***UPDATED BYLAWS WILL BE POSTED SOON

Bylaws

BYLAWS OF Leading Edge Academy Parent Teacher Organization (LEAPTO)

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization is the Leading Edge Academy Parent Teacher Organization (hereinafter “LEAPTO”). It is a local independent unit created by the parents and staff of Leading Edge Academy, having no affiliation with any other association, be it state or national in origin.

ARTICLE II. ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

The Organization exists as an unincorporated association of its members. The Organization’s Articles of Organization consist of these Bylaws, as amended from time to time, and its Articles of Association, if any. In the absence of separate articles of association, the Bylaws shall be deemed to be the Articles of Association. In the event of any conflict between these Bylaws and the Articles of Association, these Bylaws shall govern.

ARTICLE III. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

This Organization is organized exclusively for the following charitable, educational, or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code:

· To promote the welfare and education of children and youth eligible to attend Leading Edge Academy in the home, school and community.

· To support the school in improving education in ways that will adhere to administrative policy and the Leading Edge Academy District’s mission, goals and beliefs. 

· To raise funds for programs and equipment to further the education of children and youth.

· To bring about a closer relationship between the home and the school, that parents and teachers may work cooperatively in the education of children and youth.

· To foster communication, cooperation, support, information, an education within the Leading Edge Academy District, including District staff, parents and the general community.

ARTICLE IV. POLICIES

Section 1. No substantial part of the activities of the Organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the Organization shall not participate in or intervene (including the publishing or distribution of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

Section 2. This Organization shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan. No commercial enterprise or candidate shall be endorsed by it. The name of the Organization and names of its officers in their official capacities shall not be used in connection with a commercial concern or with any partisan interest for any other purpose than the regular work of the Organization.

Section 3. This Organization shall not seek to direct the administrative activities of the school or to control its policies, but can serve as a liaison between parents and administration when concerns arise.

Section 4. The Organization shall be supportive of school educational efforts and student needs. The policies of the Organization shall be developed cooperatively by parents and teachers. The Organization shall conduct all operations in such a way as to reflect positively upon the school and the Leading Edge Academy District.

Section 5. In no way shall one member, officer, or committee chairperson make policy, program, or expenditure decisions, or bind the Organization in any way, absent the consent of at least the Executive Board. When representing the Organization, any member, officer or committee chairperson shall be aware of the authority extended by the Organization and shall not exceed such authority.

Section 6. This Organization may cooperate with other organizations and agencies active in child welfare, such as conference groups or coordinating councils. Provided they make no commitments that bind the Organization.

Section 7. No fund-raising activity of the Organization shall financially benefit a LEAPTO member, faculty member, student or parent without prior Executive Board approval.

Section 8. No part of the net earnings of this Organization shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the Organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered. Services provided by members and officers are voluntary and will not be compensated, unless specifically authorized by the Executive board prior to completion of such services.

Section 9. Any notice required or permitted to be given to members may be given by written notice (including distribution of flyers and posting notices through the school), by telephone, by facsimile, by electronic mail, or by any combination thereof, or by any other method reasonable designed to reach the members.

Section 10. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on: (a) by an Association exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law); or (b) by an Association, contributions to which are deductible under section 1170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 ( or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

Section 11. Upon dissolution of the Organization, the Organization shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the Organization, dispose of all the assets of the Organization by distributing the same to the Leading Edge Academy District Charter School Network under the care of its Finance Director. Said Director shall, upon the advice of the specific Leading Edge Academy school’s teachers and administration, supervise the expenditure of said assets for essential educational materials and equipment. In the event that this is not possible, said assets shall be distributed to organizations as shall at the time qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Organization’s Executive Board shall determine, with preference to be given to educational programs of the Leading Edge Academy District. Any assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the court in the county of the principal office of the Organization.

ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1. Any parent or guardian of a student of Leading Edge Academy District and any teacher OR staff member interested in the objectives of the Organization and willing to uphold its policies and subscribe its Bylaws may become a member. Any certified staff member of the School may be a non-voting member of the Organization. Staff members are not required to pay membership dues, if any. Membership in the Organization shall be available without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin.

Section 2. The Executive Board shall determine the amount, time, and manner of payment of the membership dues, if any, from time to time. Each member shall pay the annual membership dues; however, no household shall be assessed for more than one annual payment of membership dues.

