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).
Section 1. The objects of the Fairfield SEPTA, Inc., in common with those of the National and the Connecticut PTSA are:
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”).
The following are basic policies of National PTA:
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
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
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.:
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.
Article VII: Duties of Officers
Section 1. The President shall:
Section 2. The Vice President(s) and/or President Elect shall:
Section 3. The Secretary shall:
Section 4. The Treasurer shall:
Section 5: The Treasurer Elect shall:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
Section 2. Additionally to be in “good standing” with the 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
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
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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