LOVE OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF BYLAWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I NAME, DESCRIPTION, & PURPOSE
ARTICLE II POLICIES
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE BOARD
ARTICLE V OFFICERS
ARTICLE VI ELECTIONS
ARTICLE VII MEETINGS
ARTICLE VIII COMMITTEES
ARTICLE IX FINANCIAL POLICIES
ARTICLE X BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE XI DISSOLUTION
ARTICLE XII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
DRAFTED DECEMBER 2017
EXECUTIVE BOARD
BYLAWS OF LOTS
ARTICLE I: NAME, DESCRIPTION, & PURPOSE
Section 1: Name--The name of the organization shall be LOTS: Love Our Teachers and Staff. LOTS is located at Cosgrove Middle School, 2749 Spencerport Rd., Spencerport, NY 14559.
Section 2: Description--LOTS is a nonprofit organization that exists for charitable, and educational purposes, including the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 3: Purpose--The purpose of LOTS is to support teachers and staff of Cosgrove Middle School, express appreciation to the same, facilitate teacher and parent/family partnerships, and help teachers and staff in any way possible.
ARTICLE II: POLICIES
Section 1: Collaboration with Administration--LOTS shall seek to support policies and decisions of the administration and the Building Planning Team, and to collaborate with said building leadership. LOTS shall not seek to direct the administrative activities of the school nor control its policies.
Section 2: Independence of LOTS--LOTS shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan. No commercial enterprise or candidate shall be endorsed by it. Furthermore no substantial part of the activities of LOTS shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempt to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by Internal Revenue Code section 501 h) or participating in or intervening in (including the publication of distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
All persons interested and willing to uphold the purposes and policies of this association and subscribe to its bylaws shall be considered a member for a school year and shall have all the privileges of membership, including debating, voting, making motions, and holding office. Membership shall be automatically granted to all parents, grandparents, guardians, students of Cosgrove Middle School, plus all teachers and staff at Cosgrove Middle School. Interested community members participating in the Spencerport Central School District’s volunteer program are particularly welcome as members. There are no membership dues. Members have voting privileges, one vote per household.
ARTICLE IV: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1: Description--The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of LOTS. The school Principal, or his/her designee, is a voting member of the Executive Board.
Section 2: Duties--The duties of the Executive Board shall be to:
a. Transact necessary business in the interval between LOTS meetings and such other business as may be referred to it by LOTS.
b. Develop LOTS’ annual budget.
c. Establish and oversee committees to conduct the work of LOTS.
d. Establish programs to solicit donations.
e. Approve by majority vote of the Board unbudgeted expenditures of more than $100.
f. Determine the time and place of LOTS meetings as provided herein.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
Section 1: Officers--The term of office for all officers is one year, beginning August 1 and ending July 31 of the following year. Officers may be reelected for a second term, and third term in the same position for no more than three years unless reasonable efforts find no other members are able to serve. Two co-officers may share officer positions. One individual may hold two offices, as necessity requires.
Section 2: Qualifications--Any LOTS member in good standing may become an officer of LOTS.
Section 3: Duties
a. President: Preside at general LOTS meetings and Executive Board meetings, serve as the official representative of LOTS, and retain all official records of LOTS. The President shall not vote except in the case of a tie.
b. Vice President: Assist the President; represent LOTS in the absence of the President, and chair meetings in the absence of the President. She/he shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to her/him.
c. Secretary: Record and distribute minutes of all Executive Board meetings and all general LOTS meetings, prepare agendas for official LOTS meetings. The Secretary will also oversee communications for LOTS. She/he shall keep a file of all letters, records, and reports pertaining to the work of LOTS and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to her/him.
d. Treasurer: Serve as custodian of LOTS’ finances, collect and deposit revenue, pay authorized expenses, follow all financial policies of LOTS, and hold all financial records.
Section 4: Removal--An officer can be removed from office for failure to fulfill his/her duties, after reasonable notice, by a majority of the Executive Board.
