By-Laws
Indiana Coalition for Public Education of Monroe County
Approved: January 25, 2012
Amended: June 2021
ARTICLE I:
Section 1.1 Name
The name of this organization shall be the Indiana Coalition for Public Education of Monroe County and South Central Indiana (herein referred to as ICPE–Monroe County). This local organization is an integral part of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education and shall coordinate its efforts with that group.
Section 1.2 Address
The registered office or principal mailing address of ICPE–Monroe County shall be P.O. Box 5056, Bloomington, Indiana 47407.
ARTICLE II: Purpose and Beliefs
Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of ICPE–Monroe County shall be to be a significant voice advocating for all children to have high-quality, equitable, and well-funded public schools that are subject to democratic oversight by their communities in conjunction with the state-level Indiana Coalition for Public Education. ICPE–Monroe County will oppose policies and practices—such as charters, vouchers, and high-stakes testing—that weaken or divert funding from public schools.
Section 2: Beliefs
ICPE–Monroe County believes
ARTICLE III: Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
Any person who subscribes to the purpose and beliefs of the Coalition shall be eligible for membership.
Section 2: Membership
A. People who join ICPE–Monroe County and are in good standing shall be able to vote for the officers and three members of the board of directors of ICPE–Monroe County.
B. A Member in “Good Standing” is a person who:
ARTICLE IV: Board of Directors
Section 1: Numbers, Manner of Selection, and Term of Office
A. The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers and not more than six appointed directors. As soon as possible after the Annual Meeting, those members of the Board who will be in office on January 1st shall appoint the Directors, not exceeding six, as they deem necessary to carry on the work of the Coalition. Appointed Directors shall take office as soon as they are appointed and serve for one year.
Section 2: Qualifications
Only persons who are members in good standing of ICPE–Monroe County may be elected, appointed, or continue to serve as an officer or director of this organization.
Section 3: Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors other than in the chairmanship by reason of the resignation, death, or disqualification of an officer or elected member may be filled, until the next Annual Meeting, by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors.
Section 4: Powers and Duties
A. The Board of Directors shall have full charge of the property and business of the organization, with full power and authority to manage and conduct the same, subject to the instructions of the general membership.
B. The Board of Directors shall plan and direct the work as necessary to carry out the program as adopted by ICPE–Monroe County.
C. Every 2 years, the Board of Directors shall review the by-laws adopted by previous Boards.
D. The Chairperson in consultation with the board shall create standing committees or special ad hoc committees or task forces as it determines is warranted in the exercise of its discretion. The Chair shall be a voting ex-officio member of all committees.
All committee chairpersons shall be selected by the Chairperson and shall be responsible for:
Section 5: Meetings
There shall be at least nine regular meetings of the Board of Directors annually. The Chairperson may call special meetings of the Board of Directors and shall call a special meeting upon the written request of three members of the Board of Directors.
Section 6: Quorum
A. A majority of the members of the Board of Directors in person, by phone, or video shall constitute a quorum.
B. Any one or more members of the Board may participate in a meeting by means of phone or video allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.
C. Board members who are unable to attend a Board meeting may appoint an alternate (who must be another board member), who will have full voting rights.
ARTICLE V: Officers
Section 1: Enumeration and Election of Officers
The Officers of ICPE–Monroe County shall be a Chairperson, a Vice-chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, who shall be elected by the general membership at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years and shall serve until their successors have been elected and qualified. The officers shall take office after the adjournment of the outgoing Board during the Board Meeting following the Annual meeting.
Section 2: The Chairperson
The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the organization and the Board of Directors. The Chairperson may, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, sign or endorse checks, drafts, and notes. The Chairperson shall be, ex-officio, a member of all committees. The Chairperson shall have such usual powers of supervision and management as may pertain to the office of the Chairperson and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Board.
