FACT By-Laws
Summit Academy Middle School/High School F.A.C.T.
Family Action Communication Team
By-Laws
ARTICLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1 Name
The name of the organization shall be Summit Academy Middle School/High School F.A.C.T. F.A.C.T. stands for Family Action Communication Team.
1.2 Office
The registered office of the organization shall be as designated by the Board by majority vote at any Board meeting at which a quorum of the Board shall be present. The address of the registered office is: 18601 Middlebelt Rd., Romulus, MI 48174.
1.3 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Committee shall commence on the first day of July of each year and shall terminate on the last day of June in each year.
1.4 Defined Terms
As used herein, the term "Committee" shall refer to the Family Action Communication Team. The term "F.A.C.T." may be used by the Committee as a designation for the Committee. As used herein, the term "Board" shall refer to the Board of Directors of the Committee.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Classes of Membership
There shall be four classes of membership in the Committee. These classes are as follows:
(a) Staff Membership. A staff member is a coach, teacher, or staff member for Summit Academy Schools and is approved by the Principal of Summit Academy High School.
(b) Regular Membership. A regular member is any person who is a parent or legal guardian of any student of a Summit Academy School.
(c) Community Membership. A community member is any person who is a supporter of Summit Academy in the local community. Community members are not eligible to serve on the Board of Directors.
(d) Student Membership. A student member is any current student attending Summit Academy Schools.
(e) Active Member. To be considered an active member and have voting rights as outlined below and member must attend two consecutive F.A.C.T. meetings and one F.A.C.T. function or; attend three consecutive F.A.C.T. meetings or; attend two consecutive scheduled F.A.C.T. meetings and provide ten volunteer hours within the school year.
2.2 Voting Rights
Active Staff and Regular Members of the Committee shall have voting rights with respect to any general membership meeting or other business of the Committee which are set forth in these Bylaws. Only the Board of Directors have voting rights at regular or special board meetings as set forth in these Bylaws.
2.3 Nondiscrimination
Membership as a Staff, Regular, Community, or Student member in the Committee and participation in its affairs shall be open to any person without regard to religion, race, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, handicapping condition or other legally prohibited factors. Within the limitation imposed by the facilities available to the Committee and the desirability of harmonious association among its members, any person who meets the requirements as determined by the Board is eligible to hold a membership.
2.4 Suspension of Membership
The Board, after due deliberation, may restrict, suspend, or terminate the membership of any member, whether a Staff, Regular, Community, or Student member, for good cause, including, but not limited to, the nonpayment of any dues and/or fees owed by such member, or conduct which, in the judgment of the Board damages the Committee's spirit of harmonious association.
ARTICLE III - BASIC POLICIES
The basic policies of the F.A.C.T. are as follows:
(a) The F.A.C.T. shall be non-commercial and show no prejudice. It shall not endorse any commercial enterprise.
(b) The name for the F.A.C.T. or name of any members in their official capacities shall not be used for any reason other than the objectives of the F.A.C.T.
(c) The F.A.C.T. should cooperate with other organizations, groups, and agencies active in child welfare. Our representatives can make no commitments on behalf of our F.A.C.T. to other organizations, groups, and agencies until a motion has been made to the Board and is approved.
(d) F.A.C.T. meetings and Board meetings shall not be used as a forum for the airing or solution of any individual parent problems or conflicts with Summit Academy staff members or parents.
(e) This organization shall maintain at least $1000.00 minimum in the treasury account.
(f) In the event the F.A.C.T. ceases to function as an active group at Summit Academy, it shall be understood that all assets will be used by the F.A.C.T. to purchase items that will benefit the children at Summit Academy.
(g) All team members shall deliver to their successors all official material within ten (10) days following the last regular meeting of the school year.
(h) The banking institution shall remain the same unless a change is beneficial to the organization. A bank signature card with a minimum of two (2) signatures is required. The approved signers will consist of the F.A.C.T. President, and F.A.C.T. Secretary. Each check will require one (1) signature, either from the F.A.C.T. President or Secretary.
(i) All expenses and proposed budget items over $50 must be approved by the Board and paid by check.
(j) There is a $25.00 fee for all non-sufficient fund checks received. This amount may be changed if deemed necessary and approved by the Board.
(k) This organization supports the concept of civic groups such as Homeowners Associations, Scouting Programs, community Education, etc., however our organization prohibits all monetary contributions or donations to such groups.
