By-Laws of the Parent-Teacher Association of The Neighborhood School
Version: 2025-2026 (Approved November 5, 2025)
Article I - Name and Authority
Section 1: Name
The name of the Association shall be The Neighborhood School Parent-Teacher Association, and hereafter referred to as TNSPTA.
Section 2: Authority
The TNSPTA shall have the powers and duties set forth in NYS Education Law §2590-h and the New York City Department of Education's Chancellor's Regulation A-660.
Article II - School, Objectives and Community Agreement
Section 1: School
TNS is a progressive school in District 1 that was founded in 1991 to develop home grown and inquiry-based curricula, which cater to the needs of the whole child. Children explore and make hypotheses and discoveries of their own, developing good habits of mind to think creatively and analytically. Teachers provide a program rich in relevant, meaningful, and functional experiences. School-wide policies and practices are formed collaboratively and dynamically to create a cohesive and thoughtful environment that allows for all voices to be heard.
Section 2: Objectives
The objectives of the TNSPTA are to provide support and resources to the school (staff and administration) for the benefit and educational growth of the children consistent with the founders intent to create a child centered approach to education through active parent, teacher, student community engagement and meaningful partnership and participation; to develop a cooperative working relationship between the parents and staff of our school; to promote parent leadership and build capacity for greater involvement; to foster and encourage parent participation on all levels; to ensure cohesion and direction to the parent body in achieving these goals; to engage parents on city and state wide educational issues; to provide opportunities for parents to participate in school governance and decision making as well as local, state and national education policy; to leverage parental involvement in unique ways; and to sustain the involvement of all parents and staff to strengthen the school and public education.
Section 3: Community Agreement
Community agreements are a set of principles that a group of people share and create to guide how they will work together. They are also known as group agreements, class norms, participation norms, or ground rules. Such agreements can be voted on, changed and added to at each election cycle or as frequently as each PTA general body meeting and shall serve to provide a set of interpersonal standards for communication and community building of the PTA:
• Kindness and Respect: Treat all members of our community with consideration and empathy.
• Active Participation: Contribute and engage to the best of your ability.
• Inclusivity and Collaboration: Strive to include all voices and adopt a solution-oriented mindset.
• Thoughtful Listening: Listen with the intent to understand.
• Community-Centered Decision-Making: Consider the interests of our entire community in decision-making and discussion.
• Curiosity and Joy: Lead by example bringing positive energy to the collective
We are committed to being an anti-racist and anti-biased school community that works actively toward equity and justice for all. We honor and respect the full range of gender identities and expressions. In all interactions, we strive to remain mindful of our own power and privilege, and of one another's experiences and vulnerabilities.
Together, we aim to foster a community of care and mutual support, where the needs of our most vulnerable members are centered in the decisions we make together.
Article III - Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
The TNSPTA is an independent body open to families of all children attending and to all teachers and staff employed at the Neighborhood School (TNS) 01M363 apart from the Principal and Parent Coordinator. Parents or Guardians of students currently attending The Neighborhood School are automatically members of TNSPTA. The term parents includes parents by birth or adoption, step-parents, legally appointed guardians, foster parents, and persons in parental relation to a child currently attending The Neighborhood School. Parents of a child who is attending school full time while on the register of a citywide program are automatically members of TNSPTA. Teachers, Paraprofessionals, school aides, school secretaries, food service and custodial workers, who are currently employed by TNS are automatically members of the TNSPTA. The term teacher includes all employees who hold the title of Teacher or Paraprofessional Teacher as verified by the Administrative Office at the Neighborhood School, the NYC Department of Education and the United Federation of Teachers. At the beginning of each school year, the current President and/or Secretary shall send a welcome letter to inform parents and teachers of their automatic membership status and voting rights. Hereafter, any reference to "the membership" includes any parent or teacher (as defined above) of a student currently attending The Neighborhood School.
Section 2: Donations
Donations are not a requirement for membership, voting, or candidacy. Each member shall be asked to make a voluntary donation per child of any amount they can afford based on their income. Parents may give in full or over a payment period. Donations (of time and/or money) are integral to the school's health.
