Bylaws 

LACS Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) By-Laws 

Created 9/25/24 Voted on  1/7/25

Article 1 - Overview

The name of this organization shall be LACS Elementary Parent Teacher Organization. It is independent of all state or national organizations and associations.  The PTO is to be supervised by building level administration according to district policies and procedures. 

Article 2 - Objectives 

Objectives of the LACS Elementary PTO shall be: 

1. To establish a home/school partnership for the spirit of cooperation in the education of our students.

2. To give volunteer support to the administrators, staff members and students.

3. The primary objective of the fund raising aspect of our organization should be to foster and support school and student activity.

Article 3 - Policies 

1. This organization shall remain free of any and all political involvement.

2. This organization will work cooperatively with the school staff to support and enhance the educational and cultural environment in the school, but will in no way direct the programs of the administration and staff.

3. The PTO will determine together the best usage of PTO funds though a majority vote. A majority vote is 51% or more of the membership present at the time of the vote. If voting virtually the majority votes will be 51% of those who respond by the given deadline. Voting can take place either in person or voting can take place virtually as long as a record is kept and included in the next meeting minutes. Votes can only be cast by the current membership.

4. Proceeds of fund raising activities will be used for the enhancement of the educational and cultural environment under the guidance/direction of building level administration. 

Article 4 - Membership

Membership in the LACS Academy Elementary PTO welcomes, and shall be open, to all parents, guardians and staff members of Lowville Academy Elementary.

Voting Members - any parent, guardian or staff who enroll in the Lowville Academy PTO is eligible to vote.  

Article 5 - Officers and Their Election

1. The officers of this organization who make up the Executive Board shall consist of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and a Secretary who shall be elected by the PTO members biannually. Other elected roles include: publicity coordinator, teachers, program committee chairperson and administrators. 

2. Nominations for all elected positions shall be called for and elected at the September meeting during odd years. All nominees must have a child in the building Pre-K through 5th grade or be a current staff member of the elementary building . 

3. Nominations may be called from the floor at the time of election.

4. Elections will be determined by a majority vote. 

5. Officers shall assume their official duties at the time of election. 

6. If an officer resigns or a vacancy becomes available, the vacancy will be advertised and filled at the next scheduled PTO meeting by majority vote.  

Article 6- Duties of Officers

1. President: shall preside at all meetings of the organization with the Executive Board. The President should also be a member of all subcommittees committees and shall perform all duties as required of the President by the organization. The President will prepare meeting agendas. 

2. Vice President - Responsibilities include assisting the President as needed and accepting responsibilities delegated by the President and/or the Executive Board. The Vice President participates in Executive Board discussions and decision-making on behalf of the PTO. If the President is absent the Vice President will perform the duties of the President.

3. Treasurer: shall keep all necessary documentation regarding funds and report all account balances at each general meeting; shall be responsible for the disbursement of all funds, deposits and account activities; shall assume all responsibilities regarding filling of all applicable local, state and federal tax  forms and documents pertaining to sales of tangible goods and shall keep all records of scholarships activity.

4. Secretary: shall keep meeting attendance, written notes/minutes and details/main points discussed at each meeting. 

5. Principal - streamlines goals of the group

6. Vice Principal - streamlines goals of the group 

7. Teacher - 

8. Teacher - 

9. Program Committee Chairperson - helps plan, organize, and carry out programs for students and teachers. Organizes parent volunteers. 

10. Publicity Coordinator - This position is responsible for overseeing and promoting all social events of the PTO. This position includes attending and participating in the monthly PTO meetings and planning for the organization as a whole.

11. General Membership - Attend meetings if possible. The PTO cannot succeed without the wonderful help and input from our general membership! There are MANY ways that general members can help – no matter how much or how little time you have to give. Throughout the year we will post sign-up sheets for events that require volunteer support. 

Article 7 - General Meetings

1. Regular meetings will be held at least every other month beginning in September. At the last meeting of the school year, the organization will set its meeting schedule for the upcoming year.  Emergency meetings may be called with three days notice. All notices will be sent via email, PTO Facebook page and Parent Square. 

2. PTO meetings will deal with issues of general interest and upcoming events.

3. In the event there is a specific concern about the PTO or a topic that may not be appropriate for an open meeting, individuals are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the PTO President or building level administration. 

Mission Statement 

The mission of the LACS PTO is to enhance the educational experience for parents, staff, students and families by providing volunteer and financial support. When considering opportunities, the guiding question should always be “How can the PTO make this better”?