ARTICLE IV - PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMITTEE
4.1 Purpose
The purpose of the Committee is to promote student development at Summit Academy Schools in an atmosphere that is consistent with the educational philosophy of the school community.
4.2 Objectives
The objectives of the F.A.C.T. are as follows:
- (a) To promote a better understanding of all situations involving the education and social welfare of all children attending Summit Academy.
- (b) To establish a close and working relationship between teachers, parents and the community in general; and
- (c) To develop an organization with an active and involved membership that is concerned with the total academic program and with all of the students regardless of sex, race or socio-economic status; and
- (d) To provide supplementary financial support for various Summit Academy academic activities and for new or improved facilities; and
- (e) To encourage and support the participation of Summit Academy students in local, state, and national events.
ARTICLE V - RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF MEMBERS
5.1 Limits of Liability
No Board of Director member, officer, committee member, authorized agent or representative of the Committee shall be liable or responsible for any debts or liabilities of the Committee, or liable to the Committee.
5.2 Rights of Members
Regular members shall have one (1) vote on all matters brought before a vote of the membership. Community and Student Members shall have no voting rights.
ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
6.1 Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the membership of the Committee shall be held on the first Tuesday of April at Summit Academy Middle School unless otherwise specified by the Board. The purpose of the annual meeting shall be to review the activities, financial status, and other affairs of the Committee, election of the Board of Directors and Officers, and to conduct other business as may properly come before the meeting. Election of the Board of Directors will take place at the May meeting.
6.2 Monthly Meetings
Monthly meeting dates shall be determined at the last meeting of the current year for the following school year unless otherwise specified by the Board. The purpose of the monthly meeting shall be to review the activities, financial status, and other affairs of the Committee, election of the Board of Directors and Officers (election of the Board of Directors to take place at May meeting), and to conduct such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
6.3 Special Meetings
A special meeting of the membership of the Committee may be called by either the President of the Committee, or by a majority vote of the Board, or upon written request of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Regular Members of the Committee
6.4 Manner of Conducting Membership Meetings
At any meeting of the membership, the meeting shall be chaired by the President or in the President's absence by the Treasurer. At any meeting of the membership, the attendance of a least ten (10%) voting Regular Members constitutes a quorum. Only Regular Members in attendance at the meeting may vote as there shall be no voting by proxy. Robert's Rules of Order or other form of Parliamentary Procedure shall be recognized as the authority governing the meetings of the membership.
6.5 Presentation
(a) The By-Laws shall be presented to all members at the first meeting of each school year and shall be made available to any member upon request.
(b) The F.A.C.T. President shall maintain a copy of the By-Laws at every meeting to be used as a basis of reference during meetings of this organization.
(c) F.A.C.T. Meeting Outline:
- Meeting opened - President
- Roll call and introduction of visitors - Secretary
- Approval of agenda and additions to agenda if needed - President
- Approval of minutes - President
- Old business - President
- Treasury report - Treasurer
- Fundraisers report - Fundraising chair
- Communications & promotions update - Secretary
- Requisitions & votes - Treasurer
- New business - President
- General Discussion (Secretary's correspondence, Discuss any issues for upcoming meeting, Information from the Administration
- Meeting adjourned - President
Updates from chairs and corresponding requisitions are allowed 5 minutes of floor time.
ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
7.1 Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, the Secretary, the Fundraising Coordinator and the Treasurer, who shall be members of the Board for the duration of their respective terms of office, which is one (1) year, excluding the fiscal year of incorporation and establishment. The initial officer's terms will not expire until the end of the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
7.2 Manner of Election
An annual election for vacated positions will take place at the May meeting. Any "active member" may run for a vacated team position.
The procedure for election of F.A.C.T. Board members is as follows:
- No more than one year shall pass between elections for chair positions.
- A letter will be sent out and posted on the bulletin board announcing vacancies before the April meeting.
- Board members will vote. A simple majority carries vote.
- The Secretary and Treasurer will count all votes. The new members will be announced following the vote.
- A term of one (1) year minimum with no maximum, dependent on revote.
- The process for running for office will be to submit name, brief history and be given 5 minutes to speak at the April meeting.
- A vacancy occurring in any office in the middle of a school year shall be filled for the remainder of the term. If there are two chairs then the remaining chair may hold this position alone or recruit a second chair.