Section 3: Voting Privileges
Each parent of a child currently enrolled at The Neighborhood School shall be entitled to one vote. Each teacher and staff currently employed at TNS shall be entitled to one vote. The right of a member to vote may be limited by conflicts of interest restrictions as outlined in the Chancellor's rules. Proxy voting or absentee balloting and elections at a hybrid meeting are presently prohibited. The election of officers must be conducted at an in-person meeting or using a virtual remote platform (VRP). The TNSPTA shall strive to change the Chancellor's rules and work with the DOE in order to develop systems that increase maximum voter turn-out.
Section 4: Notices
All meeting notices, agendas, and correspondence coming from the TNSPTA shall be available in English, and shall be provided to PTA members in covered languages by the DOE, upon written request submitted to the PTA secretary. Verbal translations may also be available if requested. Hereafter, all mention of "written" material includes printed material and those distributed digitally.
Article IV - Meetings
Section 1: General Membership Meetings
The general membership meetings of the TNSPTA shall be held each month from September through June. The scheduled times will be at 8:30am, the second Tuesday of the month, or be established through vote at general meetings, unless such day falls on a legal or religious holiday. Notice should be sent at least seven days prior to the scheduled meeting. All official meetings during the school year, including committee and officers meetings, must be held at TNS or via open virtual links. All eligible members may attend and participate during general membership meetings and may speak to agenda items subject to restriction in these bylaws. Observers may speak and otherwise participate if acknowledged by the chair.
Section 2: Order of Business
The order of business at the meetings of the TNSPTA, unless changed by the Officers, shall be:
• Call to order
• Approval of minutes
• Principal's report
• Teacher's report
• Treasurer's report
• PTA/ Committee reports
• SLT Report
• CEC report
• Old business
• New business
• Adjournment
Section 3: Quorum
A quorum of eight, including a minimum of two Officers and six parent members of the TNSPTA, shall be required in order to conduct official Association business. A teacher member is not required to meet a quorum.
Section 4: Minutes
Minutes of the previous meeting will be available via Konstella (or other established school-wide platform) at least 24 hours prior to every general membership meeting. If the TNSPTA fails to approve the minutes from the previous meeting, those minutes should be approved at the subsequent TNSPTA meeting. The minutes of any TNSPTA meeting must be made available upon request to any member. Minutes shall be recorded via an AI module and then reviewed by the secretaries prior to posting.
Section 5: Parliamentary Authority
Meeting rules of order should be adopted for use as a guide and included in these bylaws. Where no meeting rules of order are adopted, the most recent version of Robert's Rules of Order will be deemed to apply, provided that it is consistent with laws, policies, rules, and regulations. The TNSPTA President (or co) shall appoint a Sergeant at Arms, whose duties shall include:
a. During General meetings & Executive Board meetings of the Association, the Sergeant at Arms keeps order in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.
b. Oversees the cleanup process after meetings, either alone or with the help of other board members. They pack up equipment and materials and restore the room or hall to its original state after the meeting.
c. Assists the PTA President (or co) and other officers with interpreting DOE Regulations as they affect the PTA activities; help to update the PTA bylaws as needed; incorporate all amendments into the bylaws and ensure that signed copies of the bylaws with latest amendments are on file in the Principal's office.
Article V - Officers
Section 1: Titles
The Officers of the TNSPTA shall be: President (or co-Presidents), Vice-President of Community Building and Fundraising (or co Vice-Presidents), Secretary (or co-Secretaries), Class Parent Liaison/ Chair of Parent Engagement (or co-chairs) and Treasurer (or co-Treasurers). In order to be a functioning Parent Association the TNSPTA must elect the mandatory Officers: President, Secretary, and Treasurer. There shall be no qualifications for any office other than to be a parent or guardian of a child attending TNS. Hereafter any reference to Officers, includes President (or co), Vice-President, Secretary (or co), and Treasurer (or co).
