Constitution and ByLaws

**Please note that this constitution is still being edited and has not yet been ratified.

Saline High School

Student Council Constitution and ByLaws

Approved by a majority vote on ***

PREAMBLE

We, the students of Saline High School, in order to develop democratic ideals; to teach respect for law and order; to maintain high standards of cooperation, loyalty, and school spirit; to prepare for adult life and citizenship; to encourage all worthwhile activities in the school; and to provide an active and representative voice of all students to influence and impact student life, do form this Constitution for the Student Council of Saline High School.

Article I

Name and Function

SECTION 1. Name

The name of this organization shall be the Saline High School Student Council, hereafter referred to as the Council.

SECTION 2. Purpose

The purpose of the Council shall be to:

• 1. Strive for good citizenship, academic excellence and leadership.

  2. Respect all individuals in the school and community.

  3. Involve all students in sharing ideas to make our school the best it can be.

  4. Help all students work together in our school.

  5. Give all students practice in democracy in action.

  6. Provide students with activities both within the school and the community that promotes positive behavior in Saline.

SECTION 3. Authority

All powers of the Council are delegated to it by the Saline High School Administration.

Article II

Organization and Membership

SECTION 1. Structure

The Council shall include the Executive Committee, the Senate and General Members (also known as Class Representatives).

SECTION 2. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Historian.

SECTION 3. Senate

The Senate shall be composed of the Executive Committee and the elected positions of Class President, Class Vice President, Class Secretary and Class Treasurer.

SECTION 4. General Membership

The General Membership shall consist of fifteen (15) representatives selected from each graduating class.

SECTION 5. Honorary Membership

Any student who serves as the School Board Student Representative shall be granted honorary membership in the council (if not already in the council), and have a voice on the Senate. This member will not run in the general election but be appointed by the SHS Administration.

SECTION 6. Vacancies

Vacancies among representatives will not be refilled. Vacancies created by the resignation of elected officers will be filled by an election of the full Student Council. The Vice President will assume the presidency if the President resigns.

.Article III

Qualifications for Members and Officers

SECTION 1. General Membership

Any registered student of the Saline Middle School eighth grade and Saline High School with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 on a scale of a 4.0 is eligible to apply for General Membership. Grades will be verified approximately every six (6) weeks. Students must also submit to an application process in order to be considered eligible.

SECTION 2. Executive Committee

Sophomores, juniors, or seniors who have been Council members of good standing for at least one year are eligible to run for the Executive Committee. The position of Historian office is available to non-senior members in good standing only.

SECTION 3. Senate

Any senior student is eligible for a seat on the Senate by applying for the School Board position in June of their junior year.

Article IV

Elections and Selections

SECTION 1. Governing Rules

The Executive Committee and the Advisor(s) shall formulate and publicize rules governing elections each year. Modifications to the process can be made before a constitutional amendment has been ratified, provided the amendments are ratified before the new school year.

SECTION 2. Time of Elections

The Student Council Representative selection and the Class Officer election shall take place in May or June each year. The election of the Executive Committee Officers will take place among the selected representatives within one week following the selection/election process and establishment of the new council.

SECTION 3. General Requirements

All students interested in Student Council as a representative, class officer, or executive officer must present two teacher recommendations, a signed application, and a petition of 100 signatures from their peers to be eligible. All forms must be turned in to the Advisor(s) by the specified due date set by the Executive Committee. Failure to turn in the required forms will result in the candidate’s expulsion from the process.

SECTION 4. Class Representative Selection

• 1. Fifteen (15) class representatives will be selected from the pool of eligible candidates by a selection committee comprised of the Advisor(s) and current senior members of the Executive Committee.

  2. Successful candidates shall be selected based on demonstration of leadership qualities, availability, teacher recommendations, and other attributes at the discretion of the selection committee.

  3. Appeal:

     1. Any eligible candidate who is not selected by the committee and who has served on the council previously or have otherwise demonstrated student leadership skills may appeal.

