PSO360 Parent-Staff Organization Bylaws as of 2/16/2017
Preamble
The following bylaws shall be subject to, and governed by, the Non-Profit Corporation Act of New Jersey and the Articles of Incorporation of PSO360. In the event of a direct conflict between the herein contained provisions of these Bylaws and the mandatory provisions of the Non-Profit Corporation Act of New Jersey, said Non-Profit Corporation Act shall be the prevailing controlling law. In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of these Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation Organization, it shall then be these Bylaws which shall be controlling.
ARTICLE 1 – NAME
The name of this organization is PSO360 of One Sunset Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044. This organization covers Academy360 Lower School & Academy360 Upper School. A “parent” shall refer to any parent and/or guardian of a student of Academy360 schools. A “student” refers to a person who attends Academy360 and is between the ages of 3-21. A student is considered “alumni” by graduating or upon successful completion of the program.
ARTICLE 2 – OBJECTIVES
The objectives of PSO360 are exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. More specifically:
- To bring into closer relation the home and school, so that the parents and staff may cooperate for the benefit of all students and eligible alumni.
- To maintain viable lines of communication to and from the parents of students and alumni, the Board of Directors, school administrators, teachers and staff and community residents.
- To support the staff in their efforts in raising the general level of education of Academy360 students in any way possible.
- Provide the opportunity for parental (parent or legal guardian) involvement in their child’s educational and social experiences.
ARTICLE 3 – POLICIES
- PSO360 is a non-commercial, non-sectarian, non-partisan and non-biased organization.
- The programs of the organization are designed to directly benefit the students and the school staff and are developed through PSO meetings, committees and fundraising events.
- PSO360 and its individual members have the opportunity to offer constructive suggestions that promote the interests of the students and school to the school administration and Board of Directors. PSO360 recognizes that the legal responsibility to make decisions has been delegated to the Board of Directors.
- PSO360 may cooperate with other organizations and agencies concerned with our students’ welfare but persons representing PSO360 in such matters shall make no commitments that bind the PSO.
- PSO360 shall not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.
- Criticism of individual teachers, staff or administrators shall not be voiced in open meetings or written communication (email, text, etc)
- All programs and activities of PSO360 shall be conducted with the general agreement of the Sprectrum360 administrations.
ARTICLE 4 – MEMBERSHIP, DUES AND VOTING
- Any individual who subscribes to the objectives and basic policies of PSO360 may become a member subject only to compliance with the provisions of the Bylaws. Membership in the PSO shall be available to all without regard to race, color, creed or national origin.
- PSO360 shall conduct an annual enrollment of members but persons may be admitted to membership at any time.
- Only members in good standing of PSO360 shall be eligible to participate in its business meetings or to serve in any of its elective or appointed positions.
- Each member of PSO360 shall pay annual dues as determined by the PSO Board in order to be deemed a member in good standing.
- A family or staff member is entitled to vote only if PSO membership dues have been paid.
- PSO360 members will vote on issues presented at meetings including but not limited to spending decisions above ($1000), election of new board members, approval of Bylaws, and other similar decisions in which the Board requests the input of the PSO community.
ARTICLE 5 – OFFICERS (BOARD MEMBERS)
- The Board Members for PSO360 shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary (Corresponding/Recording), Treasurer and Staff Liaisons for each campus. Any of the positions, with the exception of President and Treasurer, can be co-chaired.
- If a parent/guardian is also a staff member they may not serve in a dual role as an officer and school liaison.
- Officers shall assume their official duties at the close of the June general meeting and shall serve a three year term which includes one year of transitioning the position to a new officer. This requires an individual to shadow an office for one year prior to acquiring the position.
- Staff Liaisons are exempt from nomination and term of office limitations.
ARTICLE 6 – NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
- The nominating committee shall consist of the President, Vice-President and two other members to be chosen at least one month prior to the election. The committee will ensure all nominees are willing to serve and are in good standing as PSO360 members.
- To be considered in good standing a nominee for a Board position must have attended a minimum of four out of the six meetings per year.
- PSO officers will be nominated in March, elected at the May general meetings and transitioned into the position in June.
- A majority vote of the voting members present shall elect Board members.
- A vacancy occurring in an office shall be filled for the remainder of the term by a person elected by a majority vote of the Board, notice of such election having been given by the corresponding secretary.
- In the event a member is not immediately available to fill an office then the Vice-President shall assume the duties of President if vacated and the President shall assume the duties of Treasurer if vacated. Any officer may assume the role of Secretary if vacated.
ARTICLE 7 – DUTIES OF THE BOARD
- The officers listed above in Article 5 comprise the Board of PSO360.
- During a Board meeting a majority of the Board present shall constitute a quorum.
- At a Board Meeting the elected officers shall be entitled to one vote each.
- The responsibilities of the Board as a whole are as follows (but not limited to):
- Transact any necessary business in the intervals between general membership meetings.
