SEPTA By-Laws

Fairfield Special Education PTA (SEPTA), Inc. - Revised 2016

Article I	NAME
Article II	PURPOSES
Article III	BASIC POLICIES
Article IV	RELATIONSHIP WITH NATIONAL PTA AND CT PTA
Article V	MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Article VI	OFFICERS
Article VII	DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Article VIII	BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Article IX	EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Article X	COMMITTEES
Article XI	GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Article XII	COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
Article XIII	CONNECTICUT PTA ANNUAL MEETING
Article XIV	FISCAL YEAR
Article XV	PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Article XVI	AMENDMENTS
Article XVII	FAIRFIELD SEPTA, Inc. CONTINUING AFFILIATION
Article XVIII	CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY
Article XIX	WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY

Article I: Name

The name of this organization is the Fairfield SEPTA, Inc., Fairfield, Connecticut.It is a local SEPTA organized under the authority of Connecticut Congress of Parents and Teachers (Connecticut PTA) a branch of National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA).

Article II: Purposes

Section 1. The objects of the Fairfield SEPTA, Inc., in common with those of the National and the Connecticut PTSA 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 closer relation to the home and 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 the children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.

Section 2. The purposes of the SEPTA 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 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 referred to as “Internal Revenue Code”).

#Article III: Basic Policies

The following are basic policies of National PTA:

The organization shall be non-commercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan,
The organization shall work with the schools and community to provide quality education for all children and youth and shall seek to participate in the decisionmaking 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 persons 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 set forth in Article II hereof,
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 nonprofit funds, foundations, or organizations that have established their taxexempt 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 by propaganda or otherwise.

Article IV: Relationship with National PTA and Connecticut PTA

Section 1. This local SEPTA shall be organized and chartered under the authority of the Connecticut PTA in the area in which this local SEPTA functions; in conformity with such rules and regulations, as the Connecticut PTA may in its bylaws prescribe. The Connecticut PTA shall issue to this local SEPTA an appropriate charter evidencing the due organization and good standing of this local SEPTA.

A local SEPTA in good standing is one that

Adheres to the purposes and basic policies of the SEPTA;
Remits the national portion of the dues through the state PTA to reach the national office by dates designated by National PTA;
Has bylaws approved according to the procedures of its state;
Have all Presidents & Treasurers attend a Leadership Orientation course that has been provided or approved by the CT PTA. This training must be completed by Oct. 15th or within 60 days after filling a vacancy and 4
Meets other criteria as may be prescribed by the individual state PTA.

Section 2. This local SEPTA shall adopt such bylaws for the government of the organization as may be approved by the Connecticut PTA. Such bylaws shall not be in conflict with National PTA Bylaws or the bylaws of Connecticut PTA.

Section 3. This SEPTA shall include in its bylaws provisions corresponding to the Connecticut PTA Bylaws.

Section 4. The adoption of an amendment to any provision of the Connecticut PTA bylaws shall serve automatically and without the requirement of further action by this council (SEPTA) to amend its corresponding bylaws. This local SEPTA shall promptly incorporate such amendments in its bylaws.

Section 5. Bylaws of this local SEPTA shall include an article on amendments, Whistle Blower and Conflict of Interest.

Section 6. Bylaws of this local SEPTA shall include a provision establishing a quorum.

Section 7. Each officer or Board member of this local SEPTA shall be a member of this local SEPTA.

Section 8. The bylaws of this local SEPTA shall prohibit voting by proxy.

Article V: Membership and Dues

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

Section 2. Each member of this local SEPTA shall pay annual dues to said organization. The amount of such annual dues shall include the portion payable to the Connecticut PTA and the portion payable to National PTA.

Section 3. Membership in this SEPTA shall be open, without discrimination, to anyone who believes in and supports the Mission and Purposes of National PTA.

Section 4. This local SEPTA shall conduct an annual enrollment of members, but may admit persons to membership at any time.

Section 5. A membership year runs from July 1st through June 30th

Article VI: Officers

Section 1. The officers of this local SEPTA shall be a President, President Elect, First Vice President for Fundraising, Second Vice President for Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, Treasurer Elect, and Administrative Liaison.

Section 2. Officers shall be elected in the month of May at the Annual Meeting. (Same month as in Article XI, Section 3)

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

Section 4. The following provisions shall govern the eligibility of individuals to be officers of the Fairfield SEPTA, Inc.:

Each officer shall be a member of this local SEPTA.
No officer may be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.
A person who has served in an office for more than one half of a full term shall be deemed to have served a full term in such office.

