January, 1995
Date of Adoption

The name of this association is the Brace-Lederle Elementry Parent, Teacher Association ("PTA") Southfield. It is a local unit organized under the authority of the Michigan Congress of Parents, Teachers and Students (Michigan PTA), a branch of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA).

The articles of organization of a state PTA or local PTA 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).

SECTION 1. The Objects of the Brace-Lederle Elementry PTA, in common with those of the National PTA, and the Michigan PTA are:

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

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.

e. 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 the National PTA, the Michigan PTA and the Brace-Lederle PTA are promoted 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 (herinafter "Internal Revenue Code").

The following are basic policies of the Brace-Lederle PTA in common with those of the National PTA and the Michigan PTA:

a. The organization shall be noncommericial, nonsectarian and nonpartisan.

b. The name of the organization or names of any members in their offical capacities shall not be used to endorse or promote a commericial 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, 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 activites to 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 be delegated by the people to boards of education.

e. 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 Michigan PTA or any of its divisions may cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with child welfare, but a PTA/PTSA representative shall make no commitments that bind the group he represents.

f. No part of the net earning 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.

g. 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, or (ii) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

h. Upon 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 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

**SECTION 1. This PTA shall be organized and chartered under the authority of the Michigan PTA in the area in which this PTA functions, inconformity with such rules and regulations, not in conflict with the Bylaws of the National PTA, as the Michigan PTA may in its bylaws prescribe. The Michigan 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 Objectivs 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 procedures of each state:

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

#e. Operates under bylaws which have been reviewed/revised and approved every three (3) years by the Michigan PTA Committee on Bylaws.

#f. Has paid per capita dues of its members and local unit dues to the Michigan PTA by the dates required by these Bylaws.

**SECTION 2. This PTA shall adopt such bylaws for the government of the organization as may be approved by the Michigan PTA. Such bylaws shall not be in conflict with the Bylaws of the National PTA or the Bylaws of the Michgian 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 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 amount of dues remitted to the Michigan PTA. Such books of account and records shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by an authorized representative of the Michigan 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 this PTA shall be subject to withdrawal and the status of each organization as a PTA unit shall be subject to termination, in the manner and under the circumstances provided in the bylaws of the Michigan PTA.

**SECTION 7. This PTA is obligated, upon withdrawal of its charter by the Michigan PTA:

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

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

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

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

**SECTION 9. This PTA shall include in its bylaws provisions corresponding to the provisions such of the Bylaws of the National PTA as are identified herein by a double star.

**SECTION 10. This adoption of an amendment to any provision of these Bylaws identified by a double star shall serve automatically and without the requirement of further action by the local PTA to amend correspondingly the bylaws of each local PTA. Nothwithstanding the automatic character of the amending process, the local PTAs shall promptly incorporate such amendments in their respective bylaws.

#SECTION 11. 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 12. A local PTA/PTSA shall be organized and chartered under the authority of the Michigan PTA in any geographical area within the State where no local unit for the college, high school, junior high/middle school, elementary school, preschool and special education group exists.

The PTA shall be known as the Brace-Lederle Parent, Teacher (Student) Association, in membership with the Michigan PTA and the National PTA and conform with such rules and regulations, not in conflict with the bylaws of the National PTA as the Michigan PTA may in its bylaws prescribe. The PTA shall be organized by the Michigan PTA President, First Vice President, a Region Vice Presitent, Field Service Representative or any qualified member of the Board of Managers, as appointed by the Region Vice President, and shall be self-governing in accordance with the Bylaws of the Michigan PTA and the National PTA.

Local PTAs/PTSAs become Michigan PTA units upon adoption of the bylaws which have been approved by the Michigan PTA committee on Bylaws and payment of Michigan PTA and National PTA dues. Ten (10) or more members are required to organize a local unit and twenty-five (25) or more to sustain a charter. Any unit found to be in violation of this section shall be able to appeal the withdrawing of their charter through the Committee on Local PTA/PTSA and Council Relationships.

a. The bylaws of the local PTA/PTSA shall be deemed to be part of its articles of organization and its bylaws shall so provide. Upon approval of bylaws a charter shall be issued.

b. Local PTAs/PTSAs shall review/revise their bylaws every three (3) years and submit three (3) copies to the Michigan PTA Committee on Bylaws for approval.

#SECTION 13. The name and address of the president of each local PTA/PTSA shall be sent to the Michigan PTA Office immediately following election.

**SECTION 1. Every individual who is a member of this PTA is by virtue of that fact, a member of the National PTA and of the Michigan PTA by which local PTA is chartered, and is entitled to all 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 these Bylaws, as may be prescribed in the bylaws of this PTA, to any individual who subscribes to the Objects and the basic policies of the National PTA.