The Chairperson, in cooperation with the board of directors, shall organize the scheduling of meetings, determining the agenda for meeting, appointing and removing task forces or committee members, and naming the committee chairs, developing the charges to the committees. The Chair represents ICPE–Monroe County when deemed necessary and serves to implement the objectives of ICPE–Monroe County.
Section 3: The Vice-chairperson
The Vice-chairperson, shall, in the event of absence, disability, or death of the Chairperson, possess all the powers and perform all the duties of that office. In the event that the Vice-chairperson is unable to serve in this capacity, the Board of Directors shall elect one of their members to fill the vacancy. The Vice-chairperson shall perform such duties as the Chairperson and the Board shall designate.
Section 4: The Secretary
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of ICPE–Monroe County. This person shall notify all Officers and Directors of their election or appointment. Historical and current records, including the Google Drive, of ICPE–Monroe County may be inspected with written or email consent and approval of the Board of Directors, by any member in good standing for the purpose of clarification on any given matter concerning the business of ICPE–Monroe County.
The Secretary shall sign, with the Chairperson, all contracts and other instruments when so authorized by the Board, and shall perform such other functions as may be incident to the office.
Section 5: The Treasurer
The Treasurer shall collect, receive, and record all moneys due. This person shall be the custodian of these moneys, shall deposit them in the financial institution(s) designated by the Board of Directors, and shall discharge the same only upon order of the Board. The Treasurer shall present statements to the Board at its regular meetings and an annual report to the Annual Meeting.
The Treasurer shall maintain reports to the federal and state government required to maintain nonprofit status; assist in preparing and monitoring the annual budget; keep an account of all monies of ICPE–Monroe County received and disbursed and be signatory on accounts; receive all local chapter dues, roster of paying members, and contact information, including name, address, telephone number, and email; reconcile all accounts of ICPE–Monroe County reporting any discrepancies to the executive board; and, perform such other duties as the Chairperson may prescribe.
The financial records of ICPE–Monroe County shall be kept correct and complete maintained for a period of no less than two (2) calendar years.
ARTICLE VI: Financial Administration
Section 1: Fiscal year
The fiscal year of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education—Monroe County shall begin on the first day of January in each year.
Section 2: Dues.
Annual dues are payable on the first day of the membership year (July 1). Any member who fails to pay dues by December 31 shall be dropped from the membership rolls. The Board of Directors shall submit recommended changes in dues for individual and/or joint membership at the annual meeting for approval by 2/3 affirmative vote of members present and voting.
A portion of dues shall be sent to the state Indiana Coalition for Public Education as directed by the board of ICPE–Monroe County.
Section 3: Budget
A budget for the ensuing fiscal year shall be submitted by the Board of Directors to the Annual Meeting for adoption. The budget shall include support for the work of ICPE–Monroe County as a whole.
Section 4: Budget Committee
A Budget Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors at least two months prior to the Annual Meeting to prepare a budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The proposed budget, as approved by the Board of Directors, shall be sent to all members in the announcement of the the Annual Meeting.
Section 5: Distribution of Funds and Property on Dissolution.
In event of a dissolution for any cause of ICPE–Monroe County, all moneys and securities which may at the time be owned by or under the absolute control of ICPE–Monroe County shall be paid to the state Indiana Coalition for Public Education, or in the event that the state Indiana Coalition for Public Education is also dissolved, evenly to the county public school foundations (MCCSC and RBBCSC). All other property which may at the time be owned by or under the control of ICPE–Monroe County shall be disposed of by any officer of the organization having possession of the same to such person, organization, or corporation for such public charitable or educational uses and purposes as may be designated by the Board of Directors of ICPE–Monroe County.
ARTICLE VII: Meetings
Section 1: Membership Meetings
There shall be at least two general meetings of the membership each year, including the Annual Meeting. Time and place shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The Board shall call a special membership meeting upon the written request of ten percent of the members in good standing.
