BY-LAWS
In an effort to foster intra-community communications and transparency, FOMWS encourages its members and all interested individuals to read our by-laws and understand how we operate. The goal is to ensure that our activities and decision making remains an open process oriented toward the betterment of our school and ultimate benefit of our children and community.
FRIENDS OF MT. WASHINGTON SCHOOL
BYLAWS
APPROVED BY FOMWS BOARD. SEPTEMBER 2011
ARTICLE I: NAME
SECTION 1. NAME. The name of this organization is Friends of Mt. Washington School or FOMWS. The address shall be do the President, or as decided by the Executive Committee, Pamela Welden, 887 Mt. Washington Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90065 phone (213) 225-5333.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
SECTION 1. PURPOSE. The purpose of the Friends of Mt. Washington School is to raise funds and obtain donations to support educational, student enrichment activities, and capital improvements to the Mt. Washington School.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. MEMBERS. The FOMWS shall consist of all members of the public who complete a membership application and who support the purposes of the organization and make a minimum donation of $5.00 per year.
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS
SECTION 1. REGULAR MEETINGS. There shall be no fewer than three general membership meetings per year held at a time, date and location established by the Executive Committee with the purpose of encouraging attendance of as many members as possible. Notice shall be distributed ten calendar days in advance. Meetings shall be publicized through local publications and organizations. Consideration should be given to establishing an annual schedule of meetings which shall be posted in School Calendar information.
SECTION 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Committee. Notice shall be distributed to members through information sent home with school children, or b other appropriate means determined by the Executive Committee.
SECTION 3. SPENDING. All expenditures requiring $1 .(XX) or more require 51% of membership polled. Spending $500 to $1 .00() requires Executive Committee approval.
SECTION 4. CALL TO MEETINGS. The Executive Committee of FOMWS shall call meetings.
SECTION 5. VOTING. Every member shall have one vote at any meeting and no proxy voting shall be permitted.
SECTION 6. QUORUM. A quorum at any general membership meeting shall consist of a majority of those present at a duly called meeting.
ARTICLE V: ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1. ELECTIONS. There shall be an annual election of officers at a duly called general membership meeting. Notice shall distributed as provided in Article IV.
SECTION 2. SECRET BALLOT. Election of officers shall be by written ballot, unless there is only one candidate for each office, in which case vote may be by voice, show of hands or acclamation.
ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS
SECTION 1. OFFICERS. The officers of FOMWS are the President, Vice-President(s), Secretary and Treasurer.
SECTION 2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The Executive Committee shall consist of all officers. Meetings are open to all members. General Members shall have voice and no vote at Executive Committee meetings.
SECTION 3. DUTIES.
A. President: The President shall serve as the chief executive officer and official spokesperson and carry out the policies of FOMWS.
B. Vice-President(s): The Vice-President(s) shall assume all duties of the President in his/her absence or until any vacancy in that office is filled and perform all other duties directed by FOMWS.
C. Secretary: The Secretary shall: (i) have custody of all membership records, attendance records and documents of FOMWS and its Executive Committee, (ii) keep minutes of meetings, (iii) receive and answer written communications, and (iv) provide notice of meetings as set forth in the Bylaws and directed by the Executive Committee.
D. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall: (i) collect dues from members, (ii) be responsible for receipt and custody of FOMWS funds, (iii) file the appropriate federal and state tax or other financial reports, (4) establish a bank account as directed by the Executive Committee, and (5) prepare checks as authorized by the Executive Committee. All checks over $50 shall be signed by two officers as authorized by the Executive Committee or membership.
ARTICLE VII: VACANCIES
Should an officer cease to be a member of FOMWS, resign or be removed, the vacancy shall be filled b a vote of members within forty-five days after notice of the vacancy occurs or at the next regularly scheduled general membership meeting.
ARTICLE VIII: REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL: (A) An officer may be removed from office for misconduct or neglect of duty, or (B) failure of any officer to attend three consecutive meetings without being excused shall be grounds for removal from office.
SECTION 2. PROCEDURE FOR REMOVAL. Removal may be achieved in the following manner:
A. At least two members must sign and submit to the Secretary (or President in the case the Secretary is being removed) a written statement containing the grounds for removal.
B. The secretary (or President. as in the case of removing the Secretary) upon receipt of the statement of grounds for removal, shall send to the officer sought to be removed, by registered mail, a copy of the statement of grounds and a letter stating that he or she may resign or have a hearing before the remaining officers.
C. At the next regular meeting of the Executive Committee, the officer sought to be removed shall be afforded an opportunity to respond to the statement of the grounds for removal. After such hearing, upon motion for removal, the officer may be removed from office by a majority of all members present and voting.
ARTICLE IX: DUES.
Dues shall be a minimum of $5.00 per year. Faculty dues are $10.00 per year. Any dues increase shall be proposed by the Executive Committee and ratified by a majority of all members present and voting at a duly called general membership meeting.
ARTICLE X: PROCEDURE
SECTION 1. PRIORITY OF STATE LAW. These Bylaws shall, to the extent not inconsistent with applicable law, govern the organization. operation and function of FOMWS.
SECTION 2. ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER. The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern for all matters not covered by these Bylaws.
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENT
SECTION 1. REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members of FOMWS present and voting at a regular or special meeting provided: (1) such amendment shall have been presented at the previous meeting: and (2) the text of the proposed amendment is distributed to members as provided in Article IV.