Bylaws

Article I: Name

The name of this organization is the Northern Lights ABC PTA located in Anchorage, Alaska. It is a local unit in Anchorage Council, Region 4, organized under the authority of the Alaska Congress of Parents and Teachers (Alaska PTA), a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA).

Article II: Articles of Organization

The articles of organization of a constituent organization include (a) the bylaws of such organization and (b) the certificate of incorporation or articles of incorporation of such organization (in cases in which the organization is a corporation) or the articles of association by whatever name (in cases in which the organization exists as an unincorporated association).

Article III: Purposes

Section 1. The Objects of this organization, in common with the Objects of the National PTA and the Alaska PTA, are:

  1. To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.

  2. To raise the standards of home life.

  3. To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

  4. To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.

  5. To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

Section 2. The Objects of this organization are promoted, in cooperation with the Alaska PTA and the National PTA, through an educational program directed toward parents, teachers, and the general public; are developed through conferences, committees, projects, and programs; and are governed and qualified by the basic policies set forth in Article IV.

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 "Internal Revenue Code").

Article IV: Basic Policies

The following are the basic policies of the National PTA, the Alaska PTA, and this organization:

  1. The organization shall be noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan.

  2. The name of the organization or the names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used to endorse or promote a commercial concern or in connection with any partisan interest or for any purpose not appropriately related to promotion of the Objects of the organization.

  3. The organization 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.

  4. The organization shall work with the schools to provide quality education for all children and youth, and shall seek to participate in the decision-making 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.

  5. The organization shall not enter into membership with other organizations except such international or national organizations as may be approved by the National PTA Board of Directors. The Alaska PTA or any of its divisions may cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with child welfare, but a PTA representative shall make no commitments that bind the group he represents.

  6. 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 III hereof.

  7. 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.

  8. Upon the dissolution of the 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 which have established their tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article V: Membership and Dues

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

Section 2. Membership in PTA shall be open, without discrimination, to anyone who believes in and supports the Mission and Purposes of National PTA.

Section 3. Each local PTA shall conduct an annual enrollment of members, but may admit persons to membership at any time.

Section 4. Each member of a local PTA shall pay such annual dues to said organization as may be prescribed by the organization. The amount of such dues shall include the portion payable to the Alaska PTA (the "state portion") and the portion payable to the National PTA (the "national portion").

Section 5. The amount of the state portion of each member's dues shall be determined by the Alaska PTA. The national portion of each member's dues shall be one (1) dollar seventy-five cents per annum.

Section 6. The amount of the state portion of each member's dues shall be $4.00 per annum. (Alaska PTA Article VII, Section 6)

Section 7. The annual dues for membership in this PTA shall be $8.00 per annum which includes the national portion of $1.75 and state portion of $4.00 per annum.

Section 8. The state and national portions of the dues paid by each member of a local PTA shall be set aside by the local PTA and remitted monthly to the Alaska PTA. Alaska PTA shall pay to the National PTA the amount of the national portion of dues paid by all members of local PTAs in its area.

Section 9. The remittance to the Alaska PTA shall be accompanied by a report, in such form as may be required by the Alaska PTA, showing the name and address of the president of the organization, the amount of dues collected during the period covered by the report, the number of members of the organization, and a copy of the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of the members of the organization (membership list).

Section 10. Only members of a local PTA who have paid dues for the current membership year may participate in the business of that association.

Section 11. With the exception of during the annual membership drive, a person must have been a member for one day prior to voting on items presented to the membership.

Section 12. Alaska PTA will mail membership cards to local units in August, based on the previous years membership totals. The expiration date for Alaska PTA Membership cards is September 30.

Article VI: Officers and Their Election

Section 1. The number and election of officers are based on the following provisions:

  1. The officers of this PTA shall consist of a president, up to five vice-presidents, a secretary and a treasurer.

  2. Officers shall be elected in the month of April by ballot to be counted by the tellers committee. The tellers committee will consist of no less than three non ballot members. However, if there is but one nominee for any office, election for that office may be by voice vote.

  3. Officers shall assume their official duties on the first day of June and shall serve for a term of one year or until their successors are elected.