Section 2: Term of Office and Term Limits
The term of office shall be from July 1st through June 30th. All parents (as defined in Article III, Section 1, above) are eligible to run for any office.
Section 3: Duties of Officers
President (or co)
The President shall preside at all meetings of the TNSPTA and shall be an ex-officio member of all official committees except the Nominating Committee. The President may appoint Chairpersons of TNSPTA committees with the approval of the Officers. The President shall delegate responsibilities to other TNSPTA members and shall encourage meaningful participation in all parent and school activities. The President (or his/her designee) shall be a mandatory member of the School Leadership Team (SLT). In the event that the TNSPTA elects co-Presidents, the remaining Officers in consultation with the TNSPTA will determine which co-President will serve as the core member on the SLT and which co-President will serve as the school's representative to the region/district Presidents' Council. The President shall meet regularly with the Officers in accordance with these bylaws to plan the agendas for the general membership meetings. The President shall be one of the eligible signatories on checks. The President shall assist with the June transfer of Parent TNSPTA records to the incoming Officers.
Vice-President of Community Building and Fundraising (Or Co) (VPCF)
The Vice President of Community Building and Fundraising (VPCF) shall be responsible for overseeing the activities of the Community Building and Fundraising Committees and supervising their members. The VPCF may designate sub-committees for events as needed. Members of said committees, with the assistance of the VPCF, are responsible for planning and executing special and fundraising events. The VPCF shall work with the Treasurer to: establish budgets, set fundraising targets, provide summary reports of earnings on a quarterly basis, manage the annual family donation drive, identify grant opportunities and prepare grant applications. The VCEF will strive to improve TNSPTA's capacity to solicit funds, raise revenue, manage receipts and acknowledge donations.
Chair of Parent Engagement/ Class Parent Liaison (or co) (PECPL)
The Chair of Parent Engagement/ Class Parent Liaison (or co) (PECPL) shall be responsible for recruiting class parents for each class once lists are distributed over the summer; managing the class parents towards their major responsibilities (holiday and year end class gifts, para and teacher appreciation weeks, events for which classes are expected to contribute. The PECPL (or co) shall have regular engagement and interaction with the class parents (and the parent body at large) via regular communications on Konstella and in person, meeting with them regularly (as established by the PECPL or co) to guide and be a sounding board for the class parents. The PECPL (or co) shall communicate key PTA initiatives to each class parent on a monthly basis (after exec board and general PTA meetings) for dissemination and facilitate meaningful communication and connection between the PTA and class parents. The PECPL (or co) shall bring key parent and class concerns to the exec board and shall maintain general familiarity with school staff and culture and shall be in regular contact with the parent coordinator.
Secretary (or co)
The Secretary shall maintain the official record (minutes) of the proceedings and actions of all TNSPTA meetings (individual committees are responsible for recording and communicating their own minutes). The Secretary's responsibilities shall include the preparation of notices, agendas, sign-in sheets, and materials for distribution. The Secretary shall prepare and read the minutes of each TNSPTA meeting and shall distribute copies of the minutes at the next scheduled meeting for review and approval by all attendees. The Secretary shall maintain custody of the TNSPTA's records on school premises or online in a password-protected area, with access and passwords given to all Officers and to any member of the TNSPTA who wishes access. The Secretary shall incorporate all amendments into the bylaws and shall ensure that signed copies of the bylaws with the latest amendments are on file in the principal's office or the NSPTA office. The Secretary shall be responsible for reviewing, maintaining, and responding to all correspondence addressed to the TNSPTA, unless specially addressed to another member. The Secretary shall assist with the June transfer of all Parent Association records to the incoming Officers. The secretary shall maintain the Konstella calendar and create the monthly WhatsUp? documents for distribution to families via backpacks. The Secretary will also be responsible for overseeing the weekly PTA newsletter.