- Approve plans of Committee Chairpersons.
- Submit to the general membership its annual budget for approval.
- Approve routine bills and expenditures within the limit of the budget.
- Meet monthly during the school year.
- Become familiar with the official duties of their positions as listed in these bylaws.
- Upon completion of their term they shall deliver to their respective successors all accounts, records, papers and other property belonging to PSO360.
- The duties of the Board members shall be such as implied by their respective titles and specified by (but not limited to) these bylaws.
President
- Shall preside at all general and board meetings of PSO360.
- Develop Agendas for all meetings (general and board)
- Oversees and supports all committee chairpersons.
- Insures Committees have Chairpersons and seeks input and feedback from each Chairperson to insure committee progress.
- Confirm meeting delegate in event of absence
- Oversees setting goals for the year, planning the PSO calendar, providing summer mailing materials and other duties as needed
- Represents PSO360 at Back to School night
- Official PSO360 representative to the School Principals/Directors
- At the end of the two year term trains incoming President to facilitate an effective turnover of responsibilities.
Vice President
- Assumes Presidential responsibilities in the absence or resignation of the President.
- Attends PSO general and Board meetings
- Assists with yearly goal and calendar development and any other presidential duties
- At the end of the two year term trains incoming Vice-President to facilitate an effective turnover of responsibilities.
Secretary – Recording and Corresponding
- Records the minutes at all meetings and presents them at the meeting immediately following for approval (and posts electronically)
- Keeps an organized record of all meeting minutes (preferably electronic)
- Takes attendance at all meetings
- Maintain copies of the PSO Bylaws
- Keeps records of all correspondence sent and received by PSO360
- Provide list of paid members to Board
- Create directory of all members
- Maintains the calendar and notifications of PSO events including all meetings
- Distribute notices to the membership
- Respond to incoming correspondence
- Supports the President and Vice President as needed.
- At the end of the two year term trains incoming Secretary to facilitate an effective turnover of responsibilities.
Treasurer
- Responsible for all funds of PSO360 - both assets and expenditures.
- Prepares a financial summary of the previous year for review by the board in preparation for the new annual budget. Works with the Board to compile upcoming year’s budget.
- Maintain a monthly budget and report at all meetings or when requested by Board
- Deposit all monies received to the PSO in a timely manner.
- Writes checks to meet PSO360’s financial obligations.
- Collects and organizes receipts and proof of spending from teachers and PSO members for reimbursement by PSO360.
- Files all tax forms in accordance with IRS law
- Provide charitable donation letter upon request.
- Provide an annual year end summary of actual expenses versus budgeted expenses.
- At the end of the two year term trains incoming Treasurer to facilitate an effective turnover of responsibilities.
Staff Liaison
- Shall attend or send a representative to all general and Board meetings.
- Act as advisor and liaison between staff and the organization.
- Help maintain open lines of communication between parents and staff
- Report on current activities of the school
- Report to staff on the organizational activities.
- Assist chairpersons and Board members with items, rooms, etc. needed from the school.
ARTICLE 8 – STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
- The Board may establish or dissolve standing committees or chairpersons of such committees as it deems necessary and advisable. The Board shall approve all chairpersons of all standing committees. Any PSO360 member may serve as a committee chairperson or committee member.
- The Board may create special committees for a specific time or task and it shall cease to exist when the appointed task is completed. Special committees shall operate under the same rules as standing committees specified under Section 1 above.
ARTICLE 9 – COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS AND THEIR DUTIES
- The chairperson shall report all plans and activities of the committee to the Board.
- The chairperson is responsible for getting budget approval and operating within such approval. The chairperson shall send receipts and expenditures to Treasurer in a timely manner.
- The chairperson shall be responsible to communicate all pertinent committee information and/or activities to PSO360 members.
- The chairperson will provide a report to the Board regarding pros/cons of their committee.
ARTICLE 10 – MEETINGS
- There will be no fewer than six general meetings each school year.
- Dates of meetings of PSO360 shall be determined by the Board and announced to the general membership. Sufficient notice shall be given of a change of date.
- Special meetings of PSO360 may be called by the President or by a majority of the Board by notifying the membership two weeks in advance.
- Those members present at a properly called general membership or special meeting shall be designated as a quorum and shall be entitled to vote and take action on behalf of PSO360.
ARTICLE 11 – AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS
These bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed at any general meeting of PSO360 by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting, provided that the proposed changes were given at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE 12 - DISSOLUTION
To dissolve the PSO the issue must be presented to all members and a vote taken as to whether or not to dissolve. Upon dissolution, the members will decide upon a project for the betterment of Spectrum360 and how to spend ALL remaining monies. All books and records shall be turned over to the school for future use. Should Spectrum360 not be in existence PSO360 will donate all funds to a similar 501c3.
ARTICLE 13 – PERIODICAL REVIEW
Bylaws must be reviewed and voted upon every three years.