Diocese of
Constitution and By-Laws of the School Advisory Council - DRAFT
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ARTICLE I
TITLE
The name of the body shall be the School Advisory Council of Infant of Prague Catholic School.
ARTICLE II
NATURE AND FUNCTION
Section A
In accordance with the provisions of Canon Law and the policies of the Diocese of Raleigh, the School Advisory Council is established to assist and advise the principal who in turn is accountable to the pastor. The principal with the Advisory Council’s assistance will be better able to provide quality Catholic education.
Section B - Duties and Functions
The Advisory Committee
1. Advises in implementing policies and regulations as stated in the Catholic Schools administrator Handbook issued by the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools.
2. Relates to the Parish Council. Therefore, the Advisory Council will relate to the Parish Council by the Chair of the School Advisory Council attending the Parish Council monthly meetings.
3. Advises the pastor who reserves the following powers:
a. To establish the philosophy of the organization
b. To amend the constitution and bylaws
c. To appoint the executive board of the organization
d. To dissolve the organization
e. To approve expenditures of the organization in consultation with the executive committee of the organization; and
f. To remove an officer who acts in a manner that hinders the operations of the organization.
4. Proposes policies that relate to the overall operation of the school to insure quality Catholic education.
5. Assists the principal in formulating the annual budget to be presented to Parish Finance Council.
6. Gains support of various groups and publics for the school.
7. Creates a better understanding of Catholic education and promotes financial support for Infant of Prague Catholic School.
8. Cooperates with and supports the principal in his / her role as defined by the diocesan guidelines.
9. Recommends, encourages and / or suggests all fundraisers for the school.
10. Assists the principal in evaluating the maintenance of the school facilities.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Section A – Members
There will be at least 9 but no more than 11 voting members of the School Advisory Council.
1. Membership that represents various ethnic groups is encouraged.
2. One of the voting members will be the president of the Home and School Association or delegate.
3. The remaining at large voting members shall be selected from but not restricted to the following groups:
a. Parents – Catholic or other denominations
b. Educators
c. People with expertise in finances and public relations
d. Alumni
e. At least seven shall represent the Catholic community
4. The faculty may have a non- voting faculty liaison.
Section B – Length of Term
After the initial establishment of the School Advisory Council, member shall serve a term of two years, with terms expiring June 30th.
Terms shall be staggered so that each year not more than one third of voting members at large will conclude their terms and be replaced.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section A
The officers of the Advisory Council shall consist of a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary and these officers shall be elected annually at the May meeting. These three officers, with the principal, shall form the executive committee.
Voting members of the School Advisory Council are eligible for any office.
Section B
The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
1. The chairperson shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the School Advisory Council. This officer shall confer with the principal before the meetings to prepare the agenda, appoint ad hoc committees as needed, report to the School Advisory Council concerning particular problems which may arise, and appoint all committee chairpersons.
2. The vice-chairperson shall perform all duties of the chairperson is absent or unable to act.
3. The secretary shall take minutes of the meetings and send copies to all members, receive, conduct, and dispose of all correspondence as directed.
ARTICLE V
MEETINGS
Section A
The School Advisory Council shall meet monthly, during the school year. Special meetings may be called by the executive committee as needed.
Section B
Quorum: For purpose of transacting business, it is required that a simple majority of the voting members be present.
Section C
All meeting of the School Advisory Council shall be open to parents of the students enrolled in the school, parishioners, faculty and staff. The right of parents of students and visitors to address the Council shall be limited to those whose petition or proposal has been approved for the agenda in advance of the meeting.
ARTICLE VI
BY-LAWS
The School Advisory Council may have several committees as defined by the By-Laws.
ARTICLE VII
The School Advisory Council shall establish such By-Laws as are necessary to conduct business.
ARTICLE VIII
CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
The rules of parliamentary procedure as contained in Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern meetings of the School Advisory Council.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
Section A
This constitution may be amended by a 2/3 majority of the voting membership. Amendments must conform to the provisions of Canon Law and the policies of the Diocese of Raleigh and be approved by the superintendent.
Section B
Amendments must be presented in writing to the School Advisory Council at the meeting the previous to the one at which the proposal is to be voted upon.
BY-LAWS
MEMBERS
In the event of the resignation or incapacity of any School Advisory Council member, a replacement member shall be selected to complete the term. Any member with three consecutive unexcused absences shall be considered as having resigned his position.
An appointed member shall be appointed to complete the term of any resigned member who was appointed under Article II, Section B, and item 3c
TERMS
In establishing the new School Advisory Council, there shall be:
1. Three members with a term of one year
2. Three members with a term of two years
3. A total of three members to be appointed by the principal
The secretary shall take the minutes of the meetings and send copies to all members, receive, conduct, and dispose of all correspondence as directed.
MEETINGS
The School Advisory Council shall meet the first Monday of the months of August through June.
STANDING COMMITTEES
The School Advisory Council shall have, but not limited to, the following standing committees:
1. Executive – composed of the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and principal. This shall not be a decision making body, but one whose purpose shall be to set up the agenda for the next School Advisory Council meeting, to discuss in small group the problems of the school before they are set before the entire School Advisory Council, to form a line of communication between the principal and the committees of the School Advisory Council, and to undertake any other duties which may arise.
2. Finance / Development – To assist the principal in preparation of the budget and monthly reports. To plan, implement, and report to the School Advisory Council fundraising programs of a temporary and permanent nature
3. Nominating – with the principal, to propose nominees for the pastor’s approval
4. Public Relations – to make the parish, community and parents aware of the school and it’s activities and to assist in alumni development
5. Policy Review – in assistance with the principal, to review school policies
6. Accreditation - to assist the principal and his / her staff with the accreditation process
AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended by a simple majority of the voting members provided the amendment has been submitted in writing at a previous meeting. These amendments are subject to the directives of the Bishop of the Diocese and the approval of the principal and pastor.
CONSULTANTS
Consultants as needed may be invited to assist the School Advisory Council with voice but no vote.