Treasurer (or co)
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all financial affairs and funds of the TNSPTA. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for maintaining an updated record of all income and expenditures on school premises or online in a password-protected area, with access and passwords given to all executive officers. Financial passwords shall be kept in a separate password protector with only Treasurer and President access. The Treasurer shall adhere to and implement all financial procedures established by the TNSPTA. The Treasurer shall be prepared to present and provide copies of financial reports at all TNSPTA meetings. The Treasurer shall also prepare and provide copies of the interim and annual financial reports. The Treasurer shall make available all books or financial records for viewing by members upon request and for audit. The Treasurer is responsible for filing the annual city, state, and federal taxes of the TNSPTA or ensuring that such forms are filed. The Treasurer shall assist with the June transfer of all Parent Association records to the incoming Officers.
Article VI - Committees
Section 1: Formation of a Committee
Committees may form and disband on an as needed basis. To form a committee, a written proposal must be made to the current Officers, who will determine whether such a committee is warranted, can be combined with an existing committee, and can exist in the short term to address short term needs. Longstanding committees (Advocacy, Community Building and Fundraising, Class Parents, Finance, and Communication) can choose a chairperson, who will serve on the TNSPTA Leadership, and such person will be given a vote on such matters requiring a vote. In the event that the committee chair is also an Officer, the committee can choose another member of the committee to serve as a voting member on leadership issues. If a TNSPTA member wishes to form a committee and does not receive a timely response from the Officers, such a committee can form by notifying the entire TNSPTA, given a responsible response time. Committees can determine for themselves how often they should meet. Committees are responsible for notifying the entire TNSPTA of their goals and objectives and updates on their progress and proposals. Committees must work in partnership with Officers and complement the goals and objectives of the entire TNSPTA. Committees can make recommendations to TNSPTA for a position the TNSPTA can take or request the TNSPTA spend resources on an activity. That recommendation must be voted on at a full membership meeting.
Section 2: Standing Committees
Standing committees, otherwise referred to as long-term committees, must appoint a chair to represent such committees on leadership issues. If no chair is appointed, the President has the right to appoint such a chair. Only the chairpersons of the standing committees will be allowed to vote on issues raised by Officers. The current standing committees of the TNSPTA are the following:
Advocacy Committee: Acts as a liaison between TNSPTA and the overall educational community. Advises TNSPTA on educational issues identified as important to the continued operation and philosophy of the Neighborhood School. Assist TNS administration, TNSPTA and individual parents on increasing their understanding of said issues and responding to them in a unified and organized manner.
Class Parent Committee: Acts as liaison between TNSPTA and class parents for distribution of information, including but not limited to Parent Association meeting times (exec and general, distribution of meeting minutes, school-wide events, and solicitation for parent participation. Class parents will create Google group to coordinate information and exchange ideas. The Chair of this committee will serve as contact person for class parents to the Officers for comments, issues, etc.
Communication Committee: The Communication Committee is responsible for encouraging parent participation, outreach, and recruitment. The communication committee will have responsibility along with event organizers for preparing and printing flyers and ensuring distribution to bulletin boards and backpacks as well as external sites where necessary. The committee will ensure that bulletin boards in the yard and on the second and fourth floors are updated on a monthly basis with news, events, sales items, etc. The Committee will also have responsibility for coordinating a table in the yard for distribution of flyers and information at drop-off and pickup. The Committee will have primary responsibility for maintenance of the website. The committee will also monitor the presence on the Internet and ensure that profiles, etc. are up-to-date on parenting, department of education, and other websites. The Chairperson for the Communication Committee shall make every effort to coordinate their outreach efforts and strategies with the school's parent coordinator and the Parent Association chair and Secretary. The Communication Committee will also document the activities of the Parent Association digitally, on film, or in writing, and share this information as widely as possible.
Community Building Committee: The Community Building Committee shall be responsible for: 1) planning and executing special events (one key date each in the Fall and Spring); 2) working with the Fundraising Committee to coordinate fundraising events; and 3) designating sub-committees for events as needed.
Fundraising Committee: The Fundraising Committee shall be responsible for: 1) working with the Treasurer in setting fundraising targets each year and providing summary reports of earnings against plans on a quarterly basis to members of the Parent Association; 2) identifying grant opportunities and preparing grant applications throughout the year; 3) working with the co. Presidents to manage the annual family contribution drive; and 4) improving the Parent Association's capacity to solicit funds, raise revenue, manage receipts and acknowledge donations, and provide the Parent Association with timely updates on fundraising activities.
