Bylaws

  • The CPO operates in accordance with its Bylaws as approved by its membership.   These bylaws serve to maintain the integrity of the purposes, responsibilities, and activities of the CPO.

    The policies and procedures stated in the bylaws safeguard the rights of all CPO members and promote the corresponding responsibilities of those who choose to participate in the CPO.

    Approved May 15, 2017

     

    BYLAWS OF CRESTVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL CRESTVIEW PARENT ORGANIZATION (CPO) 

    ARTICLE I. NAME

    The name of this organization is the Crestview Parent Organization of the Rockwood School District 
    (hereinafter referred to as “CPO”). It is a local independent unit created by the parents and staff 
    of Crestview Middle School, having no affiliation with any other association, be it state or 
    national in origin.
     

    ARTICLE II. ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

    The CPO exists as an unincorporated association of its members. The CPO’s Articles of Organization 
    consist of these Bylaws, as amended from time to time, and its Articles of Association, if any. In 
    the absence of separate Articles of Association, the Bylaws shall be deemed to be the Articles of 
    Association. In the event of any conflict between these Bylaws and the Articles of Association, 
    these Bylaws shall govern.
     

    ARTICLE III. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

     This CPO is organized exclusively for the following charitable, educational, or scientific purposes 
    within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code:
     
    ●   To promote the welfare and education of children and youth eligible to attend the Rockwood 
    School District and the Crestview Middle School in the home, school, and community.
    ●   To support the school in improving education in ways that will adhere to administrative policy 
    and the Rockwood School District’s mission, goals, and beliefs.
    ●   To raise funds for programs and equipment to further the education of children and youth.
    ●   To bring about a closer relationship between the home and the school, that parents and teachers 
    may work cooperatively in the education of children and youth.
    ●   To foster communication, cooperation, support, information, and education within the Rockwood 
    School District, including District staff, parents, and the general community.
     

    ARTICLE IV. POLICIES

    Section 1. No substantial part of the activities of the CPO shall be the carrying on of propaganda 
    or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the CPO shall not participate in or intervene 
    (including the publishing or distribution of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of any 
    candidate for public office.
     
    Section 2. This CPO shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan. No commercial 
    enterprise or candidate shall be endorsed by it. The name of the CPO and names of its officers in
    their official capacities shall not be used in connection with a commercial concern or with any 
    partisan interest for any other purpose than the regular work of the CPO.
     
    Section 3. This CPO shall not seek to direct the administrative activities of the school or to 
    control its policies, but can serve as a liaison between parents and administration when concerns 
    arise.
     
    Section 4. The CPO shall be supportive of school educational efforts and student needs. The 
    policies of the CPO shall be developed cooperatively by parents and teachers. The CPO shall conduct 
    all operations in such a way as to reflect positively upon the school and the Rockwood School 
    District.
     
    Section 5. In no way shall one member, officer, or committee chairperson (also known as “action 
    team leader”) make policy, program, or expenditure decisions, or bind the CPO in any way, absent 
    the consent of at least the Executive Board. When representing the CPO, any member, officer, or 
    committee chairperson (action team leader) shall be aware of the authority extended by the CPO and 
    shall not exceed such authority.
     
    Section 6. This CPO may cooperate with other organizations and agencies active in child welfare, 
    such as conference groups or coordinating councils, provided they make no commitments that bind the 
    CPO absent the consent of at least the Executive Board.
     
    Section 7. The CPO shall act in accordance with all Rockwood School District Board of Education 
    Policies and Regulations, which are incorporated herein by reference, including but not limited to 
    Policies 2950 and 3370 and Regulations 2950 pertaining to fund-raising activities. No fund-raising 
    activity of the CPO shall financially benefit a CPO member, faculty member, student or parent 
    without prior Executive Board approval.
     
    Section 8. No part of the net earnings of this CPO shall inure to the benefit of, or be 
    distributable to, its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the CPO 
    shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered. Services 
    provided by members and officers are voluntary and will not be compensated, unless specifically 
    authorized by the Executive Board prior to completion of such services.
     