Section 2: Annual Meeting
An Annual Meeting shall be held early each year , the exact date to be determined by the Board of Directors. The Annual Meeting shall:
A. Elect officers and Directors.
B. Present a fiscal review of the prior year.
C. Adopt an adequate budget.
Section 3: Quorum
Ten percent of the members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at all general meetings of ICPE–Monroe County, provided written notice of the meeting is sent to the membership at least one week in advance.
ARTICLE VIII: Nominations and Elections
Section 1: Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall be determined by the Board of Directors and shall include at least two members who are not part of the Board of Directors. The organization of the nominating committee shall be determined by the committee itself. Any vacancy on the Nominating Committee shall be filled by the Board of Directors. Suggestions for nominations for Officers and Directors may be sent to this committee by any voting member.
Section 2: Report of the Nominating Committee and Nominations from the Floor
The report of the Nominating Committee of its nominations for Officers, Directors, and the members of the succeeding Nominating Committee shall be sent to all members of ICPE–Monroe County in the announcement of the Annual Meeting. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be presented to the Annual Meeting. Immediately following the presentation of this report, nomination may be made from the floor by any voting member, provided the consent of the nominee shall have been secured. In the ensuing year, when appointments are to be made by the Chairperson and/or the Board of Directors, the previous Nominating Committee shall be consulted.
Section 3: Elections
When there is only one nominee for an office, the election for that office shall be by voice vote. When there are two or more nominees for an office, the election for that office shall be by secret ballot. A majority vote of those qualified to vote and voting shall constitute an election. Absentee or proxy voting shall not be permitted.
Indiana Coalition for Public Education of Monroe County
Approved: January 25, 2012
Amended: June 2021
ARTICLE I:
Section 1.1 Name
The name of this organization shall be the Indiana Coalition for Public Education of Monroe County and South Central Indiana (herein referred to as ICPE–Monroe County). This local organization is an integral part of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education and shall coordinate its efforts with that group.
Section 1.2 Address
The registered office or principal mailing address of ICPE–Monroe County shall be P.O. Box 5056, Bloomington, Indiana 47407.
ARTICLE II: Purpose and Beliefs
Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of ICPE–Monroe County shall be to be a significant voice advocating for all children to have high-quality, equitable, and well-funded public schools that are subject to democratic oversight by their communities in conjunction with the state-level Indiana Coalition for Public Education. ICPE–Monroe County will oppose policies and practices—such as charters, vouchers, and high-stakes testing—that weaken or divert funding from public schools.
Section 2: Beliefs
ICPE–Monroe County believes
- All children deserve a single, well-funded system of public schools.
- Teachers are professionals and deserve our support.
- Communities benefit from excellent public schools.
- Schools thrive by developing mutual respect and cooperation between teachers, students, and parents.
- All children should have access to a full, vibrant curriculum.
- Teaching, learning, and growth cannot and should not be evaluated solely by standardized tests.
- Assessments should be designed and used to support children, teachers, and schools.
- Local control of education is essential so that schools are accountable to the communities they serve.
- Public education is essential for democracy.
ARTICLE III: Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
Any person who subscribes to the purpose and beliefs of the Coalition shall be eligible for membership.
Section 2: Membership
A. People who join ICPE–Monroe County and are in good standing shall be able to vote for the officers and three members of the board of directors of ICPE–Monroe County.
B. A Member in “Good Standing” is a person who:
- Fulfills the conditions contained within these Bylaws and other requirements set forth by ICPE–Monroe County;
- Is in good financial standing, including payment of all dues for the current membership year.
ARTICLE IV: Board of Directors
Section 1: Numbers, Manner of Selection, and Term of Office
A. The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers and not more than six appointed directors. As soon as possible after the Annual Meeting, those members of the Board who will be in office on January 1st shall appoint the Directors, not exceeding six, as they deem necessary to carry on the work of the Coalition. Appointed Directors shall take office as soon as they are appointed and serve for one year.