Finance Committee: The finance committee shall be responsible for aiding the co-treasurers in all matters outside of book-keeping and invoice payments and work closely with the fundraising committee to ensure goals are met.
Section 3: Other Committees
Other committees, also known as short-term committees, may form and disband on an as-needed basis to address immediate needs (such as Garden, Art, Audit, Nominating, Wellness, Review, etc.)
Article VII - TNSPTA Leadership
Section 1: Composition
Officers shall be composed of the elected Officers of the TNSPTA, and will constitute the TNSPTA executive board and may or may not extend to include chairpersons of select committees, as determined by the current TNSPTA. (See above for a current list of committees.) All committees will be considered for this position, but not all committees must comply. This is at the discretion of the Officers. Employees of TNS shall be ineligible to serve as elected officers of the TNSPTA. Officers shall be expected to attend all meetings.
Section 2: Meetings
Regularly scheduled meetings of the Officers shall be held monthly, September through June. Meetings must happen at the discretion of the officers, they must take place on TNS school property or virtually, and they must commence before the last Thursday of every month.
Section 3: Voting
Each Officer shall be entitled to one vote.
Section 4: Quorum
Two members of the executive board, as defined by section I shall constitute a quorum, allowing for official business to be transacted.
Article VIII - Elections
Elections will be held in May or June for a one-year term beginning July 1. Any timeline established by the TNSPTA to complete the nominations and election process must adhere to this timeframe. The principal must be notified in writing of the date of the election by April 1. Employees of the school, including parent coordinators, may not serve as TNSPTA officers.
Section 2: Nominating Committee
A Nominating Committee must be established before March of each year. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three to five members. The majority of the committee members must come from the TNSPTA. The nominating committee shall choose one of its members to serve as chairperson. No person employed at The Neighborhood School shall be eligible to serve on the nominating committee. No person who is running for office may serve as a member of the nominating committee. Should a member of the Committee decide to run for an office, they must resign from the Nominating Committee before their nomination can be considered. The Nominating Committee shall solicit candidates from the TNSPTA in writing and verbally. The Nominating Committee will also be responsible for conducting the election of PTA officers and SLT parent representatives. This includes the following:
1. Canvassing the membership for eligible candidates; preparing and distributing all notices of any meeting pertaining to the nomination and election process, in accordance with existing regulations. Employees of the school, including parent coordinators, may not serve as an Officer.
2. Preparing ballots, attendance sheets, a "ballot box," tally sheets, and/or other materials pertaining to the election; verifying the eligibility of all interested candidates prior to the election; ensuring that an opportunity is provided to all TNSPTA members allowing for nominations, including self-nomination, to be considered; officially closing the nominations in order to ensure for a timely election; provide candidates with an opportunity to address the parent body. All candidates must be listed in alphabetical order by surname under the office for which they are nominated.
3. Scheduling the election at a time that ensures maximum participation and ensuring that the principal has been notified of the date of the election by April 1.
4. Ensuring that all TNSPTA members receive a ballot for voting and that the election is finalized and then certified by the principal or his/her designee immediately following the election.
Section 3: Notices
The election meeting notices and agendas for all election meetings shall be distributed in accordance with CR A-660's notice requirements. All meeting notices and agendas shall be available in English and translated into languages spoken by parents in the school whenever possible. The distribution date and meeting format (in-person and in-person) shall appear on all notices. If nominations have been closed, the election meeting notice shall list all candidates in alphabetical order by surname under the office for which they are nominated. Notice must be given ten days prior to the elections.
Section 4: Contested Elections and Use of Ballots
Written ballots shall be used in all contested elections. Names of candidates shall appear on the ballot in alphabetical order by surname under the title of the office(s) for which they were nominated. Names of candidates for the positions of co-Presidents must be listed as a team. Ballots shall be printed with voting instructions in English and distributed once voter eligibility has been established. Ballots shall be counted and retained for one year in the office of the principal, following the date of the election or until the determination of any grievance filed concerning the election, whichever is later.