  4. No member shall hold more than one office at a time, and no member shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

  5. A person who serves in an office for more than one-half of a full term shall be deemed to have served a full term in that office.

Section 2. Nominating committee provisions are:

  1. The members of the nominating committee for officers of a constituent organization shall be elected by membership, Board of Directors/Managers, Executive Board, or Executive Committee.

  2. The nominating committee composed of five members. The members shall be elected by the board at a board meeting at least one month prior to the election of officers. The committee shall name its own chairman.

  3. The nominating committee shall nominate eligible candidates for the offices to be filled and report its nominees at the membership meeting in March, at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor.

  4. Only those persons who have signified their consent to serve if elected shall be nominated for or elected to such office.

  5. No member shall automatically serve on this committee because of their office in the Local PTA or position in the school system.

Article VII: Duties of Officers

Section 1. The president:

  1. Shall preside at all meetings of the membership and of the board;

  2. May appoint a parliamentarian, subject to the approval of the officers or board;

  3. Shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the membership, and

  4. Shall be a member ex officio of all committees except the nominating committee.

  5. Be authorized to sign on bank accounts;

  6. Be authorized to sign contracts that have been approved by the executive board;

  7. Appoint the audit committee

Section 2. Vice-Presidents

The Vice-Presidents shall act as aides to the President and shall in their designated order perform the duties of the President in the absence or inability of that officer to act. The designated order is as follows; first Vice President-Fundraising, Second Vice President-  Volunteers, and Third Vice President-Middle School.

The first vice president shall:

  1. Act as an aide to the president.

    2.

  2. Preside in the absence of the president;

  3. Be authorized to sign on bank accounts;

  4. Be in charge of fundraising.

The second Vice President shall:

  1. Act as an aide to the president.

    2.

  2. Preside in the absence of the president;

  3. Recruit and manage volunteers.

The third vice president shall:

  1. Act as an aide to the president

    2.

  2. Preside in the absence of the president;

  3. Direct PTA activities for the Middle School.

Section 3. The secretary shall:

  1. Call the meetings to order in the absence of the president or vice-presidents;

  2. Record the minutes of all membership and board meetings. Post typed minutes in PTA room for preview no less than three days prior to next scheduled meeting.

  3. File all records, including a current copy of the bylaws and a current membership list, which includes names, addresses and phone numbers;

  4. Announce how many people are in attendance and that a quorum is present;

  5. Send out meeting notifications.

  6. Review and update PTA email list in August; and as needed. Monitor email account and respond or delegate as needed.

  7. Respond to correspondence. Perform other duties as may be delegated.

Section 4. The treasurer shall:

  1. Be the custodian for all the funds of the PTA and ensure all checks are signed by two authorized signatories;

  2. Collect and keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures in books belonging to the PTA;

  3. Present a written financial report at every membership meeting of the PTA, as well as at every meeting of the board;

  4. Present an annual audit report to the PTA at the annual membership meeting, and

  5. Present all reports, books and other necessary documents to an auditor or the auditing committee if the treasurer resigns or is removed from office before the term is complete or before the successor treasurer takes office and assumes the duties.

  6. Make disbursements in accordance with the budget adopted by the association;

  7. Sign on bank accounts;

  8. The treasurer’s accounts shall be examined annually by an auditor or an auditing committee of not less than three members. Once satisfied that the treasurers annual report is correct, the committee shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report. The auditing committee shall be selected by the president and approved by the Executive Board. The annual audit must be completed by June 30th.

  9. Complete and file all necessary tax documents by deadline and submit a copy of this form to Alaska PTA for its records.

Section 5. The officers shall appoint the chairmen of all standing and special committees.

Section 6. All officers shall perform the duties outlined in these bylaws and those assigned from time to time. Upon resignation or removal from office, each officer shall turn over to the president, three of the resignation or termination, all records, books and other materials pertaining to the office, and shall return to the treasurer, without delay or within three days, all funds pertaining to the office. In the case of the president all materials shall be delivered to the first vice-president within three days.

Section 7. All officers shall deliver to their successors in office all books, records and documents held in their possession no later than three days of their successors taking office.

Section 8. Transitional meetings may occur between the outgoing and incoming officers at any time during a period of 30 days after the election of officers. The meetings are subject to the call of the incoming president or a majority of the incoming officers, seven days notice having been given.