- Any member can be removed from their position with "just cause" by two-thirds majority vote of the Board. Members must be notified of such action at least one (1) month prior to the vote being taken.
- Any chair wishing to resign shall submit a letter of resignation and submit all materials to position in a timely manner that is reasonable.
- When chairs/teams have fulfilled their purpose, all records and any receipts shall be turned in within (10) days and the position/team shall dissolve.
7.3 Vacancies
Any vacancy in the Board caused by the death, resignation or disqualification of a Director shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Board members until the next annual meeting provided for by Article 5.1 of these Bylaws.
7.4 Powers of the Board
The Board shall have complete authority for governance of the Committee, including, but not limited to, the power to make necessary rules and regulations, assessment of dues, fees and other charges, management of all financial matters, and the conduct of any other matter considered by the Board to be in the interest of the Committee. The Board may establish and appoint members from the Regular and Community membership to any committees it considers necessary to carry out these functions.
7.5 Meetings of the Board
The President, or in his/her absence, the Treasurer, may call a meeting of the Board on three (3) days oral or written notice to each member of the Board. The Board shall meet at least once each month August through May of each Academic Year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a meeting of Board members may be held on the call of the majority of members of the Board, and such meeting shall be held at the time and place designated by such majority, but only after three (3) days oral or written notice to each member of the Board. A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board shall consist of fifty percent (50%) of the current Board, excluding any non-voting member of the Board.
7.6 Voting at Board Meetings
Each member of the Board shall have one vote at meetings of the Board. Board members may not vote by proxy or otherwise designate another person to represent them at any Board Meeting, but may cast a vote if present at the Board meeting.
ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS
8.1 Qualifications
All officers of the Committee must be Regular Members of the Committee.
8.2 Officers
The Committee shall have a President, Fundraising Coordinator, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. No officer may be the spouse or domestic partner of another officer.
8.3 Vacancies
The President may nominate an officer as needed to fill a vacancy from a prior duly elected officer, subject to approval of the Board. Such person shall serve until the end of the term of the officer being replaced.
8.4 Term of Office of Officers
The term of office of the President, Fundraising Coordinator, Secretary and Treasurer shall be one year, excluding the fiscal year of incorporation and establishment, and shall commence at the adjournment of the annual meeting provided for by Article 5.1 of these Bylaws.
8.5 Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers
The offices shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
Requirements
- Attend all F.A.C.T. and Board Meetings.
- Contact Secretary if you will be absent.
- Act as part of the "Welcoming Committee" at the F.A.C.T. meetings.
- Create a positive and motivating atmosphere.
- Responsible for smooth transition for future Chairs.
•(a) President.
- Lead meeting.
- Maintain control of the meeting by following Robert's Rules of Order.
- Follow the agenda.
- Signs checks on F.A.C.T. account.
- Work with chairs on "big events".
- Coordinate attendance to monthly School Board Meeting.
- Create letter to send out and post on bulletin board announcing vacancies before the April meeting.
- Discuss "Active Membership" at meeting and keep a list of people attending on the minutes.
- Responsible for proper documentation of any fundraising activities associated with F.A.C.T.
(b) Treasurer.
- Collects money owed on any "post pay" fundraiser, including taking action if needed.
- Collects money from any returned checks that were deposited.
- Write checks for approved yearly requisitions.
- Write checks as needed but does not sign checks.
- Coordinate the administration (addition and removal of names) of check signers.
- Approve checks under $50.00, checks above that need to be approved.
- Establish a backup person to make deposits.
- Maintain checkbook balance.
- Maintain treasurer file of al requisitions & receipts.
- Enter information into "QuickBooks" (or whichever program is used).
- Maintain family accounts.
- Provide copies of check register report each month.
- Provide an update of income and expenses each month
- Provide copy of all reports for secretary.
- Announce fundraiser profits for minutes.
- Lead meeting in the absence of the F.A.C.T. president.
(c) Secretary.
- Calls roll and introduce visitors at meetings.
- Take notes of all discussions that take place at the meetings to be included in the monthly minutes.
- Collect F.A.C.T. correspondence from F.A.C.T. mailbox to review at meetings.
- Type up minutes and distribute within 2 weeks after meeting to all board members.
- Type up agenda for next meeting and distribute one week prior to monthly meeting.
- Post minutes on F.A.C.T. bulletin board.
- Keep track of who will be excused at monthly meeting.