     2. The petitioner must request in writing reconsideration within one week of the announcement of selection results.

     3. A letter should be sent to the Executive Committee and/or Advisor specifically stating examples of their qualifications and desire to fill this position.

     4. A maximum of three (3) additional candidates per class will be accepted at the discretion of the Executive Committee and Advisor(s).

SECTION 5. Class Officer Election

• 1. Class Officers will be elected by the student body after a minimum of five (5) days of campaigning under the direction of the Advisor(s) and the Administration.

  2. Class Officer candidates must meet and interview with their Class Advisor prior to campaigning. Failure to do so will result in the candidate’s expulsion from this process.

  3. In case of a tie, both candidates shall gain the position.

  4. Campaign give-aways shall not exceed a total value of $50. Candidates may be asked to produce receipts at the discretion of the Advisor(s) and Administration.

SECTION 6. Executive Committee Elections

• 1. The Executive Committee election will occur by means of secret ballot vote under the direction of the Advisor(s) by the full chapter of the newly appointed student council.

  2. All positions except Historian are determined by a majority vote. The Historian is appointed by the Advisor(s).

  3. Candidates for Executive Office must meet and interview with the Advisor(s) prior to the election by the full chapter. Failure to do so will result in the candidate’s expulsion from this process.

  4. The pool of candidates for President may be adjusted at the discretion of the Advisor(s); however, a minimum of two candidates must be presented at the election for the office of Student Council President.

  5. A minimum of 3 candidates must be presented to the General Membership to fill the remaining executive officer positions.

  6. Officer candidates may present speeches prior to the vote.

  7. A tally of votes and announcement of winners shall be made the day of the election. The presidential candidate with the majority shall win the office; the second candidate will win the office of Vice President. In case of a tie, both candidates shall gain the position.

  8. Winners of the remaining positions will be determined by majority vote. The candidate with the majority shall win the position of Secretary. The candidate with the second highest number of votes will win Treasurer.

Article V

Duties and Responsibilities

SECTION 1. Length of Term

All officers shall serve for a term of one school year and shall oversee various committees throughout the school year.

SECTION 2. General Membership Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Members will be expected to follow all school rules and expect regular evaluations of their attendance, grades and contributions to the council. Any Officer found to have violated school, city, state, or federal law will be automatically removed from their officer position. Further, any member or officer found to have violated said laws will be subject to probation or removal from the council.

SECTION 3. Attendance

• 1. Members must attain a minimum of 80% attendance at all events, including meeting attendance, per trimester in order to remain in good standing as a council member. If this percentage is not reached, the member will be put on probation with the possibility of suspension from the council.

     1. Recognized exceptions to this are sports practices and games, other school-related club meetings or activities, an excused absence from school, and emergencies.

     2. Members should contact their Committee Chair or the Advisor if they are unable to attend an event or meeting.

     3. If a member is more than 10 minutes tardy to a meeting, attendance at the meeting will not count.

  2. Members must attend mandatory events. The Executive Committee will determine at least two weeks in advance if an event is mandatory. If a member does not attend the mandatory event, he or she will automatically be placed on probation.

  3. Members must give at least 3 days written notice if they cannot attend an event sponsored by their committee. They must find a replacement if needed or they will be placed on probation.

SECTION 4. Recognition and the Points System

• 1. Members must earn a required number of points each trimester to remain an active member of the Student Council. Failure to earn the required number of points will result in probation and/or dismissal from the council. The Executive Committee will determine the number of points that must be acquired for mandatory student council events.