Article VIII: Membership Meetings

Section 1. At least six membership meetings of this PTA shall be held during the school year. Dates of the meetings shall be determined by the board and posted on the PTA web site no less than seven days of scheduled meeting. Changes to meeting dates require three day's notice.

Section 2. Special meetings of the membership may be called by the president, a majority of the board or a majority of the membership, seven days notice having been given.

Section 3. The election meeting shall be held in April. The annual meeting shall be held in May.

Section 4. . Ten members present, but not less than 10% of the membership, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in any membership meeting or for a vote by mail.

Section 5. Each member is entitled to one vote.

Article IX: Executive Board

Section 1. The board shall consist of:

  1. The officers of the PTA;

  2. The chairmen of standing committees: and

  3. The principal of the school or a representative appointed by the principal.

Section 2. A PTA member shall not serve as a voting member of a constituent organization's board on the local, council, district, region, state, or national level while serving as a paid employee of, or under contract to, that constituent organization.

Section 3. The duties of the board shall be the following:

  1. To transact necessary business in the intervals between membership meetings and such other business as may be referred to it by the membership. No action taken by the board shall conflict with action taken by the membership;

  2. To create standing and special committees and approve of the membership;

  3. To approve the plans of work of the standing and special committees;

  4. To present a report at the membership meetings;

  5. To prepare and submit to the membership a budget for adoption for the year;

  6. To approve expenditures within the limits of the budget;

  7. To act in an emergency between meetings of the membership;

  8. To approve at least two board members as check signatory. Individuals authorized to sign checks should not be related to each other by marriage or any other relationship;

  9. To acquire liability insurance which is paid annually to the Alaska PTA no later than December 1;

  10. Select an auditor or auditing committee.

  11. To file Form 990 with the IRS and submit a copy of this Form to Alaska PTA for its records, and

  12. To ensure that any bylaw amendments are attached to IRS Form 990 along with a page of explanation of the changes.

Section 4. Regular meetings of the board shall be held during the school year, the time to be fixed by the board at its first meeting of the year. A majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum. Special meetings of the board may be called by the president or by a majority of the members of the board, seven day's notice having been given.

Section 5. A vacancy occurring in any board position shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person elected by a majority vote of the board, without undue delay at the next board meeting, or at a meeting specially called for that purpose. Seven day's notice of such election must be given. If there are no qualified candidates for president, the first vice-president shall serve out the remainder of the term.

Section 6. Any member of the board who ceases to meet the qualifications of office as listed in the bylaws or standing rules, or fails to carry out the duties of office may be removed from office by two-thirds vote of the board providing that proper procedures have been followed.

Section 7. Removal from office of any board member will follow these provisions.

  1. Three consecutive unexcused absences shall be cause for removal from the board.

  2. Inability to perform duties or ceasing to meet the qualifications of office of this PTA shall be cause for removal.

  3. The board shall meet in a special meeting with a quorum present to discuss and vote on the removal of a board member. All board members shall be given notice according to Art. IX, Section 4.

  4. The board member in question may be told of the vote in person but shall be informed about the vote by certified letter. If the vote is for removal, the certified letter shall request that all materials associated with the position be returned to the president, or in the case of the president being removed, to the first vice-president, within three days of receipt of the letter.

Article X: Committees

Section 1. Only members of the PTA shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointive positions.

Section 2. The board may create any standing committees as it may deem necessary to promote the objects and carry on the work of the membership. The chairmen of the standing and special committees shall be selected by the officers of the PTA. The term of each chairman shall be one year or until the selection of his successor.

Section 3. The chairman of each standing committee shall present a plan of work to the board for approval at least 30 days prior to their event or function. No committee work shall be undertaken without the consent of the board.

Section 4. An auditing committee of not less than three 3 members may be selected by the board at least two weeks before the annual meeting. Persons authorized to sign checks are not eligible to serve on the auditing committee.

Section 5. The quorum of any committee shall be the majority of its membership.

Article XI: Fiscal Year and IRS EIN

Section 1. The fiscal year of this organization shall begin on July 1st and end on the following June 30th.

