Tortolita Middle School Community Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) Bylaws

Effective Date: September 15, 2025

Article l: Name

The name of this organization shall be the Tortolita Community Parent-Teacher Organization, hereinafter referred to as the PTO.

Article Il: Mission Statement

The mission of the Tortolita Community PTO is to create a vibrant school community by fostering a strong connection between home and school. We achieve this by encouraging parent involvement and providing financial and volunteer support to enhance the educational experience and promote the well-being of every student.

Article Ill: Purpose

The purpose of this organization is to:

1 . Provide a forum for parents, teachers, and students to discuss educational and extracurricular needs.

2.    Promote the general welfare and well-being of the students of Tortolita Middle School].

3.    Support and enhance the educational environment through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and community involvement.

4.    Assist in the development and execution of school events and activities.

5.    Facilitate communication between parents, teachers, and the school administration.

Article IV: Membership

1 . Eligibility: Membership in this organization is open to all parents, teachers, and guardians of students attending Tortolita Middle School, as well as any interested community members.

2.    Dues: Membership dues are not applicable at this time, but may be reviewed and set annually by the Board of Directors.

3.    Voting Rights: Each member in good standing has one vote on matters requiring membership approval. Voting is limited to members who have paid dues, if applicable at time of voting, by the date of the vote.

Article V: Officers and Their Duties

1 . President:

o      Preside at all meetings of the organization.

o      Represent the organization at school meetings and other functions.

o      Ensure that bylaws and policies are followed.

o      Appoint committees as necessary and serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.

2.    Vice President:

o      Assist the President in all duties.

o      Assume the President's duties in their absence or inability to serve.

o      Oversee and coordinate committee activities as needed.

3.    Secretary:

o      Maintain accurate records of all meetings and correspondence.

o      Handle the distribution of meeting minutes and other necessary documents.

o      Maintain the membership roster.

4.    Treasurer:

o      Keep accurate records of the organization's finances.

 Present a financial report at each meeting.

 Ensure that all funds are used in accordance with the organization's goals.

 Prepare the annual budget and oversee fundraising activities.

5.    Additional Officer Positions (Optional):

o      Fundraising Chair: Coordinates fundraising efforts.

o      Communications Chair: Manages communications, including newsletters, emails, and social media.

o      Volunteer Coordinator: Coordinates volunteers for school events and activities.

 Teacher Liaison: Promotes and communicates PTO mission and activities to fellow teachers.

Article VI: Board of Directors

1.     Composition: The Board of Directors shall consist of the elected officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), as well as any additional members elected by the general membership.

2.     Duties: The Board shall:

 Meet regularly to set policy and oversee the activities of the organization.

 Ensure that the goals of the organization are being met.

 Plan and approve budgets and expenditures.

0 Appoint committee chairs and oversee the functioning of committees.

Article Vil: Meetings

1 . General Meetings: The PTO shall hold a minimum of four general meetings during the school year. The date and time of these meetings shall be announced at least 3 days in advance.

2.    Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of the Board of Directors. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the email.

3.    Quorum: A quorum for any meeting shall consist of (4) members, including at least (2) officers.

4.    Notice of Meetings: Notice of all meetings shall be given at least 3 days in advance by email.

Article VIII: Committees

1 . Formation of Committees: The Board of Directors may establish standing or ad hoc committees as necessary to carry out the work of the organization. Committee chairs will be appointed by the President and may include members of the Board or general membership.

2. Committee Responsibilities: Each committee shall have specific responsibilities, as outlined by the Board of Directors.

Article      Elections

1.    Nomination Process: Nominations for officers and Board members shall be made by the Nominating Committee or from the floor at the election meeting.

2.    Election Procedure: Officers and Board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present at the election meeting.

3.    Term of Office: Officers shall serve for a term of 1 year, and may be re-elected for 4 consecutive terms. Board members may serve up to 4 consecutive terms.

Article X: Finances

1 . Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the PTO shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30 of the following year.

2.     Budget: The Treasurer shall present an annual budget for approval by the membership at the first meeting of each fiscal year.

3.     Expenditures: All expenditures over $20 must be approved by the Executive Board.

4.     Fundraising: All fundraising activities must be approved by the Board of Directors and be consistent with the mission of the organization.

5.     Bank Account: The Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining a bank account in the name of the PTO. The President and Treasurer shall have signature authority on the account.

Article XI: Amendments

1 . Amendments to Bylaws: These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a regular meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been given at least [insert number] days prior to the meeting.

2. Review of Bylaws: The bylaws shall be reviewed every 2 years by the Board of Directors to ensure they remain relevant and in compliance with applicable laws.

Article Xll: Dissolution

In the event of the dissolution of this organization, any remaining funds or assets shall be donated to Tortolita Middle School, in accordance with the wishes of the membership and the laws governing such actions.