Section 2: Qualifications
Only persons who are members in good standing of ICPE–Monroe County may be elected, appointed, or continue to serve as an officer or director of this organization.
Section 3: Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors other than in the chairmanship by reason of the resignation, death, or disqualification of an officer or elected member may be filled, until the next Annual Meeting, by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors.
Section 4: Powers and Duties
A. The Board of Directors shall have full charge of the property and business of the organization, with full power and authority to manage and conduct the same, subject to the instructions of the general membership.
B. The Board of Directors shall plan and direct the work as necessary to carry out the program as adopted by ICPE–Monroe County.
C. Every 2 years, the Board of Directors shall review the by-laws adopted by previous Boards.
D. The Chairperson in consultation with the board shall create standing committees or special ad hoc committees or task forces as it determines is warranted in the exercise of its discretion. The Chair shall be a voting ex-officio member of all committees.
All committee chairpersons shall be selected by the Chairperson and shall be responsible for:
- Organizing the committee and developing a work plan for describing its duties.
- Planning, executing, and evaluating the work assigned to the committee.
- Reporting on the work of the committee to the Board.
Section 5: Meetings
There shall be at least nine regular meetings of the Board of Directors annually. The Chairperson may call special meetings of the Board of Directors and shall call a special meeting upon the written request of three members of the Board of Directors.
Section 6: Quorum
A. A majority of the members of the Board of Directors in person, by phone, or video shall constitute a quorum.
B. Any one or more members of the Board may participate in a meeting by means of phone or video allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.
C. Board members who are unable to attend a Board meeting may appoint an alternate (who must be another board member), who will have full voting rights.
ARTICLE V: Officers
Section 1: Enumeration and Election of Officers
The Officers of ICPE–Monroe County shall be a Chairperson, a Vice-chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, who shall be elected by the general membership at the Annual Meeting for a term of two years and shall serve until their successors have been elected and qualified. The officers shall take office after the adjournment of the outgoing Board during the Board Meeting following the Annual meeting.
Section 2: The Chairperson
The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the organization and the Board of Directors. The Chairperson may, in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, sign or endorse checks, drafts, and notes. The Chairperson shall be, ex-officio, a member of all committees. The Chairperson shall have such usual powers of supervision and management as may pertain to the office of the Chairperson and perform such other duties as may be designated by the Board.
The Chairperson, in cooperation with the board of directors, shall organize the scheduling of meetings, determining the agenda for meeting, appointing and removing task forces or committee members, and naming the committee chairs, developing the charges to the committees. The Chair represents ICPE–Monroe County when deemed necessary and serves to implement the objectives of ICPE–Monroe County.
Section 3: The Vice-chairperson
The Vice-chairperson, shall, in the event of absence, disability, or death of the Chairperson, possess all the powers and perform all the duties of that office. In the event that the Vice-chairperson is unable to serve in this capacity, the Board of Directors shall elect one of their members to fill the vacancy. The Vice-chairperson shall perform such duties as the Chairperson and the Board shall designate.
Section 4: The Secretary
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings of ICPE–Monroe County. This person shall notify all Officers and Directors of their election or appointment. Historical and current records, including the Google Drive, of ICPE–Monroe County may be inspected with written or email consent and approval of the Board of Directors, by any member in good standing for the purpose of clarification on any given matter concerning the business of ICPE–Monroe County.
The Secretary shall sign, with the Chairperson, all contracts and other instruments when so authorized by the Board, and shall perform such other functions as may be incident to the office.
Section 5: The Treasurer
The Treasurer shall collect, receive, and record all moneys due. This person shall be the custodian of these moneys, shall deposit them in the financial institution(s) designated by the Board of Directors, and shall discharge the same only upon order of the Board. The Treasurer shall present statements to the Board at its regular meetings and an annual report to the Annual Meeting.