Section 5. Officers shall assume their official duties following the close of the fiscal year and shall serve for a term of two years or until their successors are elected.

Section 6. A vacancy occurring in the office of President shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by the President Elect,the Vice President, starting with the First Vice President for Fundraising, then the Second Vice President for Membership. If either the President Elect or Vice Presidents of the above named are not able to fill the position then a nominating committee is formed according to Article VI, Section 7. A vacancy in any office other than President shall be filled by the Board of Directors.

Section 7. There shall be a Nominating Committee composed of at least three members or an odd number of no more than 7 members,who shall be elected by this local SEPTA at a regular general membership meeting at least three months but not later than two months prior to the election of officers, as outlined in Article VI, Section 2.

The committee shall be chaired by the Past President or elect its chair,
The nominating committee shall nominate 1 eligible person for each office to be filled and report its nominees at the regular general membership meeting in April, one month prior to elections,
Anyone wishing to run from the floor must notify the President at least one week before the date of the election, (See Article VI, Section 2)
Only those individuals who are current members of this local SEPTA and who have signified their consent to serve if elected shall be nominated for, or elected to, such office,
Only those individuals who have been members of this local SEPTA at least 30 days prior to elections are eligible to vote in the current election, (See Article VI, Section 2)
The president or president-elect shall be ineligible to serve on the nominating committee.

Article VII: Duties of Officers

Section 1. The President shall:

Preside at all meetings of this local SEPTA,
Sign all contracts,
Serve as an ex officio member of all committees, except the nominating committee, in a nonvoting position,
Coordinate the work of the officers and committees of this local SEPTA in order that the purposes may be promoted,
Attend required training approved by the CT PTA,
Perform such other duties as may be provided for by these bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee.

Section 2. The Vice President(s) and/or President Elect shall:

Act as aide(s) to the President,
In their designated order, perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence or inability to serve,
Perform such other duties as may be provided for by these bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the President, the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee,
The First Vice President(s) for Fundraising and the Second Vice President(s) for Membership shall coordinate their designated areas, form committees and keep the Executive Committee informed of plans and results of activities.

Section 3. The Secretary shall:

Record the minutes and attendance of all meetings of the Fairfield SEPTA, Inc.,
Be prepared to read the records of any previous meetings,
File all records,
Have a current copy of the bylaws,
Maintain a membership list,
Perform such other duties as may be provided for by these bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the President, the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee.

Section 4. The Treasurer shall:

Have custody of the funds of this local SEPTA,
Maintain a full account of the funds of this local SEPTA,
Make disbursements as authorized by the President, Executive Board, or this local SEPTA in accordance with the budget adopted by this local SEPTA,
Have checks over the amount of $1,000.00 signed by two people: the Treasurer and the President,
Cause to be kept a full and accurate account of the receipts and disbursements in the books belonging to the Fairfield SEPTA, Inc.,
Provide a full written financial statement to the Board of Directors at each meeting,
Present account balances at every meeting of the association,
Provide full financial statements to members only,
Maintain a list of members,
Submit membership fees to the state office on a monthly basis,
Submit the books annually for a review or audit by a review or auditing committee selected by the Board of Directors at least one month before the meeting at which new officers assume duties,
Report the findings of the annual review or audit to the Board of Directors and send a copy to the state office,
Attend required training approved by the CT PTA,
Perform such other duties as may be provided for by these bylaws, prescribed by the parliamentary authority, or directed by the President, the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee.

Section 5: The Treasurer Elect shall:

Assist the Treasurer in his/her duties, except for signing checks,
Make deposits of funds and prepare cash boxes for events,
Coordinate the collection and reconciliation of fundraising revenues in connection with committee chairs,
Participate in the budget preparation process,
In the absence of the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer shall assume the Treasurer’s responsibilities.

Article VIII: Board of Directors

Section 1. The affairs of the Fairfield SEPTA, Inc. shall be managed by the Board of Directors in the intervals between local SEPTA general membership meetings.

Section 2. Each Board member shall be a paid member of this local SEPTA.

Section 3. The members of the Board shall be:

Elected officers,
the Past President, Past Treasurer, Programming Chair, Communications Chair, Parent Resources Chair, Board of Education Representative, Education Budget Representative, Early Childhood Center Representative, and the PTA Council Representative.
The President may appoint a Parliamentarian to advise on Roberts Rules (a nonvoting position).

