DIKE - NEWELL

Article I: NAME

The name of this association is the Dike-Newell Parent Teacher Association (DNPTA), Bath, Maine. It is a local PTA unit organized under the authority of the Maine Congress of Parents, Teachers, and Students (Maine PTA or MPTA), a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (the 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 articles of association.

**Article III: PURPOSES

Section 1. The Objects of the DNPTA, in common with those of the National PTA and Maine PTA are:

a. To promote the welfare of children and youth in the home, the school, and the community;

b. To raise the standards of home life;

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

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

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

Section 2. The Objects of the National PTA, the Maine PTA, and the DNPTA are promoted through an 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 IV.

Section 3. The organization is organized exclusively for the charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding Section of any future Federal tax code.

**Article IV: BASIC POLICIES

The following are basic policies of the DNPTA in common with those of the National PTA and the Maine PTA:

a. The organization shall be non-commercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan;

b. The name of the organization or the name 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;

c. The organization shall not, directly or indirectly, participate or intervene, in any way, 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 in attempting to influence legislation by propaganda or otherwise;

d. 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 the Board of Education;

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

f. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, directors, trustees, officers, or private persons. 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;

g. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the organization shall not carry on any activity not permitted to be carried on (I) by an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170©(2) of the Internal Revenue Code; and,

h. Under 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 non-profit funds, foundations, or organizations which have established their tax exempt status under Section 501©(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article V: RELATIONSHIP WITH NATIONAL PTA AND MAINE PTA

**Section 1. This PTA shall be organized and chartered under the authority of the Maine PTA in the area in which this PTA functions, in conformity with such rules and regulations, not in conflict with the National PTA Bylaws, as the Maine PTA may in its bylaws prescribe. The Maine PTA shall issue to this PTA an appropriate charter evidencing the due organization and good standing of this PTA. A local PTA in good standing is one which:

a. Adheres to the Objects and basic policies of the PTA;

b. Remits the national portion of the dues through the State PTA to reach the National Office by dates designated by the National PTA;

c. Has bylaws approved according to the procedure of each state; and,

d. Meets other criteria as may be prescribed by the individual State PTA.

** Section 2. This PTA shall adopt such bylaws for the governance of the organization as may be approved by the Maine PTA. Such bylaws shall not be in conflict with the bylaws of the National PTA or the bylaws of the Maine PTA.

** Section 3. Bylaws of each constituent organization shall include an article on amendments.

** Section 4. Each officer of a constituent organization shall be a member of a local PTA within its area.

** Section 5. This PTA shall keep such permanent books of accounts and records as shall be sufficient to establish the items of gross income, receipts and disbursements of the organization, including specifically, the numbers of its members, the dues collected from its members, and the amount remitted to the Maine PTA. Such books of account and records shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by an authorized representative of the Maine 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 the PTA shall be subject to withdraw and the status of such organization as a PTA unit shall be subject to termination, in the manner and under the circumstances provided in Article XVIII of the bylaws of the Maine PTA.

** Section 7. This local PTA is obliged, upon withdrawal of its charter by the Maine PTA:

a. To yield up and surrender all of its books and records to establish and/or verify the number of its members and any and all dues paid/owed to the Maine PTA and the National PTA as of revocation date;

b. To cease and desist from the further use of any name that implies or connotes association with the National PTA or the Maine PTA; and,

c. To carry out promptly, under the supervision and direction of the Maine PTA, all proceedings necessary or desirable for the purpose of dissolving this PTA.

** Section 8. This PTA shall collect dues from its members and shall remit a portion of such dues to the Maine PTA as provided in Article VI hereof.

# Section 9. Each local unit bylaws and amendments shall be approved every three (3) years by a committee of one or more members of the Board of Directors of the Maine PTA.

# Section 10. To dissolve a local PTA, the unit shall resolve its affairs in the following manner:

a. Notify the State president one month prior to the proposed action;

b. Notify all members of the association at least ten days previous to the meeting of date, time, place, and impending business;

c. In the absence of the president or other officers, a member shall call the meeting to order, and a temporary chairman and secretary shall be elected;

d. Require a two-thirds vote of those present and voting on the action to dissolve (a quorum being present). Only those members whose dues have been paid at least thirty (30) days prior to this meeting may vote on the motion;

e. Provide for deposition of the funds of the disbanding unit as specified in Article IV(h) and Article V Section 7 of these bylaws; and,

f. A unit that has dissolved, following the steps outlined above, may be reinstated by resubmitting a charter application to the Maine PTA.

** Section 11. Each local PTA shall include in its bylaws provisions corresponding to the provisions of such of the bylaws of the National PTA as are identified herein by a double star (**).

** Section 12. The adoption of an amendment to any provision of the Bylaws of the National PTA identified by a double start shall serve automatically and without a requirement of further action by the local PTA to amend correspondingly the bylaws of each local PTA. Notwithstanding the automatic character of the amending process, the local PTAs shall promptly incorporate such amendments in their respective bylaws.