- Promote Summit Academy to family and community.
- Welcome new families.
- Help create flyers and letters for events and contests sponsored by FACT.
- Send out condolence and congratulations sentiments on behalf of FACT.
- Help to promote special event and activities sponsored by FACT.
(d) Fundraising Coordinator.
- Plan yearly fund-raisers and chart progress.
- Meet with Vendors to plan and set-up fund-raisers.
- Collect and prepare fundraiser report regarding funds to be deposited.
- Keep accurate records of monies owed by families for all fundraisers.
- Obtain volunteers for events.
- Review yearly fund-raisers and discuss future improvements or ideas.
- Responsible for proper documentation of any fundraising activities associated with F.A.C.T.
8.6 Execution of Papers
Except as the Board may generally or in a particular case authorize, the execution of any deed, lease, transfer, bond, contract, or any other obligation of the Committee shall be signed by two of the Board of Directors, and shall be void and of no effect unless so executed.
ARTICLE IX - INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS
9.1 Indemnification
The Committee shall indemnity any present or former Officer or Board of Director member who is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or contemplated action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that s/he is or was an Officer or Director of the Club, against any expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, which are actually and reasonably incurred, if such present or former Officer or Director acted in good faith and in a manner s/he reasonable believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Club or its members, to the extent that the same is not prohibited by Michigan law.
ARTICLE X - STANDING TEAMS AND OTHER POSITIONS
10.1 Standing Teams
The following Standing Committees are established, subject to change from time to time by the Board of Directors:
(a) Fundraising Team. Charged with planning and carrying out fund raising activities for the Committee.
10.2 Team Membership
Each standing Team shall be composed of a Chair and at least one other person, all of whom shall be appointed by the President from among the Regular, Staff, Community, or Student membership of the Committee.
10.3 Team Meetings
Each Standing Team shall meet periodically as needed. The Chair of each Standing Team shall report to the Board at its regular meetings, as requested by the President or the Team Chair.
ARTICLE XI - FEES AND CHARGES
11.1 Membership Fees
Membership fees may be established by the Board of Directors. Such fees shall become the property of the Committee.
11.2 Other Receipts
All fees, donations or other monies received by the Committee for any purpose shall be deposited to the credit of the Committee in a financial institution selected by the Board.
11.3 Expenditures
Expenditures approved in the budget or those less than $50.00 may be made by the approval of the President or Treasurer. All other expenditures may be made only by approval of a majority vote of the members of the Board attending any meeting at which a quorum is present. All checks and drafts issued by the Committee shall be executed by the Treasurer, and shall be signed by the President and/or the Secretary.
ARTICLE XII -ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS AND AFFILIATION
12.1 Not-For-Profit Organization
The Committee shall, at all time, be operated on a non-profit basis. No dividends or other interest in the assets of the Committee shall be paid by the Committee to its members. No part of the earnings of the Committee shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its member, Officers, Directors, or any other private persons or corporations, except that the Committee shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for service rendered and expenses incurred and to make payments and distributions in full furtherance of the purposes and objectives set forth herein.
12.2 Tax-Exempt Status
No substantial part of the activities of the Committee shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Committee shall not participate in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Articles of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, the Committee shall refrain from engaging in any other activities not permitted of any tax-exempt organization under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE XIII - DISSOLUTION AND DISAFFILIATION
13.1 Dissolution of the Committee
The Committee may be terminated and dissolved upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of its total Regular Members entitled to vote. Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the Board of
Directors shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, distribute the corporation's assets (1) for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of IRC 501(c)(3), or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code or (2) to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Circuit Court of Wayne County, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations that the court shall determine and that are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
ARTICLE XIV - AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
14.1 Amendment of Bylaws
These Bylaws may be amended by a majority of all of the Regular Members, but only after due notice of the proposed amendments(s). "Due notice" for the purposes of this section shall mean the submission of the proposed amendment in writing to the Secretary at least four (4) weeks prior to the annual membership meeting. The amendment will be distributed in writing to the membership at least (14) days prior to the annual meeting. The President is responsible for distribution of the proposed amendment to the Regular membership within the time limits established by this Article.
Adopted and Approved:
As of August 11, 2010
______________________________
President - Signature Ann Gray
______________________________
Secretary - Signature Sherri McCleery
______________________________
Fundraising - Signature Carol McCain
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Treasurer - Signature