Section 4. Parliamentarian Description

a. The Parliamentarian is a consultant, commonly a professional, who advises the President and other officers, committees, and members on matters of parliamentary procedure. The Parliamentarian’s role during a meeting is purely an advisory and consultative one since parliamentary law gives to the chair alone the power to rule on questions of order or to answer parliamentary inquiries.

Section 5. Duties of the Board shall be to:

Carry out such business as may be referred to it by the membership of the association,
Create special committees,
Create a report at the regular general membership meetings of this local SEPTA,
Select an auditor or review committee to audit/review the Treasurer’s accounts,
Prepare and submit an annual budget to this local SEPTA’s general membership for adoption,
Approve payment of routine bills within the limits of the approved budget,
Approval of the expenditure of unbudgeted funds up to the amount of $100.00/ year.

Section 6. If any member of the Board of Directors 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 Board of Directors.

Section 7. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held with the date and time to be fixed by the Board at its first meeting of the year.

Section 8. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President or when requested by 2 members upon seven days written notice to each member of the Board.

Section 9. At all meetings of the board, a majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 10. Upon the expiration of the term of office or when individuals cease to hold the position that entitles them to be a member of the Board, they shall automatically cease to be a member of the Board and shall be relieved of all duties and responsibilities incident to such membership. All records, books, and other materials pertaining to the position shall be turned over to the President and all funds pertaining to the position shall be returned to the Treasurer within 14 days.

Article IX: Executive Committee

Section 1. There shall be an Executive Committee of the Fairfield SEPTA, Inc., the members of which shall be

a. All elected officers. (see Article VI Section 1)

Section 2. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the President or upon written request of 2 members with seven days’ notice to each member of the Executive Committee.

Section 3. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 4. Duties of the Executive Committee shall be to:

Transact business referred to it by the board,
Appoint standing committee chairs and members,
Approve the work of the committees,
Act in emergencies between meetings of the board. The Executive Committee shall take no action in conflict with any action taken by the Board of Directors.

Article X: Committees

Section 1. Only members of this local SEPTA shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointive positions

Section 2. The standing committees of this local SEPTA shall be:

Grants, Website, Hospitality, Diversity Day, Parks & Recreation Liaison, Friend of SEPTA, Police/Fire Dept. Liaison, Sunshine, Volunteer Coordinator, Gifted and Talented.

Section 3. The Board of Directors may create such special committees, as it may deem necessary to promote the purposes of SEPTA and carry on the work of this local SEPTA.

Section 4. The term of office of a committee chair shall be one year or until the selection of a successor.

Section 5. The chair of each committee shall present a plan of work to the Executive Committee for approval. No committee work shall be undertaken without the consent of the Executive Committee.

Section 6. The committee chair is responsible for requesting funds as outlined in the annual budget and ensuring that funds are dispersed appropriately.

Section 7. The committee chairs shall coordinate their designated areas and keep the Executive Committee informed of plans and results of activities. (see Article IX, Section 4(c))

Article XI: General Membership Meetings

Section 1. Regular meetings of this local SEPTA shall be held with the date and time to be fixed by the Board, unless otherwise provided by this local SEPTA, the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee. Seven (7) calendar days’ notice shall be given to the membership of any change of date.

Section 2. Special meetings of this local SEPTA may be called by the President or by a majority of the Board of Directors, 72 hours’ notice having been given.

Section 3. The annual meeting shall be held in May when the elections are held. (See Article VI, Section 2)

Section 4. Ten (10) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in any meeting of this local SEPTA.

Section 5. The President may appoint a Parliamentarian to advise on Roberts Rules (a nonvoting position)

a. Description: The Parliamentarian is a consultant, commonly a professional, who advises the President and other officers, committees, and members on matters of parliamentary procedure. The Parliamentarian’s role during a meeting is purely an advisory and consultative one since parliamentary law gives to the chair alone the power to rule on questions of order or to answer parliamentary inquiries.

Article XII: Council Membership

Section 1. This local SEPTA shall be represented in meetings of the Fairfield PTA Council by the President, or appointed alternate, and by one delegate or alternate(s).

All representatives to the PTA Council must be paid members of this local SEPTA;
Delegates and their alternates shall be appointed by the Board of Directors in May;
Delegates to the Fairfield PTA Council shall serve for a term of one year;

Section 2. This local SEPTA shall pay annual dues to the PTA Council as provided by the PTA Council.