Section 5: Vacancy--If a vacancy occurs on the Executive Board, the President shall appoint a LOTS member to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the officer’s term.
ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Nominations--Nominations shall be accepted by members of the Executive Board before the last meeting of the year. The Executive Board shall then verify the consent of those nominated to serve.
Section 2: Voting--Voting shall take place and shall be announced at the last general meeting of each school year. Absentee ballots may be requested by members and must be returned prior to the last meeting of the year. Officers shall assume duties at the beginning of the fiscal year.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
Section 1: General LOTS Meetings--General LOTS meetings shall be held to conduct the business of LOTS. Meetings shall be held quarterly during the school year or at the discretion of the Executive Board. Members shall be notified of the dates of LOTS meetings by the end of September. The Executive Board may change such meetings, two weeks notice having been given to the membership.
Section 2: Voting--Each member in attendance at a LOTS meeting is eligible to vote, one per household. Absentee and proxy votes are not allowed. At any LOTS meeting, a majority of those in attendance shall vote on and approve or disapprove of any resolutions up for ratification at that meeting.
Section 3: Quorum--Three (3) members of LOTS present and voting constitute a quorum for the purpose of voting.
Section 4: Board Meetings--The Executive Board shall meet monthly during the school year, or at the discretion of the President.
ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES
The executive committee, as may be required to promote the purposes and interests of LOTS, may create standing committees. Each committee shall have one or two chairperson(s) who shall report to the Executive Board. The chairpersons of all standing committees shall present proposed plans or ideas to the association for initial approval by majority vote.
ARTICLE IX: FINANCIAL POLICIES
Section 1: Fiscal Year--The fiscal year of LOTS begins August 1 and ends July 31 of the following year.
Section 2: Banking--All funds shall be kept in an account held by Spencerport Central School District. At such time as is feasible, funds may be moved to a local financial institution checking account requiring two signatures of the Executive Board on all checks and financial documents.
Section 3: Reporting--All financial activity shall be recorded in a computer-based or manual accounting system. The Treasurer shall reconcile the account(s) monthly and report all financial activity monthly to the Executive Board. LOTS shall arrange an independent review of its financial records each year.
Section 4: Ending Balance--The organization shall leave a minimum of $25 in the treasury at the end of each fiscal year.
Section 5: Contracts--Authority to sign contracts is limited to the President or the President’s designee.
Section 6: Fundraising--All funds shall be raised by optional donation. Members shall not be required to pay a membership fee. LOTS may solicit donations from individuals and families, community members, businesses or other organizations as well as grant monies, but will hold no fundraiser sales or events. Donation drives targeting families of students may be conducted no more than twice each fiscal year. Changes to this section may be made only with approval of the Principal of Cosgrove Middle School.
Section 7: Handling of Revenue--The counting of large sums of money shall be done by at least two LOTS members.
Section 8: Tax Status--Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, LOTS is organized exclusively for charitable purposes and shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501c(3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
ARTICLE X: BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
Section 1: Proposed Amendments--Any LOTS member may propose amendments to the bylaws. Amendments presented at a LOTS meeting shall be considered for voting at a subsequent meeting provided written notice of said meeting is given to all members and copies of these bylaws are provided to any member who requests a copy. Two-thirds (⅔) approval of all members present and voting is required to adopt an amendment to the bylaws.
Section 2: Bylaws Revision Committee--A committee may be appointed to submit a revised set of bylaws as a substitute for these bylaws by a majority vote at a meeting of the association or by a 2/3 vote of the executive committee. Revisions must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) approval of all members present at a general LOTS meeting.
Section 3: Review of Bylaws—Bylaws shall be reviewed every three years by the executive committee; revised if necessary, and reapproved as outlined above.
ARTICLE XI: DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution of LOTS, any funds remaining shall be donated to Cosgrove Middle School.
ARTICLE XII: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall govern this association in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws.
These bylaws were adopted on 18 January 2018.