    Section 9. Any notice required or permitted to be given to members may be given by written notice 
    (including distribution of flyers and posting notices through the school), by telephone, by 
    facsimile, by electronic mail, by social media or by any combination thereof, or by any other 
    method reasonably designed to reach the members.
     
    Section 10. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the CPO shall not carry on any 
    other activities not permitted to be carried on: (a) by an Association exempt from Federal Income 
    Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of 
    any future United States Internal Revenue Law); or (b) by an Association, contributions to which 
    are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding 
    provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
     
    Section 11. Upon dissolution of the CPO, the CPO shall, after paying or making provisions for the 
    payment of all the liabilities of the CPO, dispose of all the assets of the CPO by distributing the 
    same to the Principal of Crestview Middle School. Said Principal shall, upon the advice of the 
    Crestview Middle School teachers and administration, supervise the expenditure of said assets for 
    essential educational materials and equipment. In the event that this is not possible, said assets 
    shall be distributed to organizations as shall at the time qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the 
    Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal 
    Revenue Law), as the CPO’s Executive Board shall determine, with preference to be given to 
    educational programs of the Rockwood School District. Any assets not so disposed of shall be 
    disposed of by the Court in the county of the principal office of the CPO.
     

    ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

    Section 1. Any parent or legal guardian of a student of Crestview Middle School interested in the 
    objectives of the CPO and willing to uphold its policies and subscribe to its Bylaws may become a 
    member. Membership in the CPO shall be available without regard to race, color, creed, or national 
    origin.
     
    Section 2. The Executive Board shall determine the amount, time, and manner of payment of the 
    membership  dues,  if  any,  from  time  to  time.  If  assessed,  each  member  shall  pay the  
    annual membership dues; however, no household shall be assessed for more than one annual payment of 
    membership dues.
     
    Section 3. The CPO shall conduct an annual enrollment of its members, but persons may be admitted 
    to membership at any time during the year as defined above.
     
    Section 4. The privileges of membership shall be the right to hold office or appointed position, 
    make motions, chair a committee (action team), and vote. Only those members current in payment of 
    membership dues, if any, are eligible to vote or to serve as an officer or representative of the 
    CPO. Non-members are welcome to attend meetings and may ask questions and participate in 
    discussions as recognized by the President.
     

    ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE BOARD

    Section 1. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the CPO, the Principal of the 
    School  or  his  or  her  designated  representative.  Chairpersons  of  the  standing  committees 
    (action  teams)  and  of  then  active  special committees  (action teams)  may be  invited to 
    attend Executive Board Meetings that pertain to their committee (action team).
     
    Section 2. The Executive Board shall have general charge and control of the affairs, funds, and 
    properties of the CPO and shall maintain records of such in a central location, including current 
    and  prior  budgets,  check  registers,  governmental  forms,  committee  (action  team)  reports, 
    contracts and correspondence.  Records should be maintained for a minimum of five years.
     
    Section 3. The duties of the Executive Board shall be as follows: to transact necessary business in 
     the  intervals  between  CPO  meetings;  to  approve  chairpersons  (action  team  leaders)  of 
    standing  committees  (action  teams)  and approve the plans  of  the standing committees (action 
    teams); to interpret the bylaws, policies, and standing rules of the CPO; to present a report at 
    the general membership (open)  meetings of  the CPO;  to prepare  a budget for the upcoming fiscal 
    year;  to  approve  routine  bills  within  the  limits  of  the  budget;  to  appoint  the  
    nominating committee; to appoint a committee  to review Bylaws as needed; to appoint a committee of 
    not less than two members, or an independent auditor or CPA, at least two weeks before the Annual 
    Meeting to audit the treasurer’s accounts; and to make budget adjustments as necessary, provided 
    they  do  not  individually  exceed  $750.00.  Any  individual  budget  adjustment  over  $750.00 
    requires the approval of the general membership.
     
    Section 4. Every elected officer of the Executive Board shall be entitled to one vote. Spouses 
    elected together (Article VII, Section 4) are entitled to one vote.
     
    Section 5.   Each   standing   committee   chairperson   (action   team   leader)   shall  
    present  the committee’s (action team’s) plans  to the  Executive Board prior to execution  of the 
    same. Any expenditure for such plans should be presented to the Executive Board for advance 
    approval.
     