     1. The point required for each position is as follows:

        1. Executive Committee: 300 points minimum for each trimester

        2. Class Officers: 250 points minimum each trimester

        3. Class Representatives: 200 points minimum each trimester

  2. The point system is as follows:

     1. Positions

        1. Student Council Officer in good standing: 25 points each trimester

        2. Class Officer in good standing: 25 points each trimester

        3. Committee chair: 25 points each trimester

     2. Meetings

        1. Student Council Summer Meeting: 30 points

        2. Student Council Full Chapter Meeting or Working/Committee Meetings: 10 points

        3. PTO meetings: 5 points

        4. School Board Meetings: 5 points

  3. Events

     1. Participate in leadership conference (outside school event): 50 points

     2. Set up or tear down a council or class sponsored event (includes homecoming build days): 10 points per 5 hours

     3. Work a council or class sponsored event or function (ex. fundraising or social event): 10 points per 5 hours

     4. Spectate at a council or class sponsored event or function: 5 points

     5. Spectate at an athletic event: 5 points

     6. Spectate at a club or class event (i.e choir concert, drama performance): 5 points

     7. Grades/Class Attendance

        1. All A’s: 25 points per trimester

        2. Honor Roll: 20 points per trimester

        3. Perfect attendance: 15 points per 12 weeks

  4. Activities that are completed during the summer prior to the start of classes will count toward the first trimester points.

  5. In order to maintain voting rights and the privileges of Student Council, representatives and officers must turn in the required point sheets by the end of each trimester to one of their class officers or to the Advisor(s). All forms and documentation are due by the last day of each trimester.

SECTION 2. Duties of the Executive Committee

• 1. The President shall:

     1. Preside over the business meeting of the Student Council.

     2. Vote on any matter in which the Student Council is equally divided.

     3. Write all agendas and submit them for approval of the Advisor(s).

     4. Act as liaison between Advisor(s) and the Student Council.

     5. Oversee all activities and events sponsored by the Student Council.

  2. The Vice President shall:

     1. Perform the duties of the President during any absence

     2. Keep accurate account of performance based on evaluation forms from chair people and officers.

     3. Keep accountability for all chair people, officers, and committee members.

     4. Take on any responsibility that the President may ask.

  3. The Secretary shall:

     1. Keep written record of all proceedings of the Student Council and share typed minutes during full-chapter meetings.

     2. Update Student Council calendar and relay information such as meeting dates and plans to full chapter through monthly newsletters or other published materials.

     3. Record attendance at all meetings and hold the record on file for the whole year.

     4. Create a contact list for all members as well as an electronic messaging system (e.g. group text)

     5. Write correspondence for the Student Council, including thank you notes to chaperones, etc.

  4. The Treasurer shall:

     1. Work with the Advisor to create a yearly budget and maintain an accurate record of all receipts and expenditures of the Student Council.

     2. Make a financial report at every regular business meeting of the Student Council

     3. Organize fundraisers

  5. The Historian shall:

     1. Keep track of Student Council activities and events throughout the year. This includes taking photos and documenting the success and failure of event execution, maintaining records and notes for future years.

     2. Assist the Secretary where necessary

SECTION 3. Duties of the Class Officers

• 1. All officers will work with their Class Advisor(s) and perform various duties based on the needs of their graduating class.

  2. The Class President shall:

     1. Preside over any meetings of the class.

     2. Represent the class at various events and functions at the discretion of the Advisor(s) and Administration.

     3. Act as liaison between class advisor(s) and the council.

     4. Oversee all activities and events sponsored by the class.

  3. The Vice President shall:

     1. Perform the duties of the President during any absence

     2. Take on any responsibility that the President or Class Advisor(s) may ask.

     3. Attend all activities and events sponsored by the class

  4. The Secretary shall:

     1. Keep written record of all proceedings of the class.

     2. Relay information such as meeting dates and plans to their class through fliers, social media, etc.

     3. Attend all activities and events sponsored by their class.

  5. The Treasurer shall:

     1. Work with the Class Advisor in maintaining an accurate record of all receipts and expenditures of the Class.

     2. Attend all activities and events sponsored by the Class

     3. Organize fundraisers

SECTION 4. Duties of Class Representatives

• 1. All Class Representatives shall serve for a term of one school year and shall commit to serve on various committees throughout the school year

  2. Additional duties of Class Representatives:

  3. Attend all full chapter meetings of the Council.

  4. Attend all meetings of the committees of which they are members.

  5. Keep constituents adequately informed of the proceedings of the Council.

  6. Bring to the Student Council the suggestions and concerns of their constituents.

  7. Participate in and attend all Student Council major events and functions.

  8. Perform various tasks based on events and committee

Article VI

Resignations and Expulsions

SECTION 1. Conduct

• 1. Members are expected to follow the basic rights and responsibilities of all students. They are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and to remember whom they are representing at all times. Members will be considered leaders within the school and must respect that standing.