**SECTION 3. This PTA shall conduct an annual enrollment of members but may admits 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 Michigan 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 Michigan PTA. The national portion of each member's dues shall be one (1) dollar per annum.*

**SECTION 6. The Michigan PTA portion of each member's dues shall be one (1) dollar.

SECTION 7. Each member of this PTA shall pay annual dues of $5.00 per person to the organization. This amount may be increased by the Executive Board in future years to reflect increases in the National and Michigan PTA dues. The amount of such increase shall not excell the amount of increase seen in the National and Michigan PTA dues, combined, since the last increase in member's dues. The amount of this PTA's annual dues shall include the portion payable to the state PTA and the portion payable to the National PTA.

**SECTION 8. The state and National PTA portions of the dues paid by each member of this PTA shall be set aside by this PTA and remitted to the Michigan PTA through such channels and at such times as the state bylaws may provide. Each state 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 membership year shall be from the first day of October through the thirtieth day of September of the following year.

#SECTION 10. The local PTA treasurer shall keep the record of the National PTA and the Michigan PTA portions of the membership dues separate from the record of general funds of the local PTA/PTSA.

#SECTION 11. The Michigan PTA and the National PTA dues shall be remitted by the treasurer of the local PTA/PTSA to the Michigan PTA State Office on a monthly basis by the 28th of each month. The remittance to the Michigan PTA shall be accompanied by a Treasurer's Remittance Report, the amount of dues collected during the period covered by the report, and the number of the members of the association.

#SECTION 12. All unsold membership cards shall be returned to the State PTA Office by June 1 of each year. A local unit shall be billed for any unaccounted for membership cards.

#SECTION 13. Each local PTA unit shall pay $15.00 annual unit dues to the Michigan PTA office on or before June 1 of each fiscal year. No unit packet shall be distributed until payment of unit dues to Michigan PTA is received.

#SECTION 14. Privileges of making motions, debating, voting, holding office, serving as chairmen of standing or special committees or serving on committees shall be reserved for members.

*Proviso: Beginning with the 1991-92 membership years, the dues will be seventy-five (75) cents and will increase to one (1) dollar in the 1995-96 membership year.

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

SECTION 2.

a. The officers of this association shall be president or co-presidents, vice-presidents (2), a recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, and a treasurer.

b. Officers shall be elected by ballot annually in the month of May. However if there is but one nominee for any office, upon motion from the floor, the election may be by voice vote.

c. Officers shall assume their official duties at the close of the regular meeting in June and shall serve for a term of year and shall remain in office until their successors assume office.

d. A person shall not be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office.

SECTION 3.

a. There shall be a nominating committee consisting of three to five members, one of whom shall be selected by the executive board from its body, and the balance elected by the association at a regular meeting prior to March 1st. This nominating committee shall select its own chairman immediately following the election.

b. The nominating committee shall nominate one or more eligible persons for each office to be filled and reports its nominees at the regular meeting in April.

c. Following the report of the nominating committee, an opportunity shall be given for nominations from the floor.

d. Only those who have signified their consent to serve, shall be nominated for or elected to such office.

SECTION 4. A vacancy occuring in any office shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person elected by a majority vote of the remaining members of the executive board, notice of such election having been given. Incase a vacancy occurs in the office of the president, the first vice president shall serve notice of the election.

SECTION 1. The President shall:

a. Preside at all meetings of the association and the executive board.

b. Be a member ex-officio of all committees except the committee on nominations.

c. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws or assigned him/her by the association or by the executive board.

d. Coordinate the work of the officers and committees, in order that the Objects may be promoted.

e. Attend meetings called by the Council or arrange for his/her duly elected alternate to attend.

f. In the event of consolidation, change of name, or disbandment of this unit, notify the Michigan PTA office.

g. Co-sign warrants on the treasury.

SECTION 2. The Vice President(s) shall act as aide(s) to the President and shall in their designated order, perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of that officer to act. It shall be the duty of the mother and/or father vice-president to serve as Program Chairperson. It shall also be the duty of the Program Chairman to obtain permits for the use of the school.

SECTION 3. The Recording Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all meetings of the association and of the Executive Board: Ssall keep a current membership list: shall in the absence of the president, co-sign all warrants on the treasury: shall send to the state office and the area council, the name and address of the President immediately following election: and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated.

SECTION 4. The Corresponding Secretary shall take care of all correspondence of the association and keep file of all such correspondence. Insure official stationary is used only as approved by the Board.

SECTION 5. The Treasurer shall:

a. Have custody of all of the funds of the association.

b. Keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures, with complete written documentation.

c. Make disbursements in accordance with the approved budget, as authorized by the association or the executive board.

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 assoiciation and at other times when requested by the executive board.

f. Make a yearly report at the annual May meeting.

g. Keep the record of the National and State portions of the membership dues separate from the record of the general funds of the local unit, as provided by these Bylaws, Article V, Section 5.

h. Forward the $15.00 unit dues to the state office on or before June 1 of each fiscal year.

i. Forward National and State monies to the Michigan PTA office on a monthly basis by the 28th of each month.

SECTION 6. The treasurer's accounts shall be examined annually by an auditor or an auditing committee of not less than three members, who satisfied that the the treasurer's annual report is correct, shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report. The auditing committee shall be appointed by the executive board during the March meeting and report to the membership in May.