Article XIII: Connecticut PTA Annual Meeting

Section 1. The voting power of the Annual Meeting shall be vested in the members of the Connecticut PTA Board of Directors, the local SEPTA Presidents or their alternates, the local SEPTA VicePresidents or their alternates, and one delegate for every twentyfive members of each local SEPTA according to the books of the state Treasurer as of March 15 preceding the Annual Meeting. A local SEPTA having less than twentyfive members shall be entitled to send one delegate in addition to its President and VicePresident.

All representatives to the Connecticut PTA Annual Meeting must be paid members of this local SEPTA.
Delegates and their alternates shall be elected in May

Article XIV: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Fairfield SEPTA Inc. shall begin on July 1st and end on the following June 30th.

Article XV: Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern Fairfield SEPTA, Inc. and in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with these bylaws, the National PTA Bylaws, the Connecticut PTSA Bylaws or the articles of incorporation.

Article XVI: Amendments

Section 1. These bylaws may be amended at any regular general membership meeting of the Fairfield SEPTA Inc. by a two thirds vote of those present and voting, provided the amendments have been approved by the Board of Directors and notice of proposed amendments has been provided to the membership thirty (30) days prior to the meeting

Section 2. The Executive Committee or the Board of Directors by a majority vote will submit a revised set of bylaws to be approved by a twothirds vote of those present and voting at any regular general membership (as per section 1).

Section 3. Amendments or revised bylaws shall be in accordance with the bylaws or regulations of the Connecticut PTA. Amended or revised bylaws must be reviewed by Connecticut PTA prior to being voted in at a general membership meeting.

Article XVII: Fairfield SEPTA Inc. Continuing Affiliation

Section 1. All affiliates need to be in “good standing” with the Connecticut PTA. The following Items must be sent to Connecticut PTA per the current Connecticut PTA Standards of Affiliation.

Officer Information Sheet submitted to CT PTA,
Membership Fees Monthly. Each local SEPTA shall pay membership fees to Connecticut PTA. The amount of such fees shall include the portion payable to National PTA,
Annual Review or Audit of Finance Records,
Copy of IRS 990 (due to IRS by Nov 15) copy to Connecticut PTA by October 31 st of each year,
Proof of Insurance.

Section 2. Additionally to be in “good standing” with the Connecticut PTA

Bylaws should be updated every 3 years, not to exceed 5 years. Bylaws must be reviewed by Connecticut PTA at least every 5 years according to Connecticut PTA Standards of Affiliation and then voted in by the Fairfield SEPTA Inc. membership.
President(s) and Treasurer(s) must attend training that has been approved by Connecticut PTA.

Article XVIII: Conflict of Interest Policy

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect the interests of this taxexempt organization, (the “Organization), when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the Organization 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 2. Definitions

Interested Person
Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.
Financial Interest
A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment or family:
1. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement,
2. A compensation arrangement with any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, or
3. A proposal ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.

A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.

Section 3. Procedures

In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
The remaining Board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon.
An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.

Article XIX: Whistle Blower Policy Section

Section 1. Fairfield SEPTA Inc. requires Board members, all officers, committee chairs and members to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As affiliates and representatives of the Fairfield SEPTA Inc. we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Section 2. This Whistle Blower is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that Fairfield SEPTA Inc. can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all Board members, officers, employees and volunteers to report concerns about violations of Fairfield SEPTA Inc.’s code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern Fairfield SEPTA Inc.’s operations.

Section 3. It is contrary to the values of Fairfield SEPTA Inc. for anyone to retaliate against any Board member, officer, and employee or volunteer who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of Fairfield SEPTA Inc. An employee or volunteer who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment and or rescission of membership rights.

Section 4. Fairfield SEPTA Inc. has an open door policy and suggests that all Board members, officers, committee chairs and staff share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with their President. If you are not comfortable speaking with your President or you are not satisfied with your President’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the Treasurer of Fairfield SEPTA Inc. Board Members or officers are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to the Fairfield SEPTA Inc.’s President or Treasurer. If you are not satisfied with the response from your President and or Treasurer, you may contact Connecticut PTA for further guidance.

Section 5. The Fairfield SEPTA Inc.’s Treasurer is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Treasurer will advise the Fairfield SEPTA Inc.’s President of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.

Section 6. The Fairfield SEPTA Inc.’s Treasurer shall immediately notify the Audit Committee/Finance Committee of any concerns or complaint regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.

Section 7. Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

Section 8. Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Section 9. The Fairfield SEPTA Inc.’s President will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

Bylaws:

Fairfield SEPTA Bylaws approved 10/9/2002
Amended 6/9/2004
Amended 6/15/2007
Amended 2/13/2008
Amended 4/9/2008
Amended 5/9/2012
Amended 2016

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