    Section 6.  Regular  meetings  of  the  Executive  Board  shall  be  held during  the school  
    year,  as stated in the Standing Rules. The time, place and regularity of such meetings are to be 
    fixed by the Executive Board at its first meeting of the year.
     
    Section 7.  Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President, the Principal, 
    or by a majority of the members of the Executive Board upon at least two days’ notice.
     
    Section 8. All officers are expected to attend all scheduled CPO meetings and a majority of 
    CPO-sponsored events.
     
    Section 9. On or before the first board meeting of the year, each officer shall be assigned to 
    serve as a liaison and shall provide assistance to the identified standing or special committee 
    chairs (action team leaders).
     
    Section 10. A majority of the members of the Executive Board must be present at the Executive Board 
    meeting in order to conduct business. Unless otherwise provided herein, a simple majority of those 
    present and voting shall be required for the passage of any motion, resolution, or other vote.
     

    ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

    Section 1. The officers of this CPO shall include, at a minimum, a President, a Vice- President, a 
    Secretary, and a Treasurer. Any office may be held by two persons so designated by the prefix 
    “co-“. These officers shall be elected annually by ballot at the regularly scheduled Spring general 
    membership meeting by a majority vote of the membership present at that meeting. If the Executive 
    Board includes a President-Elect, the office of President shall be filled by the prior 
    President-Elect. Ballots should be counted by a designated committee of three persons, independent 
    of the CPO Executive Board to be appointed by the Principal of Crestview Middle School. If there is 
    but one candidate for any office, the election for such office(s) may be by voice, show of hands or 
    slate approval. Officer elections may be conducted electronically.
     
    Section 2. Officers shall assume their official duties at the annual June CPO Executive Board 
    Transition meeting and shall serve  for a term of one year or until their successors are elected 
    and installed. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office, or three 
    consecutive years unless determined by vote and majority approval of the Executive Board and 
    General PTO population. Additional officers will be chosen according to the needs of the CPO and 
    upon the approval of the Executive Board.
     
    Section  3.  Nomination  of  officers  shall  be  made  by  the  Executive Board.  The Executive 
    Board shall place in nomination at least one name for each office and present this slate via 
    publication issued to the entire general membership at least four weeks prior to the Spring 
    election meeting. Independent nominations, with the consent of the nominee, may be made in writing 
    by at least five voting members, and must be received by the Executive Board at least two weeks 
    prior to the Spring election meeting. The membership must be notified of the amended slate at least 
    one week prior to the Spring election meeting. There shall be no nominations from the floor.
     
    Section 4. Spouses may be elected and hold any of the offices as a couple provided that such 
    spouses were nominated and elected as a couple.
     
    Section 5. A vacancy occurring in an office shall be filled by a majority vote of the elected 
    officers on the Executive Board at their next regular meeting.
     
    Section 6. Any officer absent  from three consecutive meetings, i.e.  Executive Board and CPO 
    meetings, shall be deemed inactive unless absences are due to extenuating circumstances and the 
    Executive  Board  receives  notification  of  such.  Any  office  having an  inactive officer shall 
    be declared vacant and shall be filled as provided herein. In addition, an officer failing to 
    adequately participate or fulfill duties of  the office  may be subject  to removal from  office by 
    decision of two-thirds of the Executive Board.  Such officer is entitled  to a written  
    notification from the President or the Principal at least two weeks prior to the vote regarding 
    removal.
     

    ARTICLE VIII. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

    Section 1. The President (or Co-Presidents) shall:
    ●   preside at all meetings of the CPO and of the Executive Board
    ●   be a member ex officio of all committees (action teams) except the Nominating Committee
    ●   be authorized to appoint any special committee (action team) necessary to conduct the work 
    required for the annual report
    ●   maintain the right to table discussions or voting, at his/her discretion, for such reasons as 
    new agenda items, time constraints, or items that require additional information
    ●   work with the Secretary to prepare the agenda for each meeting
    ●   be an authorized cosignatory for all accounts of the CPO
    ●   be the only one (or his/her designee, who must be an elected officer) allowed to sign contracts
    ●   work with the principal on designated duties and tasks
    ●   attend District-wide meetings, such as the Presidents’ Forum
    ●   attend the Rockwood Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference
    ●   delegate the duties of any position that remains vacant
    ●   perform all other duties usually pertaining to the office
    ●   perform the assigned duties as outlined in the Officer Job Descriptions (in Standing Rules)
     