Section 5: Uncontested Elections
In the event there is only one candidate for an office, a member must make a motion for the recording Secretary to cast one vote to elect the candidate for office. A vote of the membership is required for approval of the motion. The result of the motion must be recorded in the minutes.
Section 6: Officer Vacancies
All officer vacancies must be filled by succession of the next highest ranking officer until a special election can be held. For example, a vacancy in the position of President will be filled by the co-President or the Vice-President. An office can be filled through succession, until an expedited election can be held to fill the vacancy. Officers who wish to resign their positions once an election has been certified must submit their written resignation to the Secretary and immediately turn over all TNSPTA records. The ranking of officers for succession purposes shall be: President; co-President; Vice-President; Secretary; Treasurer.
Section 7: Special Election Process
Special elections shall be held to fill vacancies in the event they cannot be filled through succession. The Officers shall be responsible for announcing vacancies and distributing written notice of an expedited election. All nominations must be taken from the floor, immediately prior to the election. If the election is contested, written ballots must be used in accordance with these bylaws.
Section 8: School Leadership Team Election
The TNSPTA president or one co-president or a parent designee shall automatically serve as a core member of the School Leadership Team. All other parent member representatives shall be elected by the general membership.
The core responsibility of the SLT is to develop the school's Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) aligned with the school-based budget. School Leadership Team members will select different roles on the team. Roles will be determined through volunteering and consensus. School Leadership Team members should report findings or recommendations to each group of constituents upon completion of a task. Parents and staff members will be kept informed of the School Leadership Team decisions through newsletters, meetings and posted notices. The PA/PTA president is responsible for communicating to the membership information discussed at SLT meetings.
The election of parent members to the School Leadership Team (SLT) may take place during the same meeting as officer elections. Once the election of PA/PTA officers has concluded, the election of parent members to the SLT may begin. The election of parent members to the SLT should follow the same or similar election procedure as PA/PTA officer elections.
Section 9: June Transfer of Records
The outgoing Officers shall arrange for the orderly transfer of records and information of the TNSPTA, which shall include an overview of all TNSPTA transactions for the school year, to the incoming Officers. At least one meeting will be scheduled during the month of June for this purpose. Any Officer may request the assistance of the School Leadership Team (SLT) during this process.
Section 10: Disciplinary Action
Any officer who fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings may be removed from office by recommendation of the Officers or motion from a member and two-thirds vote of the membership present. The Officer shall be given the opportunity to submit in writing an explanation showing good cause that explains his/her reason for not attending these meetings for the Board's consideration. Officers may also be removed for unsatisfactory performance by following the procedure outlined below:
• At any meeting, a TNSPTA member may make a motion to begin the process of removing an Officer for unsatisfactory performance
• If the motion is approved by two-thirds of the assembled members, the TNSPTA must agree to create a temporary review committee by majority vote. Officers may not serve on the review committee. The review committee will disband after the stated action/s is resolved. In the instance of needing another review committee, a new such committee will be formed with the same stipulations stated above.
• The review committee will gather relevant information and present its findings to the TNSPTA to allow the members to make an informed decision about the motion. Findings must be presented in writing at a meeting within 30 school days of the date the motion was presented. The notice and agenda must indicate that a vote will be taken by the TNSPTA regarding the removal of an Officer.
• The result of the motion must be submitted in writing to the principal, which the principal must forward to the appropriate superintendent.
Article IX - Financial Affairs
Section 1: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the TNSPTA shall run from July 1st through June 30th
Section 2: Signatories
All TNSPTA checks require one signatory, and written approval from another member of the executive committee. Those approving checks may not be related by blood or marriage. Under no circumstances may spouses, siblings, in-laws, or other relatives or members of the same household sign the same TNSPTA check. A TNSPTA member may not sign a check if she/he has any direct or indirect interest in the expenditure.