# Section 13. 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 (#).

Article VI. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

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

** Section 2. Membership in this PTA shall be made available without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin, under such rules and regulations, not in conflict with the provisions of the National PTA Bylaws, as may be prescribed in the bylaws of this PTA, to any individual who subscribes to the Objects and basic policies of the National PTA.

** Section 3. This PTA shall conduct an annual enrollment of members, buy may admit persons to membership at any time.

** Section 4. Each member of this 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 Maine 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 Maine PTA, the national portion of each member’s dues shall be 50 cents, until 1991-92 when it will increase to 75 cents, until 1995-96 when it will increase to $1.00 per annum.

# Section 6. The Maine PTA portion of each member’s dues shall be $1.00 per annum.

Section 7. Each member of this PTA shall pay annual dues in the amount of at least $2.00 per annum to the organization. This amount represents the state and national portion. Any portion over and above the said amount will be at the discretion of and use by the DNPTA.

** Section 8. The Maine PTA and National PTA portion of the dues paid by each member of this PTA shall be set aside by this PTA and remitted to the Maine PTA through such channels and at such times as the state bylaws may provide. Each state shall pay to the National PTA the amount of the national portion of dues by all members of the local PTAs in its area.

# Section 9. An “Honorary Life Membership” in the Maine PTA may be conferred for distinguished service with the following stipulations:

a. If the nomination comes from a local PTA unit, a fee, as determined by the Board of Directors, shall be paid to the treasurer of the Maine PTA;

b. An “Honorary Life Membership” provides only state convention guest privileges upon payment of the convention registration fee; and,

c. An “Honorary Maine PTA Life Member” may become an active member upon payment of dues to a local unit.

Section 10. This PTA, upon a majority vote of the executive board, may confer a gift membership in this PTA to any individual who expresses the financial need.

Article VII: OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

** Section 1. Each officer shall be a member of this PTA.

Section 2. Elections

a. The officers of this organization shall consist of a president, vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer.

b. Officers shall be elected by ballot in the month of June. However, if there is but one nominee for any office, election for that office may be by voice vote.

c. Officers shall assume their official duties following the close of the meeting in June and shall serve for a term of one year or until successors are elected.

d. Officers in the DNPTA shall be eligible to serve consecutive terms in the same office or serve in another office without limit so long as it is the wish of the majority of the general membership.

Section 3. Nominating committee:

a. There shall be a nominating committee composed of three members who shall be elected by this PTA at a regular meeting at least one month prior to the election of officers. The committee shall elect its own chairman.

b. The nominating committee shall nominate an eligible person for each office to be filled and report its nominees at the regular meeting in June, at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor.

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

Section 4. Vacancies

a. A vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled for the remainder of the term by a person elected by a majority vote of the executive board. Notice of such electing having been given. In case a vacancy occurs in the office of president, the vice-president shall serve notice of the election.

ARTICLE VIII: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The president shall:

a. preside at all meetings of the association;

b. perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these bylaws or assigned by the association;

c. be a member ex officio of all committees except the nominating committee;

d. coordinate the work of the officers and committees of the association in order that the Objects may be promoted;

e. will be responsible for or delegate the review of all National PTA and State PTA information and publications and its dissemination to general membership; and,

f. will be responsible for the distribution of the end of year report to building administrator, staff, parents, general PTA membership, superintendent, school board, and city council.

Section 2. The vice-president shall:

a. act as aide to the president;

b. perform the duties of the president in the absence or inability of that officer to serve; and,

c. shall serve as the program of work chairman.

Section 3. The secretary shall:

a. record the minutes of all meetings of the association;

b. have current copy of bylaws;

c. maintain a membership list;

d. perform other delegated duties as assigned;

e. be responsible for incoming and outgoing correspondence; and,

f. prepare end of the year report on PTA activities and accomplishments using program of work and financial reports.

Section 4. The treasurer shall:
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a. have custody of all the funds of the association;

b. keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures;

c. make disbursements as authorized by the president, executive board, or association in accordance with the budget adopted by the association;

d. have checks or vouchers signed by two persons, the treasurer and one other person;

e. present a financial statement at every meeting of the association and at other times when requested by the executive board;

f. make a full report at the meeting at which new officers officially assume their duties;

g. be responsible for the maintenance of such books of account and records as conform to the requirements of Article V, Section 5 of these bylaws;

h. have the accounts examined annually or upon change of officer by an auditor or an auditing committee of not fewer than three members, who, satisfied that the treasurer’s annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact as the end of the report;

I. submit the books annually for an audit by the auditing committee selected by the executive board at least two weeks before the meeting at which new officers assume duties;

j. be responsible for disbursement of National PTA and State PTA dues and distribution of membership cards; and,

k. if necessary will determine if a quorum is present to transact business.

Section 5. All officers shall perform the duties outlined in these bylaws and those assigned from time to time. Upon the expiration of the term of office or in case of resignation, each officer shall turn over to the president, without delay, all records, books, and other materials pertaining to the office, and shall return to the treasurer, without delay, all funds pertaining to the office.