    Section 2. The President-Elect, if any, shall:
    ●   attend District-wide meetings, such as the Presidents’ Forum
    ●   be an authorized cosignatory for all accounts of the CPO
    ●   attend Rockwood Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference
    ●   perform other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the CPO or Executive
     
    Board
    ●   assist the President and perform such duties that the President may delegate
    ●   perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence
    ●   perform the assigned duties as outlined in the Officer Job Descriptions (in Standing Rules)
     
    Section 3. The Vice-President(s) shall:
    ●   aide the President(s) and President-Elect
    ●   perform the duties of the President and President-Elect in the absence of both officers
    ●   oversee and serve as a resource for specific committees (action teams)  (to be determined at 
    the Executive Board meeting immediately preceding the beginning of the school year)
    ●   perform the duties of the Secretary or Secretaries in their absence
    ●   perform the assigned duties as outlined in the Officer Job Descriptions (in Standing Rules)
     
    Section 4. The Secretary (or Secretaries) shall:
    ●   record the minutes of all meetings of the CPO and of the Executive Board
    ●   be responsible for all incoming and outgoing correspondence for the Organization
    ●   report on all relevant correspondence at each Executive Board meeting
    ●   aid the President(s) in preparing the agenda for all meetings
    ●   make the minutes of the prior meeting available to all members of the Executive Board before 
    each meeting
    ●   maintain a current copy of the Bylaws and Standing Rules, if any, as well as the records of all 
    meeting minutes, written records of all voting results, a list of all committees (action teams) and 
    their members, and a list of the current members of the CPO
    ●   perform the assigned duties as outlined in the Officer Job Descriptions (in Standing Rules)
     
    Section 5. The Treasurer(s) shall:
    ●   receive all monies of the CPO
    ●   keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures and disburse funds as budgeted or approved 
    by the Executive Board
    ●   be responsible for the maintenance of the bank account and records of the CPO
    ●   be responsible for the filing of any necessary financial and tax forms with the appropriate 
    governmental authorities
    ●   be responsible for the maintenance of all financial records of the CPO
    ●   comply with the statutory requirements and Rockwood School District Board of Education Policies 
    and Regulations, including those provided in the Student Activity Funds Procedures Manual 
    established by the Rockwood School District Board of Education
    ●   turn the financial books of the CPO over to an Audit Committee of not less than two members or 
    an independent auditor appointed by the Executive Board at the end of the school year for 
    examination
    ●   present a statement of account at every meeting of the CPO and any other times as requested by 
    the Executive Board
    ●   maintain a record of the budget reports presented at CPO meetings
    ●   provide budget and financial reports to be posted to the CPO website
    ●   be responsible for preparation of the annual budget for presentation and approval by the 
    Executive Board and CPO
    ●   perform the assigned duties as outlined in the Officer Job Descriptions (in Standing Rules)
     
    Additional officer positions, their roles and responsibilities may be found in Standing Rules.
     
    Section 6. The Treasurer’s  accounts shall be examined annually by an Audit Committee of not less 
    than two members or an independent auditor appointed by the Executive Board no later than July 10 
    of every year. When the Audit Committee or auditor is satisfied that the Treasurer’s final report 
    is correct, they shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report.
     
    Section 7. A check will be considered valid with one authorized signature if that signature is not 
    the individual charged with receiving the bank statements and reconciling the accounts.
     
    Section 8. The Treasurer and President shall be bonded annually.
     
    Section 9. All officers shall perform the duties outlined in these Bylaws and those assigned from 
    time to time. Failure to assume these responsibilities may result in removal as provided herein.
     
    Section 10. Upon the removal  or resignation of  any officer, such  officer shall turn over to the 
    President or Executive Board, without delay, all records, books, and other materials pertaining to 
    the  office,  and  shall  return  to  the  Treasurer  or  the  Executive  Board, without  delay, 
    all  funds pertaining to the office. Furthermore, upon expiration of their terms, all officers 
    shall deliver all official materials related to their office to their successors.
     