SECTION 7. All officers shall:

a. Perform the duties prescribed in the parliamentary authority in addition to those outlined in these Bylaws and those assigned from time to time.

b. Deliver to their successor all official material not later than ten days following the expiration of their term of office.

SECTION 1. The executive board shall consist of the officers of this assoication, the chairpersons of standing committees, and the principal of the school or a representative appointed by him/her. The chairpersons of the standing committees shall be selected by the officers of the association and the principal of the school or his/her representative. The members of this board shall serve for a term of one year and shall remain in office until their successors assume office.

**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 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. Register the signature of the Treasurer, the President and at least two (2) other members of the executive board for all accounts at the bank. All checks shall bear two (2) of the signatures registered with the bank.

c. To create standing committees.

d. To approve plans of work of the standing committees.

e. To present a report at the regular meeting of the association.

f. To appoint an auditor or an auditing committee at least two weeks before the annual May meeting to audit the treasurer's accounts.

g. To prepare and submit to the association for approval a budget for the fiscal year.

h. To approve routine bills within the limits of the budget.

i. To determine the method of selecting delegates and alternates to represent the unit at council meetings.

SECTION 4. Regular meetings of the executive board shall be held monthly during the school year, the time to be fixed by the board at its first meeting of the year. A majority of the executive board 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.

SECTION 1. General meetings of the association shall be held on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m., each month during the school year unless otherwise provided by the association or the executive board. Five days notice shall be given in the event there is a change of the regular meeting date.

SECTION 2. Special meetings may be called by the executive board, five days notice having been given.

SECTION 3. The annual meeting shall be in May.

SECTION 4. Five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in any general, anuual or special meeting of this association.

SECTION 5. The privilege of holding office, introducing motions, debating, and voting shall be limited to members of the association whose current dues are paid. Nominees for office and persons voting at the annual election for officers shall have membership dues paid thirty days prior to election or before February 28th, whichever date occurs first in the calendar year.

SECTION 1. The executive board may create such standing committees as it may deem necessary to promote the objects and carry on the work of this association. The term of each chairperson shall be one year.

SECTION 2. The chairpersons of all standing committees shall present plans of work to the executive board and no committee work shall be undertaken without the approval of the executive board.

SECTION 3. Special committees may be formed by authorization of the association by formal resolution, action of the executive board or by the president. The chairperson and the members shall be appointed by the president with the approval of the executive board.

SECTION 4. The president shall be a member ex-officio of all committees except the nominating committee.

SECTION 1.

a. This association shall be represented in meetings of the Southfield Area PTA Council by its president or his/her alternate, the principal or his/her alternate, and by 2 delegates or their alternates.

b. Delegates and their alternates shall be chosen by election in the May meeting.

c. Delegates to the Southfield Area PTA Council shall serve for a term of one (1) year.

SECTION 2. This association shall pay annual dues of $25.00 to the Southfield Area Council of Parent Teacher Associations, as provided in the council's bylaws.

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

a. If a local PTA/PTSA unit is considering disbandment, the local unit executive committee shall meet with the Field Service Representative or the Region Vice President, prior to formal action.

b. After meeting with the Field Service Representative or Region Vice President, the written notice stating the recommendation of the executive board shall be given to each member entitled to vote at such meeting and to the President of the Michigan PTA, to the appropriate Field Service Representative and council at least thirty (3) days prior to the date of such a meeting.

c. Only those persons who are members in good standing thirty (30) days prior to date of the vote of disbandment shall be entitled to vote. Membership enrollment shall be available at any time. (See Article VI - Membershi, **Section 3.)

d. Approval of disbandment of a local unit shall require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members present and entitled to vote at the meeting, a quorum being present.

e. Should a local unit fail to:

1. a. Elect officers.

b. Hold at least one (1) meeting.

c. Enroll at least twenty-five (25) members prior to February 28.

d. Pay the $15.00 unit dues by February 28.

The immediate past treasurer or the principal shall notify their council president, Field Service Representative and the Michigan PTA State Office.

2. Activate itself before the end of the school year, its assets, funds and records shall be turned over the them Michigan PTA to be held in escrow until the unit reactivates itself, a period not to exceed two (2) years.

3. Reactivate itself during this two (2) year period, its funds and assets shall become the property of the Michigan PTA.

The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts'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 Michigan PTA, and the Bylaws of the National PTA, or the articles of incorporation.

SECTION 1. a. 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 proposed amendment shall have been given at the previous meeting and that the proposed amendment shall be subject to approval of the Michigan PTA.

b. 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 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 in the case of an amendment.

#c. After adoption of these Bylaws three (3) copies of the Bylaws shall be sent for approval to the Michigan PTA, 1011 North Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.

#d. After approval of any amendments three (3) copies of all approved amendments together with one (1) copy of current Bylaws, shall be sent for approval to the Michigan PTA, 1011 North Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.

**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 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.

#SECTION 3. The adoption of an amendment to any provision of the Michigan PTA Bylaws identified by a number sign shall serve automatically and without requirement of further action by the PTA to amend correspondingly to these bylaws.

Revised: 1/95