Section 3: Budget
3.1 The Officers shall be responsible for the development and/or review of the budget process, which includes expenditures for the next school year. The proposed budget must be presented to and approved by the membership no later than the June meeting. The incoming Officers must review the proposed budget in September for presentation and discussion during the September meeting. Budget amendments may be proposed at this time. The Officers must present the budget process for membership approval no later than the October meeting. The counting and handling of any cash, checks, or money orders received by the TNSPTA must be completed by at least two members, including one Officer. These TNSPTA members cannot be related by blood or marriage. Funds must be counted in the school on the same day of receipt. The Parent TNSPTA's financial records must display the total amount of funds and the signatures of the TNSPTA's members who participated in counting the funds. All funds shall be deposited in the TNSPTA bank account by an authorized Officer within 5 business days of receipt, and all deposits must be documented and recorded using an online accounting system. Documentation related to every transaction must be securely maintained at the school and/or online (e.g., cancelled checks, deposit receipts, purchase orders, Parent Association minutes related to the financial transactions, etc.). As noted elsewhere, if online, this must be in a password-protected area that all Officers have immediate access to.
3.2 The budget may be amended by vote of the general membership at any membership meeting.
3.3 All expenditures not included in the budget at the time of its adoption must be approved by vote of the membership.
3.4 The Officers are authorized to make an expenditure, not to exceed $2,500, with two thirds approval by the officers. These expenditures shall be reported to the general membership at the next TNSPTA meeting in writing by the Treasurer. The minutes of the meeting must reflect a vote taken by the Association to accept this action.
3.5 Expenditures that exceed $2,500 must be voted on at a general meeting and require a two thirds approval by general membership.
3.7 Payments and reimbursements for expenses that have been voted on and adopted in the annual budget but, which do not exceed $400, will not require written approval from the executive committee. If a payment or reimbursement is requested which has not been approved in the annual budget, a vote of the executive committee will be required.
3.8 Reimbursement requests from the PTA must be submitted, via AirTable, within 60 days, and fall within the approved guidelines of the TNSPTA annual budget.
Section 4: Financial Accounting
4.1 The Treasurer shall prepare the interim financial report by January 31st and the annual financial report by the June meeting, including all income, expenditures, and other transactions. These reports shall be presented and reviewed by general membership. Copies of these reports shall be provided to the principal.
4.2 The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the Association and shall keep accurate records in a form consistent with these bylaws and applicable regulations of the Chancellor. The Treasurer shall transport all funds to the bank, and deposit slips shall identify the source of all deposited funds, unless the Treasurer and one other TNSPTA member document and record the amount to be deposited and the Treasurer assumes responsibility for such a deposit. All parties involved in financial transactions shall initial deposit slips. All records of the Association, including checkbooks, ledgers, cancelled checks, invoices, receipts, etc shall be maintained and secured on school premises.
Article X - 501(c)(3) status: Requirements for purpose, earnings, and dissolution
TNSPTA is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including for such purpose as the making and distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. No part of the net earnings of the TNSPTA shall be for the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that TNSPTA 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 the purpose clause hereof. TNSPTA may attempt to influence legislation up to the fullest extent available under law. However, TNSPTA shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the TNSPTA shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Upon the dissolution of the TNSPTA, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(cy3) of the internal revenue code, corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the court of common pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Article XI - Amendments and Regular Review of By Laws
These Bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the TNSPTA by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided the amendment has been presented in writing to the membership at the previous meeting and appears in the notice of the meeting at which it is to be amended. Amendments are effective immediately unless otherwise specified. A thorough review of these bylaws may be conducted every three years. All provisions of these Bylaws must conform to The Department of Education guidelines.
Any TNSPTA member may present a motion at a general membership meeting to amend a provision of the Bylaws.
These Bylaws as set forth above have been voted on and approved by the membership.
Certification
The most recent version was approved, in accordance with the provisions of Article XI at the membership meeting held on: _________________
Signed by:
co-President (s): ___________________________________ Date: ___________
co-Secretary (s): ___________________________________
Filed with the principal on date: _________________