Bylaws were reviewed addended on 28th of August 2023.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I NAME, DESCRIPTION, & PURPOSE
ARTICLE II POLICIES
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE BOARD
ARTICLE V OFFICERS
ARTICLE VI ELECTIONS
ARTICLE VII MEETINGS
ARTICLE VIII COMMITTEES
ARTICLE IX FINANCIAL POLICIES
ARTICLE X BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE XI DISSOLUTION
ARTICLE XII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
DRAFTED DECEMBER 2017
EXECUTIVE BOARD
BYLAWS OF LOTS
ARTICLE I: NAME, DESCRIPTION, & PURPOSE
Section 1: Name--The name of the organization shall be LOTS: Love Our Teachers and Staff. LOTS is located at Cosgrove Middle School, 2749 Spencerport Rd., Spencerport, NY 14559.
Section 2: Description--LOTS is a nonprofit organization that exists for charitable, and educational purposes, including the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 3: Purpose--The purpose of LOTS is to support teachers and staff of Cosgrove Middle School, express appreciation to the same, facilitate teacher and parent/family partnerships, and help teachers and staff in any way possible.
ARTICLE II: POLICIES
Section 1: Collaboration with Administration--LOTS shall seek to support policies and decisions of the administration and the Building Planning Team, and to collaborate with said building leadership. LOTS shall not seek to direct the administrative activities of the school nor control its policies.
Section 2: Independence of LOTS--LOTS shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan. No commercial enterprise or candidate shall be endorsed by it. Furthermore no substantial part of the activities of LOTS shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempt to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by Internal Revenue Code section 501 h) or participating in or intervening in (including the publication of distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
All persons interested and willing to uphold the purposes and policies of this association and subscribe to its bylaws shall be considered a member for a school year and shall have all the privileges of membership, including debating, voting, making motions, and holding office. Membership shall be automatically granted to all parents, grandparents, guardians, students of Cosgrove Middle School, plus all teachers and staff at Cosgrove Middle School. Interested community members participating in the Spencerport Central School District’s volunteer program are particularly welcome as members. There are no membership dues. Members have voting privileges, one vote per household.
ARTICLE IV: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1: Description--The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of LOTS. The school Principal, or his/her designee, is a voting member of the Executive Board.
Section 2: Duties--The duties of the Executive Board shall be to:
a. Transact necessary business in the interval between LOTS meetings and such other business as may be referred to it by LOTS.
b. Develop LOTS’ annual budget.
c. Establish and oversee committees to conduct the work of LOTS.
d. Establish programs to solicit donations.
e. Approve by majority vote of the Board unbudgeted expenditures of more than $100.
f. Determine the time and place of LOTS meetings as provided herein.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
Section 1: Officers--The term of office for all officers is one year, beginning August 1 and ending July 31 of the following year. Officers may be reelected for a second term, and third term in the same position for no more than three years unless reasonable efforts find no other members are able to serve. Two co-officers may share officer positions. One individual may hold two offices, as necessity requires.
Section 2: Qualifications--Any LOTS member in good standing may become an officer of LOTS.
Section 3: Duties
a. President: Preside at general LOTS meetings and Executive Board meetings, serve as the official representative of LOTS, and retain all official records of LOTS. The President shall not vote except in the case of a tie.
b. Vice President: Assist the President; represent LOTS in the absence of the President, and chair meetings in the absence of the President. She/he shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to her/him.
c. Secretary: Record and distribute minutes of all Executive Board meetings and all general LOTS meetings, prepare agendas for official LOTS meetings. The Secretary will also oversee communications for LOTS. She/he shall keep a file of all letters, records, and reports pertaining to the work of LOTS and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to her/him.
d. Treasurer: Serve as custodian of LOTS’ finances, collect and deposit revenue, pay authorized expenses, follow all financial policies of LOTS, and hold all financial records.
Section 4: Removal--An officer can be removed from office for failure to fulfill his/her duties, after reasonable notice, by a majority of the Executive Board.
