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Article I: Name
The name of the organization is the Parent, Teacher, Organization (PTO) of Theodore Schor Middle School.
Article II: Purpose
The Objects of the organization are:
v To promote the welfare and educational enrichment of the children in the home, the school and the community.
v To work with the school to ensure that there are adequate rules and regulations for the care and protection of our children.
v To establish a communicative link between the administration, staff, parents, and teachers in order to bridge a cooperative relationship for the betterment of the education of our children.
v To develop and foster strong community and school spirit between educators, and the general public and pursue such united efforts with an open door policy, where parents are welcome in the school and their support and assistance are sought.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to enrich student’s educational experience by providing programs and activities for students and their families where as budgetary restraints would otherwise make unavailable. To work together with staff, teachers, parents, and students to foster and bridge any communication gaps within the school and community so that we can work together for the best interest of the children.
Article III: Basic Policies
The following are basic policies of the organization:
v The organization shall be noncommercial, non-sectarian and non-partisan.
v The organization shall endorse and support the Philosophy, policies, and goals of Theodore Schor Middle School.
v The name of the organization or the names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used in any connection with commercial concern, or with any partisan interest or for any purpose not appropriately related to promotion of the objects of this organization.
v The organization shall not directly or indirectly participate or intervene (in anyway, 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 it’s activities to attempt to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise.
v The organization shall work with the school through actions and communications, to seek to improve understanding and cooperation between home and school as a way to provide quality education for all children and shall participate in the decision making process establishing school policy; recognizing that legal responsibility to make decisions has been delegated by the people of the board of education. Therefore, avoid interference with the administration of the school.
v The organization may cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with the children’s welfare, but persons representing the organization in such matters shall make no commitments and bind the organization.
v The PTO shall work within the adopted budget of the organization and utilize the funds raised for necessary expenditures.
v No part of the net earning of the organization shall be given for the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, trustees, officers, or other private person 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 purpose set forth in Article II hereof;
v Upon the dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit funds, foundations, or organizations in Piscataway that have established their tax exempt status under section 501 ©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Article IV: Articles of Organization
The organization is a not-for-profit corporation, organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey. Its “articles of organization” comprise the certificate of incorporation of articles of incorporation and these bylaws as from time to time amended.
Article V: Membership and Dues
Any parent with child/children, legal guardian, staff member or administrator directly related to Theodore Schor Middle School PTO in the Piscataway School District who pays the membership dues and who subscribes to the objects and basic policies of the organization may become a member of this organization, subject only to compliance with the provisions of the bylaws. Membership in this organization shall be available without regard to race, color, creed or national origin.
The organization shall conduct an annual enrollment of members but persons may be admitted to membership at any time.
Bi-Law Updates:
Each member of the organization shall pay dues of$5.00 per family per school year (September thru August) or make a monitory donation not with standing volunteer time.
Article VI: Officers, Their Elections and Duties
The offices of this organization shall be President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Treasurer, Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, Membership Chairperson, and Fundraising Chairperson. Only members of the organization shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointed position.
An officer may hold two roles during office at any one time. For example, the Vice President may also be the Fundraising Chairperson. All Board Members must make every attempt to attend all Executive Board meetings and General Membership meetings. These meetings will be held the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm.
v The officers shall be elected by annual ballot or voting at the general meeting in May. A majority vote of members present is needed.
v Officers shall assume their official duties at the close of the meetings in June and shall serve for a term of (1) year and/or until their successors are elected.
v A person shall not be eligible to serve more than two (2) consecutive years in the same office.
v Upon vacancies, a person must be elected by the majority to fill a vacancy occurring in any office for the unexpired term, notice of such election having been given. In case of vacancy occurring in the office of President, the Vice President shall succeed to the office and fill the unexpired term. If a position is not filled, every effort is to be made to fill the position before the upcoming year. However, if there is no one to fill the position the executive board will vote whether to cancel functions due to lack of support or cover the position amongst themselves.
Duties:
v The President shall preside over all meetings (executive and membership) and work cooperatively with the principal, assistant principal, officers, and board members in providing services in achieving the mission of the organization.
v The Vice President shall act as an aide to the President, and shall attend special meetings in relief of the President. When delegated, assist the President in making necessary telephone calls, copies, and distribution of memo’s and shall perform the duties of President in the absence of/or inability of that officer to act.
v The Treasurer shall prepare the annual budget of the organization, keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures of the organization, and shall make disbursements as authorized by the President of the organization. An authorized individual shall count all monies received through PTO activities. All deposits must be deposited within 2 business days. The Treasurer shall prepare and present a financial statement at every monthly meeting of the organization and at other times when requested and shall make a full report at the meeting at which new officers officially assume their duties.
v The Recording Secretary shall record the minutes of the meeting of the organization, type, copy and distribute memo’s and letters as directed by the President, shall be responsible for having a copy of the bylaws at each general membership meeting and could be one of three signers on the organizations account. The minutes should be kept in a central book in the school for easy access.
v The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct the correspondence of the organization as directed by the President or the organization. Will be responsible for all written correspondence to the students and their families, all correspondence must be approved by the principal/assistant principal prior to duplication and distribution.
v The Fundraising Chairperson shall be responsible for working with a committee and the Executive Board to decide on a schedule of fundraising activities for each school year.
v Membership Chairperson shall be responsible for the distribution and collection of all membership forms. From these forms he/she will generate an active list of all paid members/volunteers.
Article VII: Meetings and Voting
The officers and principal shall determine the dates, times and agenda of meetings held by the group. Regular meetings of this organization shall be held during the school year, seven (7) days written notice is given.
The privilege of holding office, introducing motions, debating, and voting shall be limited to members.
Article VIII: Committees
Only members of the organization shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointed position.
The PTO Executive Board may create such special projects and may assign said projects to appropriate Committee Chairperson. The term of each Committee Chairperson shall be concurrent with the longevity of the special project.
The Chairperson of each committee is responsible for carrying out the duties of their committee and presents a plan of work to the PTO Executive Board for approval.
Article IX: Approval of the By-Laws
The By-laws will be presented to the membership at the first meeting of each school year. After approval of the By-Laws at that time, by the membership, the By-Laws will remain in force unless changed or amended by votes of the membership.
The procedure for amending the By-Laws shall be as follows:
v Suggested amendments will be presented to the membership for discussion and consideration.
v Amending the By-Laws requires a majority vote of members present at a meeting called for that purpose or amendment may be written ballot sent to each member.
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