  2. Any member who is unable to fulfill these expectations may choose to step down as a student council member.

SECTION 2. Resignation, Probation, and Removal

• 1. Any member who resigns is expected to write a formal letter of resignation to the council and the Advisor.

  2. Behavior warranting removal from the council might include, but is not limited to:

     1. heinous violation or deprivation of council members of their rights as outlined in the Constitution;

     2. serious failure to execute the duties of office (including attend council meetings) or discharge responsibilities as instructed by the council;

     3. misuse of council time, property, or resources to further private enterprise or for unrelated personal gain;

     4. conduct unbecoming of a council member, in both public and private, such as felonious criminal activity, suspension or expulsion from school, or any other behavior judged to be unsuitable for a student representative including but not limited to: dishonesty, unreliability, negative attitude, and lack of concern or courtesy toward others.

  3. Any member who commits an act described above may be subject to probation or removal according to the nature of the violation.

  4. The probationary time shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

  5. If a member is on probation two consecutive trimesters, then the member could be removed from the council.

  6. The procedure for forcible removal is as follows:

     1. Member makes a motion for forcible removal.

     2. Motion needs two seconds to proceed.

     3. Party named for removal speaks in his/her own defense if desired.

     4. Motion for removal continues with a majority vote.

     5. If a motion passes, the accused party must vacate the room while discussion proceeds on the issue.

     6. The motion for forcible removal must pass by a 2/3 majority council vote, including the accused member’s vote.

Article VII

Structure and Meetings

SECTION 1. Committees

• 1. Committees shall be created at the beginning of the year and when deemed necessary.

  2. Each committee shall be led by a chairperson, overseen by the vice president, and if not available, another member of the council.

  3. If a chairperson should have an extended absence, then another shall be appointed by the vice president.

  4. Each council member must serve on one committee with the exception of the president.

SECTION 2. Meetings

• 1. The Student Council shall meet once a week at a time determined by the President with the consent of the Advisor(s). Meetings must be pre-defined as Business or Working/Committee meetings. One meeting per month must focus on the general business of the council.

  2. The Executive Committee will meet once a week.

  3. The President, Advisor, or Committee Chair people may call special meetings, as necessary.

  4. A schedule for regular weekly meeting will be determined at the beginning of each trimester.

SECTION 3. Voting

• 1. Meetings will be held in accord with Robert’s Rules of Order and under accepted parliamentary procedures during voting.

  2. Two-thirds of all members of the Council shall constitute a quorum.

Article VIII

Advisor

SECTION 1. Role

The student council sponsor serves as a link between the student council, faculty, administration and groups/individuals that have an invested interest in the high school community

SECTION 2. Appointment

The Principal of Saline High School may appoint a member of the faculty to serve as an Advisor to Student Council. The term of office for the Advisor is left to the discretion of the Principal and the Advisor.

SECTION 3. Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. The sponsor is responsible for insuring an effective and strong organization that accurately represents the interests of the students by attending and supervising the events and functions of the council.

  2. The sponsor is directly held responsible for the actions s/he approves for the council.

  3. The sponsor may volunteer and suggest information, but has no voting power.

  4. The sponsor has veto power over proposals and decisions that are against policies of the school or otherwise inappropriately represent the council.

Article IX

Veto Power

Because the powers of the student council are delegated to it by the principal, he/she shall have the right to veto any measure the student council may pass. The principal, however, must explain the reason for the veto.

Article X

Adoption and Amendment of the Constitution and ByLaws

SECTION 1. Amendments

• 1. Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by any member of the Student Council, the Advisor, or the Administration at any time during the school year and must be ratified by 2/3 vote of the Student Council.

  2. The Constitution must be approved by the Advisor and/or Administration prior to ratification by the council.

1. The Constitution must be reviewed on a yearly basis.