Section 5: Vacancy--If a vacancy occurs on the Executive Board, the President shall appoint a LOTS member to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the officer’s term.
ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Nominations--Nominations shall be accepted by members of the Executive Board before the last meeting of the year. The Executive Board shall then verify the consent of those nominated to serve.
Section 2: Voting--Voting shall take place and shall be announced at the last general meeting of each school year. Absentee ballots may be requested by members and must be returned prior to the last meeting of the year. Officers shall assume duties at the beginning of the fiscal year.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
Section 1: General LOTS Meetings--General LOTS meetings shall be held to conduct the business of LOTS. Meetings shall be held quarterly during the school year or at the discretion of the Executive Board. Members shall be notified of the dates of LOTS meetings by the end of September. The Executive Board may change such meetings, two weeks notice having been given to the membership.
Section 2: Voting--Each member in attendance at a LOTS meeting is eligible to vote, one per household. Absentee and proxy votes are not allowed. At any LOTS meeting, a majority of those in attendance shall vote on and approve or disapprove of any resolutions up for ratification at that meeting.
Section 3: Quorum--Three (3) members of LOTS present and voting constitute a quorum for the purpose of voting.
Section 4: Board Meetings--The Executive Board shall meet monthly during the school year, or at the discretion of the President.
ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES
The executive committee, as may be required to promote the purposes and interests of LOTS, may create standing committees. Each committee shall have one or two chairperson(s) who shall report to the Executive Board. The chairpersons of all standing committees shall present proposed plans or ideas to the association for initial approval by majority vote.
ARTICLE IX: FINANCIAL POLICIES
Section 1: Fiscal Year--The fiscal year of LOTS begins August 1 and ends July 31 of the following year.
Section 2: Banking--All funds shall be kept in an account held by Spencerport Central School District. At such time as is feasible, funds may be moved to a local financial institution checking account requiring two signatures of the Executive Board on all checks and financial documents.
Section 3: Reporting--All financial activity shall be recorded in a computer-based or manual accounting system. The Treasurer shall reconcile the account(s) monthly and report all financial activity monthly to the Executive Board. LOTS shall arrange an independent review of its financial records each year.
Section 4: Ending Balance--The organization shall leave a minimum of $25 in the treasury at the end of each fiscal year.
Section 5: Contracts--Authority to sign contracts is limited to the President or the President’s designee.
Section 6: Fundraising--All funds shall be raised by optional donation. Members shall not be required to pay a membership fee. LOTS may solicit donations from individuals and families, community members, businesses or other organizations as well as grant monies, but will hold no fundraiser sales or events. Donation drives targeting families of students may be conducted no more than twice each fiscal year. Changes to this section may be made only with approval of the Principal of Cosgrove Middle School.
Section 7: Handling of Revenue--The counting of large sums of money shall be done by at least two LOTS members.
Section 8: Tax Status--Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, LOTS is organized exclusively for charitable purposes and shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501c(3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
ARTICLE X: BYLAWS AMENDMENTS
Section 1: Proposed Amendments--Any LOTS member may propose amendments to the bylaws. Amendments presented at a LOTS meeting shall be considered for voting at a subsequent meeting provided written notice of said meeting is given to all members and copies of these bylaws are provided to any member who requests a copy. Two-thirds (⅔) approval of all members present and voting is required to adopt an amendment to the bylaws.
Section 2: Bylaws Revision Committee--A committee may be appointed to submit a revised set of bylaws as a substitute for these bylaws by a majority vote at a meeting of the association or by a 2/3 vote of the executive committee. Revisions must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) approval of all members present at a general LOTS meeting.
Section 3: Review of Bylaws—Bylaws shall be reviewed every three years by the executive committee; revised if necessary, and reapproved as outlined above.
ARTICLE XI: DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution of LOTS, any funds remaining shall be donated to Cosgrove Middle School.
ARTICLE XII: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall govern this association in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws.
These bylaws were adopted on 18 January 2018.
Bylaws were reviewed addended on 28th of August 2023.