Section 3. The Organization shall conduct an annual enrollment of its members, but persons may be admitted to membership at any time during the year as defined above.

Section 4. The privileges of membership shall be the right to hold office or appointed position, make motions, chair a committee, and vote. Only those members current in payment of membership dues, if any, are eligible to vote or to serve as an officer or representative of the Organization. Non-members are welcome to attend meetings and may ask questions and participate in discussions as recognized by the President. 

ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the Organization elected directly by the regular members of LEAPTO those officers being President, 1st Vice-President, treasurer, and secretary and school representative who should be an active employee of a Leading Edge Academy campus of District/Network Office. Chairpersons of the standing committees and of then active special committees may be invited to attend Executive board Meetings that pertain to their committee. 

Section 2. The Executive board shall have general charge and control of the affairs, funds and properties of the Organization and shall maintain records of such in a central location, including current and prior budgets, check registers, governmental forms, committee reports, contracts and correspondence.

Section 3. The duties of the Executive Board shall be as follows: to transact necessary business in the intervals between Organization meetings; to interpret the bylaws, policies, and standing rules of the Organization; to present a report at the general membership (open) meetings of the Organization; to prepare a budget for the upcoming fiscal year; to approve routine bills within the limits of the budget; to appoint the nominating committee; to appoint a committee to review Bylaws as needed, and to make budget adjustments as necessary, provided they do not individually exceed $500.00. Any individual budget adjustment over $500.00 shall be voted on by the board. 

Section 4. Every position on the Executive Board shall be entitled to one vote. 

Section 5. Each standing committee chairperson shall present the committee’s plans to the Executive Board prior to execution of the same. Any expenditure for such plans should be presented to the Executive Board for advance approval.

Section 6. Regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be held during the school year, as stated in the Standing Rules. The time, place and regularity of such meetings are to be determine by the Executive Board and communicated to the members and interested parties.

Section 7. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by President, the Principal, or by a majority of the members of the Executive Board as necessary.

Section 8. All officers are expected to attend all scheduled Organization meetings and are expected to attend a majority of Organization-sponsored events. 

Section 9. A majority of the members of the Executive Board must be present at the Executive Board meeting in order to conduct business. Unless otherwise provided herein, a simple majority of those present and voting shall be required for the passage of any motion, resolution, or other vote.

ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

Section 1. The officers of this Organization shall include, at a minimum, a President, a 1st vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Any office may be held by two persons so designated by the prefix “co-“. These officers shall be elected annually by ballot at a scheduled Spring general membership meeting by a majority vote of the membership present at that meeting. Ballots shall be counted by the President and/or vice-president and two school representatives. If there is but one candidate for any office, the election for such office(s) may be by voice, show of hands or slate approval.

Section 2. Officers shall assume their official duties at the close of the final meeting of the school year. And shall serve for a term of one year or until their successors are elected and installed. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms as an officer or committee chairperson or three consecutive years unless determined by vote and majority approval of the Executive Board. Additional officers will be chosen according to the needs of the Organization and upon the approval of the Executive Board. 

Section 3. Nominating of officers shall be made at a meeting at the end of the school calendar year. Nominations can be made during discussion at said meeting. Nominee must be present or provide written consent, electronic written consent is considered acceptable.

Section 4. A vacancy occurring in an office shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board at their next regular meeting.

Section 5. Any officer absent from three consecutive meetings, i.e. Executive Board and Organization meetings, shall be deemed inactive unless absences are due to extenuating circumstances and the Executive Board receives notification of such. Any office having an inactive officer shall be declared vacant and may be filled as provided herein. In addition, an officer failing to adequately participate or fulfill duties of the office may be subject to removal from office by decision of two-thirds of the Executive Board. Such officer is entitled to a written notification from the President or the Principal at least two weeks prior to the vote regarding removal.

ARTICLE VIII. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. The President (or Co-Presidents) shall:

· Preside at all meetings of the Organization and of the Executive Board;

· Be authorized to appoint any special committee;

· Maintain the right to table discussions or voting, at his/her discretion, for such reasons as new agenda items time constraints, or items that require additional information;

· Work with the Secretary to prepare the agenda for each meeting;

· Be an authorized cosignatory for all accounts of the Organization;

· Countersign all checks exceeding $500;

· Delegate the duties of any position that remains vacant; and

· Perform all other duties usually pertaining to the office.