Section 2. The Internal Revenue Service Employer Identification Number EIN for this PTA is 92-0065531.

Article XII. Council Membership

Article XIII - Annual Alaska PTA Convention

Section 1. Each local unit shall be entitled to send as voting delegates to the annual convention its president or alternate, one representative for the first fifty (50) members or fraction thereof, and one (1) additional delegate for each additional fifty (50) members or major fraction thereof as shown on the records of the treasurer of Alaska PTA as of April 1 preceding such convention, provided appropriate dues have been paid. (AKPTA Art. XXII, Sect. 2)

Section 2. This PTA may send as many nonvoting delegates as it wants.

Article XIV: Annual Issues Conference

Section 1. The Alaska PTA Executive Committee shall notify this PTA of the time and place for this conference not less than 30 days before the beginning of the conference.

Section 2. This PTA is entitled to send two voting delegates.

Article XV: Relationship with National PTA and Alaska PTA

Section 1. Local PTAs shall be organized and chartered under the authority of the Alaska PTA in the area in which the local PTA functions, in conformity with such rules and regulations, not in conflict with the Bylaws of the National PTA, as the Alaska PTA may in its bylaws prescribe. The Alaska PTA shall issue to the local PTA in its area an appropriate charter evidencing the due organization and good standing of the local PTA. (NPTA Art. VI, Sect. 1)

A PTA in good standing is one which:

  1. Adheres to the Objects and basic policies of the National PTA;

  2. Remits the national portion of the dues through the Alaska PTA to reach the national office by dates designated by the National PTA; and

  3. Has on file at the Alaska PTA office:

  4. An IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN); and

  5. A copy of the annual IRS document filing (Form 990/990EZ), if applicable; and

  6. A current officers list; and

  7. A current membership list; and

  8. A copy of current annual audit; and

  9. A copy of proof of liability insurance which is paid annually to the Alaska PTA no later than December 1; and

  10. A copy of current unit bylaws which have been approved according to the procedures of the Alaska PTA: and

  11. Meets other criteria as may be prescribed by the Alaska PTA.

Section 2. In addition to the criteria listed above in Section 1, a PTA in good standing has an IRS Employer Identification Number on file in the state office. (AKPTA Art. X. Sect. 16)

Section 3. Each local PTA shall adopt such bylaws for the government of the organization as may be approved by the Alaska PTA. Such bylaws shall not be in conflict with the Bylaws of the National PTA or the bylaws of the Alaska PTA.

Section 4. Bylaws of each constituent organization shall include an article on amendments.

Section 5. Each local PTA shall keep such permanent books of account and records as shall be sufficient to establish the items of gross income, receipts, and disbursements of the organization, including, specifically, the number of its members, the dues collected from its members, and the amounts of dues remitted to the Alaska PTA. Such books of account and records shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by an authorized representative of the Alaska PTA or, where directed by the Committee on State and National Relationships, by a duly authorized representative of the National PTA.

Section 6. The charter of a local PTA shall be subject to withdrawal and the status of such organization as a PTA unit shall be subject to termination, in the manner and under the circumstances provided in the bylaws of the Alaska PTA.

Section 7. Each local PTA is obligated, upon withdrawal of its charter by the Alaska PTA:

  1. To yield up and surrender all its books and records and all of its assets and property to the Alaska PTA or to such agency as may be designated by the Alaska PTA or to another local PTA organized under the authority of the Alaska PTA;

  2. To cease and desist from the further use of any name that implies or connotes association with the National PTA or the Alaska PTA or status as a constituent organization of the National PTA; and

  3. To carry out promptly, under the supervision and direction of the Alaska PTA, all proceedings necessary or desirable for the purpose of dissolving such local PTA.

Section 8. Each officer or board member of a local PTA shall be a member of such local PTA.

Section 9. Each local PTA shall collect dues from its members and shall remit a portion of such dues to the Alaska PTA as provided in Article V hereof.

Section 10. Each local PTA shall include in its bylaws provisions corresponding to the provisions of such of these bylaws as are identified by the state symbol #.

Section 11. PTAs whose State and National dues are not current will be notified by April 1 of each year. If they are not brought current by June 30, they will be ineligible to participate in PTA programs at the State and National level until the discrepancies are corrected.