The Treasurer shall maintain reports to the federal and state government required to maintain nonprofit status; assist in preparing and monitoring the annual budget; keep an account of all monies of ICPE–Monroe County received and disbursed and be signatory on accounts; receive all local chapter dues, roster of paying members, and contact information, including name, address, telephone number, and email; reconcile all accounts of ICPE–Monroe County reporting any discrepancies to the executive board; and, perform such other duties as the Chairperson may prescribe.
The financial records of ICPE–Monroe County shall be kept correct and complete maintained for a period of no less than two (2) calendar years.
ARTICLE VI: Financial Administration
Section 1: Fiscal year
The fiscal year of the Indiana Coalition for Public Education—Monroe County shall begin on the first day of January in each year.
Section 2: Dues.
Annual dues are payable on the first day of the membership year (July 1). Any member who fails to pay dues by December 31 shall be dropped from the membership rolls. The Board of Directors shall submit recommended changes in dues for individual and/or joint membership at the annual meeting for approval by 2/3 affirmative vote of members present and voting.
A portion of dues shall be sent to the state Indiana Coalition for Public Education as directed by the board of ICPE–Monroe County.
Section 3: Budget
A budget for the ensuing fiscal year shall be submitted by the Board of Directors to the Annual Meeting for adoption. The budget shall include support for the work of ICPE–Monroe County as a whole.
Section 4: Budget Committee
A Budget Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors at least two months prior to the Annual Meeting to prepare a budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The proposed budget, as approved by the Board of Directors, shall be sent to all members in the announcement of the the Annual Meeting.
Section 5: Distribution of Funds and Property on Dissolution.
In event of a dissolution for any cause of ICPE–Monroe County, all moneys and securities which may at the time be owned by or under the absolute control of ICPE–Monroe County shall be paid to the state Indiana Coalition for Public Education, or in the event that the state Indiana Coalition for Public Education is also dissolved, evenly to the county public school foundations (MCCSC and RBBCSC). All other property which may at the time be owned by or under the control of ICPE–Monroe County shall be disposed of by any officer of the organization having possession of the same to such person, organization, or corporation for such public charitable or educational uses and purposes as may be designated by the Board of Directors of ICPE–Monroe County.
ARTICLE VII: Meetings
Section 1: Membership Meetings
There shall be at least two general meetings of the membership each year, including the Annual Meeting. Time and place shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The Board shall call a special membership meeting upon the written request of ten percent of the members in good standing.
Section 2: Annual Meeting
An Annual Meeting shall be held early each year , the exact date to be determined by the Board of Directors. The Annual Meeting shall:
A. Elect officers and Directors.
B. Present a fiscal review of the prior year.
C. Adopt an adequate budget.
Section 3: Quorum
Ten percent of the members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at all general meetings of ICPE–Monroe County, provided written notice of the meeting is sent to the membership at least one week in advance.
ARTICLE VIII: Nominations and Elections
Section 1: Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall be determined by the Board of Directors and shall include at least two members who are not part of the Board of Directors. The organization of the nominating committee shall be determined by the committee itself. Any vacancy on the Nominating Committee shall be filled by the Board of Directors. Suggestions for nominations for Officers and Directors may be sent to this committee by any voting member.
Section 2: Report of the Nominating Committee and Nominations from the Floor
The report of the Nominating Committee of its nominations for Officers, Directors, and the members of the succeeding Nominating Committee shall be sent to all members of ICPE–Monroe County in the announcement of the Annual Meeting. The report of the Nominating Committee shall be presented to the Annual Meeting. Immediately following the presentation of this report, nomination may be made from the floor by any voting member, provided the consent of the nominee shall have been secured. In the ensuing year, when appointments are to be made by the Chairperson and/or the Board of Directors, the previous Nominating Committee shall be consulted.
Section 3: Elections
When there is only one nominee for an office, the election for that office shall be by voice vote. When there are two or more nominees for an office, the election for that office shall be by secret ballot. A majority vote of those qualified to vote and voting shall constitute an election. Absentee or proxy voting shall not be permitted.