    ARTICLE IX. STANDING COMMITTEES (ACTION TEAMS)

    Section 1. Standing committees  (action teams) are committees (teams) with on-going functions that  
    continue  throughout  the  year.  The  chairperson  (action  team  leader)  of  each  committee 
    (action team) shall serve for a one-year term. The incoming President, with the approval of the 
    incoming  Executive  Board,  shall  appoint  chairpersons  (action  team  leaders)  of  the  
    standing committees (action teams) after the Spring election.
     
    Section 2. The chairpersons (action team leaders) of all standing committees (action teams) shall 
    mutually plan activities with the Executive Board, and no committee (action team) work shall be 
    undertaken without the approval of the Executive Board.
     
    Section  3.  The  Executive  Board  may  create  special  committees  (action  teams)  as  needed  
    to promote the purposes and interests  of the  CPO. Special committees (action teams) are directly 
    responsible to the Executive Board. The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall 
    appoint chairpersons  (action team leaders)  of the special committees (action teams). Special  
    committees  (action  teams)  shall  be  automatically  dissolved  upon  completion  of  its 
    assignment or upon decision by the Executive Board.
     
    Section 4. An individual may serve unlimited terms as a committee chairperson (action team leader), 
    if appointed year to year.

    ARTICLE X. FISCAL POLICY

    Section  1.  The Executive Board shall see  that  a budget shall be  presented for approval  at the 
    final general membership (open)  meeting of the  academic year. At that  time, additional funds 
    from the current year are  also allocated. The Board has authority to make budget adjustments 
    during  the  year,  provided  they  do  not  individually  exceed  $750.00;  the  Board  shall  
    have  no power to make the CPO liable for any debt(s) in an amount exceeding the cash assets of the 
    CPO which have not been otherwise appropriated.
     
    Section 2. Each committee chairperson (action team leader) has access to the budgeted funds for 
    his/her  committee  (action  team)  during  the  current  school  year  only.  These  funds  will  
    be disbursed  by  the  Treasurer  provided  the  expense  falls  within  the committee’s  (action 
    team’s) budget and is substantiated by a purchase order or receipt.
     
    Section 3: The proposed budget may be presented and voted upon electronically.
     

    ARTICLE XI. MEETINGS/VOTING

    Section 1. There shall be  regular  general membership (open) meetings  of the  CPO, scheduled 
    prior to the beginning of the school year. A regular meeting schedule may be established in the 
    Standing Rules of the CPO.  Special meetings of the general membership may be called by the 
    President, Principal or by a majority vote of the Executive Board, five days’ notice having been 
    given.  Members  shall  be  notified  no  later  than  five  days  in  advance  of  the  date  of  
    any rescheduled general membership meeting. If meeting in person is not possible, meetings may be 
    held electronically.
     
    Section  2. Voting shall be determined by a  simple majority of members present, except when 
    changing or amending the CPO’s Bylaws, when a two-thirds majority vote of members present must 
    prevail. Voting may be conducted electronically.
     

    ARTICLE XII. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

    Section 1. Robert’s Rules of Order (current edition) shall govern this CPO in all cases to which 
    they are applicable and not in conflict with these Bylaws.

    ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS

    Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended at any membership meeting of the CPO by two-thirds vote of 
    the members present and voting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment shall be given at 
    the previous general membership meeting.
     
    Section 2. A committee (action team)  may be appointed to  review the Bylaws, as revised and 
    amended, every two year(s). The committee (action team) shall draft any proposed amendments for 
    presentation to the membership as provided for in Section 1 of this Article.
    ARTICLE XIV. STANDING RULES
     
    The Executive Board may maintain a list of Standing Rules to serve as a further operating guide for 
    the CPO. These Standing  Rules should be  revised yearly to  reflect the procedures of  the current 
    Executive Board.
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    ARTICLE XIV. STANDING RULES

    The Executive Board may maintain a list of Standing Rules to serve as a further operating guide
    for the CPO. These Standing Rules should be revised yearly to reflect the procedures of the
    current Executive Board. 

The following duties fall under the Standing Rules