Section 12. PTAs whose bylaws are not current will be notified by October 1 of each year and again on March 15, if necessary. If they are not brought current by June 30, they will be ineligible to participate in PTA programs at the State and National level until the discrepancies are corrected.

Section 13. PTA’s who do not comply with those items required to be a unit in good standing, after notice of discrepancies, will be ineligible to participate in PTA programs at the State and National level until the discrepancies are corrected.

Section 14. Bylaws of each constituent organization shall include a provision establishing a quorum.

Section 15. The bylaws of all constituent organizations shall prohibit voting by proxy (unless proxy voting is specified by applicable state law).

Article XVI: Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the National PTA and its constituent organizations in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with these bylaws, the bylaws of the Alaska PTA, and the Bylaws of the National PTA.

Article XVII: Amendments

Section 1. The procedures for amending these bylaws are as listed below.

  1. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the PTA or voted upon by mail, provided that notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is voted upon or the vote is being taken by mail; that a quorum has been established; and that the amendment shall be subject to the approval of the Alaska PTA. Bylaws amendments require a two-thirds positive vote of the members present and voting or voting by mail.

  2. A committee may be appointed to submit a revised set of bylaws as a substitute for the existing bylaws only by a majority vote at a membership meeting of the PTA, or by a twothirds vote of the board. The requirements for adoption of a revised set of bylaws shall be the same as in the case of an amendment.

  3. Submission of amendments or revised bylaws for approval by the Alaska PTA shall be in accordance with the bylaws and procedures of the Alaska PTA.

Section 2 The adoption of an amendment to the articles and sections of the bylaws of the Alaska PTA that bear a number symbol (#) shall automatically amend the bylaws of this PTA. (AKPTA Article VI Section 10)

Bylaws Review and Approval

I hereby certify that these Bylaws were adopted by the membership of the

Northern Lights ABC PTA on this date, August 27, 2009.

Submitted by: ____Signed copies on file in PTA office __________ September 4, 2009.
Signature of Unit President date

I have reviewed these Bylaws, find them to be in compliance with requirements of Alaska PTA

and National PTA, and hereby approve them.

Approved by: _____Signed by Alaska PTA President_____________ September 10, 2009.
Signature Alaska PTA Representative date

Footnotes

  1. Key to numbers/pound signs. Alaska PTA may require that certain provisions be included in local unit bylaws. Such requirements are designated by the number symbol (#).

  2. In 1977 the title of Article III was changed to conform with the District of Columbia corporation laws that govern the National PTA. This change was recommended by an attorney and approved by convention delegates. The remainder of the article retains the word "Objects" for its historical significance.

  3. The total amount of local unit annual dues is obtained by adding the one dollar seventy-five cents per member National PTA portion, the four dollars per member state portion, and the per member portion desired for local use.

  4. The remittance to the state PTA shall be accompanied by a report on the form required by Alaska PTA showing the name and address of the president of the PTA, the amount of dues collected during the period covered by the report, and the number of members of the PTA.

  5. According to parliamentary procedure it is customary that only one person shall be elected to serve in any one office.

  6. The association shall designate such vice-presidents as first vice-president, second vice-president, and so on. Vice-presidents may be designated certain specific duties, and this should show in the bylaws.

  7. An audit of the treasurer's accounts is for the protection of the treasurer. It is the only means of assuring everyone that the accounts are accurate, and it relieves the treasurer of responsibility except in the case of fraud. The auditors' report is adopted by a majority vote. See the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised for more information.

  8. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised states: "The minimum number of members who must be present at the meeting of a deliberative assembly for business to be legally transacted is the quorum of the assembly. The requirement of a quorum is a protection against totally unrepresentative action in the name of the body by an unduly small number of persons." It is suggested that the quorum be set to reflect the number of people who could reasonably be expected at any membership meeting.

  9. As a special committee is created and appointed for a specific purpose, it automatically goes out of existence when its work is done and its final report is received.

  10. To ensure the inclusion of the required (#) articles and sections of the Alaska PTA, local unit and council bylaws and proposed amendments must be submitted to Alaska PTA for approval. Revised - 9/8/05