Section 2. 1st Vice-President shall:

· Aide the President

· Perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence

· Perform other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Organization or Executive Board;

· Assist the President and perform such duties that the President may delegate.

Section 3. The Secretary (or Secretaries) shall:

· Record the minutes of all meetings of the Organization and of the Executive Board;

· Be responsible for all incoming and outgoing correspondence for the Organization;

· Report on all relevant correspondence at each Executive board meeting;

· Aid the President(s) in preparing the agenda for all meetings;

· Distribute copies of the minutes of the prior meeting available to all members of the Executive Board before each meeting;

· Maintain a current copy of the Bylaws and Standing Rules, if any, as well as the records of all meeting minutes, a list of all committees and their members, and a list of the current members of the Organization;

· At the conclusion of the secretaries’ term they shall turn over all records and documents for which they are responsible to the current Vice-President.

Section 4. The Treasurer(s) shall:

· Prepare the annual LEAPTO budget in conjunction with the Executive Board

· Receive all monies of the Organization;

· Keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures and disburse funds as budgeted or approved by the Executive Board;

· Be responsible for the maintenance of the bank account and records of the Organization;

· Be responsible for the filing of any necessary financial and tax forms with the appropriate governmental authorities;

· Turn the financial books of the Organization over to the President or Vice-President for examination at the end of the school year for examination;

· Present a statement of account at every meeting of the Organization and any other times as requested by the Executive board;

· Maintain a file of the budget reports presented at Organization meetings;

· Must have all checks exceeding $500 countersigned by the President or assistant treasurer;

Section 5. School Representative

· Partner with school staff to determine needs and communicate to executive board

· Aide the president in duties as necessary

· Review financial books of the organization to review for accuracy

· Promote member meetings and encourage participation in member events and activities 

Section 6. Upon the removal or resignation of any officer, such officer shall turn over to the President or Executive Board, without delay, all records, books, and other materials pertaining to the office, and shall return to the Treasurer or the Executive Board, without delay, all funds pertaining to the office. Furthermore, upon expiration of their terms, all officers shall deliver all official materials related to their office to their successors.

ARTICLE IX. SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The Executive Board may create special committees as needed to promote the purposes and interests of the Organization. Special committees are directly responsible to the Executive board. The President, with the approval of the Executive Board shall appoint chairpersons of special committees. Special committees shall automatically be dissolved upon completion of its assignment or upon decision by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE X. FISCAL POLICY

The Executive Board shall see that a budget shall be presented for approval at the first general membership meeting of the academic year. At that time, additional funds from the previous year are also allocated. The Board has authority to make budget adjustments during the year, provided they do not individually exceed $500.00; the Board shall have no power to make the Organization liable for any debt(s) in an amount exceeding the cash assets of the Organization which have not been otherwise appropriated.

ARTICLE XI. MEETING/VOTING

Section 1. There shall be regular open meetings of the Organization, scheduled at the beginning of the school year. A regular meeting schedule may be established in the Standing Rules of the Organization. Special meetings of the general membership may be called by the President, Principal or by a majority vote of the Executive board, five days notice having been given. Members shall be notified no later than five days in advance of the date of any rescheduled general membership meeting.

Secion 2. Voting shall be determined by a simple majority of members present, except when changing or amending the Organization’s Bylaws, when a two-thirds majority vote of members present must prevail.

ARTICLE XII. PARLIMENTARY PROCEDURE

Section 1. Robert’s Rules of Order (current edition) may be used if necessary to assist in governing this Organization in all cases to which they are applicable and not in conflict with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended at any membership meeting of the Organization by two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment shall be given at the previous general membership meeting.

Section 2. A committee may be appointed to review the Bylaws, as revised and amended, every two year(s). The committee shall draft any proposed amendments for presentation to the membership as provided for in Section 1 of this Article.

ARTICLE XIV. STANDING RULES

The Executive board may maintain a list of Standing Rules to serve as a further operating guide for the Organization. These Standing Rules should be reviewed yearly and revised as necessary to reflect the procedures of the current Executive Board.

Section 1. On occasion if necessary, items for business that require board action prior to the next scheduled meeting can be addressed via email, including voting on motions. The minutes for the next regular scheduled meeting will reflect this action via email.

Section 2. General meetings shall be held as determined by the board.