ARTICLE IX: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. The executive board shall consist of the officers of the association, past president, and standing committee chairs.

a. The president may appoint a parliamentarian, subject to the approval of the officers of the association.

b. The chairman of standing committees shall be selected by the officers of the association.

** 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 executive board shall be:

a. To transact necessary business in the intervals between association meetings and such other business as may be referred to it by the association;

b. to create standing and special committees;

c. to approve the plans of work of the standing committee;

d. to present a report at the regular meeting of the association;

e. to select an auditor or an auditing committee to audit the treasurer’s accounts;

f. to prepare and submit to the association for adoption a budget for the year; and,

g. to approve routine bills within the limits of the budget.

Section 4. Regular meetings of the executive board shall be held during the school year, the time to be fixed by the board at its first meeting of the year in August. A majority of the executive board members shall constitute a quorum. Special meetings of the executive board may be called by the president or by a majority of the members of the board, seven (7) days notice being given. The executive board may transact business and take a vote over the telephone in the case of emergencies where time constraints preclude a called meeting. A report on said decision/s shall be reported at next association meeting.

Article X: MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular monthly meetings of the DNPTA shall be determined by the executive board at the first meeting of the year in August, unless otherwise provided by the association or executive board, two weeks notice haven been given of change of date.

Section 2. Special meetings of this association may be called by the president or by a majority of the executive board, two weeks notice haven been given.

Section 3. The annual meeting shall be held in the month of June.

Section 4. Three members (in good standing) shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business in any meeting of this association.

Article XI: COMMITTEES

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

Section 2. The executive board may create such standing committees as it may deem necessary to promote the Objects and carry on the work of the association. The term of each chairman shall be one year or until the selection of a successor. Standing committees include but are not limited to publicity, membership, historian, and volunteer coordinator.

Section 3. The chairman of each standing committee shall present a plan of work to the executive board for approval. No committee work shall be undertaken without the consent of the executive board.

Section 4. The power to form special committees and appoint or elect their members rest with the association.

Section 5. The president shall be a member ex officio of all committees except the nominating committee.

Section 6. Event chairman are defined as individuals who volunteer to chair a one time event, i.e., Spaghetti Dinner. Event chairman serve at the wish of the association. Event chairman need not be a PTA member.

Article XII: COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP

NOTE: To be developed if and when a local council is formed.

Article XIII: FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the DNPTA shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30 of each year.

Article XIV: ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION

Section 1. A convention of the Maine State PTA shall be held annually. The time and place of the convention to be determined by the Board of Directors.

a. The DNPTA president shall be responsible for informing their membership of conference information.

Section 2. The voting body of the convention will consist of the members of the MPTA Board of Directors and duly accredited delegates from each local PTA.

a. Each local PTA shall be entitled to be represented at the annual convention by its president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer and a delegate for every fifteen (15) members as shown on the record of the state treasurer as of March 31 preceding the convention.

b. The privilege of introducing motions, debating, and voting shall be limited to the voting body as stated herein.

c. The annual MPTA convention shall be open to all members upon payment of the registration fee, the amount determined by the board.

d. The registration fee for state convention will be paid by the local unit’s budget for the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and the delegates representing every 15 members.

**Article XV: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current addition 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 Maine PTA, and the bylaws of the National PTA, or the Articles of Organization.

# Article XVI: AMENDMENTS

Section 1. These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the association by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting, provided that notice of the amendment has been given at the previous regular meeting and that the proposed amendment shall be subject to approval of the MPTA.

a. A committee may be appointed to submit a revised set of bylaws as a substitute for the existing bylaws by a majority vote at a meeting of the association, or by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the executive board. The requirements for adoption of a revised set of bylaws shall be the same as the case of an amendment.

b. Submission of amendments or revised bylaws for approval by the MPTA shall be in accordance with the bylaws or regulations of the MPTA.

** Section 2. The adoption of an amendment to any provision of the Bylaws of the National PTA identified by a double star (**) shall serve automatically and without the requirement of further action of the local PTA to amend correspondingly the bylaws of each local PTA. Notwithstanding the automatic character of the amending process, the local PTAs shall promptly incorporate such amendments in their respective bylaws.

# Section 3. The adoption of an amendment to any provisions of the Bylaws of the Maine PTA identified by a number (#) symbol shall serve automatically and without the requirement of further action by the local PTA to amend correspondingly the bylaws of each local PTA. Notwithstanding the automatic character of the amending process, the local PTA shall promptly incorporate such amendments in their respective bylaws.

HISTORY

Bylaws written by:

Bylaws adopted by the DNPTA: June, 1993

Bylaws submitted to MPTA: July, 1993

Approved and chartered by the MPTA: Denied September, 1994

Revised bylaws written by: Eileen Conner

Revised bylaws adopted by the DNPTA: June, 1996

Revised bylaws submitted to MPTA: June, 1996

Approved and chartered by the MPTA: