the making and accepting of nominations.
6. Prepare and provide agenda for general and executive meetings.

The Vice President shall:

1. Assist the President and perform other duties as requested by the remaining officers.
2. Establish and coordinate good-will relations between the school and the PTO.
3. Perform duties of the President in the absence or disability of that officer.
4. Keep original copies of legal, tax, and organization forms.

The Secretary shall:

1. Record the minutes of all meetings of the organization and the Executive Committee. The Secretary shall submit draft copies for review and provide a corrected and final version to those present at the meeting. The secretary shall provide hard copies for the next meeting for vote.
2. Keep a file of all vital PTO correspondence.
3. Prepare ballots for elections.
4. Perform other duties as requested by the remaining officers.

The Treasurer shall:

1. Have custody of all funds of the organization.
2. Keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures.
3. Make expenditures in accordance with a vote by the Executive Committee.
4. Present a financial statement at each meeting of the organization and at other times when requested by the Executive Committee.
5. Reconcile all Debit card purchases, if the card is voted upon by the Executive Committee at each election year.

All debit card purchases must have a receipt signed by the Treasurer and another Executive Committee member.

6. Cooperate with an auditing committee of two members appointed by the Executive Committee. The Auditing Committee shall examine the Treasurer’s annual report and other financial records; and when satisfied that the records are in order, and sign a statement certifying their findings. This must be completed by the end of the fiscal year.
7. Perform other duties as requested by the remaining officers.

The Fundraising Chair shall:

1. Present fundraising options to the Executive Committee and members.
2. Maintain communication with outside parties involved with the fundraiser.

3. Submit a proposal to the President to get submitted to the school board 2 weeks prior to the school board meeting.
4. Make all communications for students and the community about the fundraiser.
5. Submit any information to the President that needs to be submitted to the teachers about the fundraiser.
6. Deliver all monies collected to the Treasurer within 24 hours prior to close of fundraiser or when monies are collected.
7. The person coordinating fundraising activities and/or collecting funds shall have no affiliation with said fundraising company.
8. Perform other duties as requested by the remaining officers.

ARTICLE IX- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee consists of the elected committee of the organization. Members of the Executive Committee shall serve until the election or appointment of their successor.

9. • The Executive Council shall:
     • 1. Transact the necessary business of the organization on an ad-hoc basis.
     • 2. Establish standing committees when necessary.
     • 3. Approve plans of work of the standing committees.
     • 4. Appoint an auditing committee.
     • 5. Approve payments of bills within budgetary limits.

• Meetings of the Executive Council shall be held during the school year, the time and place to be determined by the business to be conducted.
• Additional correspondence between executive members can take place between meetings when extenuating circumstances occur.

ARTICLE X- STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The Executive Council may create such standing committees as it may deem necessary to promote the objectives and to carry on the work of the organization.

• 1. The term of the chairpersons of standing or special committees shall be one year or until the election, Committee dissolves, or appointment of their successors.
  2. The chairperson of each standing committee or special committee shall present a plan of work to the Executive Council for approval. Committee work may be undertaken only with the consent of the Executive Council.
  3. The authority to form and dissolve special committees and appoint members rests with the Executive Council.

These by-laws will be revisited yearly for possible revisions and voting.

2024-2025 Officers President:

Michele Davis