Bylaws

Blanchard Middle School 

Parent Teacher Organization Bylaws

Article I.  Name

The name of the organization shall be Blanchard Middle School Parent Teacher Organization. Blanchard School PTO is under the umbrella of the 501(c)3 Westford Parent Teacher Organization (WEPTO). For financial transactions, the name shall be WEPTO – Blanchard PTO. The Blanchard PTO will be governed by WEPTO, as defined by the bylaws of WEPTO. 

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of the Blanchard School PTO is to support the education of children at Blanchard Middle School by fostering positive relationships among the school, parents, and teachers. 

Article III. General Membership

Any parent or guardian of a student at Blanchard School may be a member. The Principal and any teacher/faculty/staff employed at the Blanchard School may be a member. There will be no assessed fees for membership. All members have voting rights

Article IV. Meetings

Section 1. Regular Meetings

The Blanchard School PTO shall meet monthly from September through June, with additional meetings as needed. All meetings are open to the public. Meeting times and dates are to be set by the Executive Board. 

Section 2. Notification of Meetings

Notification of meetings shall be made at least 3 days prior to the meeting. 

Section 3. Voting

Blanchard School PTO matters require a quorum of 5 current members. A simple majority vote of the quorum will be necessary to act. 

Section 4. Robert’s Rules of Order

Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the meetings in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with these bylaws. 

Article V. Executive Board / Officers / Elections

Section 1. Executive Board

1. The Executive Board shall consist of the Officers, Principal and/or Assistant Principal of the Blanchard School

2. Duties. The duties of the Executive Board shall be to transact business between PTO meetings, to approve the proposed work of the Standing Committees, and to conduct other such necessary business. 

Section 2. Officers

1. The officers shall include President, Treasurer, and Secretary

2. It is recommended that the President’s role be filled by two people acting as co-presidents.

3. The Blanchard PTO can not operate without at least 3 officer roles (President, Treasurer, Secretary) being held. 

4. President / Co-Presidents 

   1. The President shall serve for a one-year term

   2. The President shall preside over meetings of the organization and oversee the work of the officers and committees

   3. The President will serve as the primary contact for the Principal. 

   4. The President will help to plan the annual PTO calendar. 

   5. The President will represent the Blanchard PTO at meetings outside of the organization

5. Treasurer

   1. The Treasurer shall serve for a one-year term

   2. The Treasurer shall receive all funds of the organization, keep accurate records of receipts and expenditures, and pay out funds in accordance with the approval of the PTO

   3. The Treasurer will present a financial statement at every meeting and at other times of the year when requested by the PTO

   4. The Treasurer shall provide the WEPTO Treasurer and WEPTO Accountant with financial information as requested. 

6. Secretary

1. The Secretary shall serve for a one-year term

2. The Secretary shall keep all records of the organization

3. The Secretary shall take and record meeting minutes and distribute them to the PTO Executive Board within 7-days

Section 3. Nominations and Elections

Elections will be held at the end of the school year. Nominations or interest in executive board positions will be made in writing to the Blanchard PTO prior to the election. Voting shall be by voice vote. If more than one person is running for an office, a ballot vote shall be taken. 

Section 4. Eligibility

Any Blanchard PTO member is eligible. 

Section 5. Vacancies

If there is a vacancy of any office, members will fill the vacancy through an election at the next regular meeting. 

Section 6. Removal From Office 

Officers can be removed from office with or without cause by a ⅔ vote of the Blanchard PTO (assuming a quorum) at a regular meeting where previous notice has been given. 

Article VI. Standing Committees

Standing Committees shall be formed as necessary by the Executive Board.The committees shall report back to the Executive Board on a monthly basis or as requested. 

Article VII. Finances 

Section 1. A tentative budget shall be drafted for each school year and approved by a majority vote during the first PTO meeting of the school year. 

Section 2. The Treasurer shall keep accurate records of any disbursements, income and bank account information. 

Section 3. The Treasurer and the WEPTO Treasurer are authorized check signers. 

Section 4. Any special collections above and beyond typical annual fundraising, shall be used for the purpose they were donated and must be spent within that school year (ie: teacher appreciation, 8th grade activities)

Section 5. Upon the dissolution of the organization, any remaining funds should be used to pay any outstanding bills. Additional funds belong to WEPTO, and will be dispersed according to their bylaws. 

Section 6. Principal funds (optional budget item) are the sole discretion of the principal and can be spent as he/she feels appropriate for the betterment of the school community. The Blanchard PTO will be presented with the expenses, but a vote is not necessary. This will allow transparency among members and the parent community from which funds were donated. 

Section 7: The Blanchard PTO may obtain a debit card with the approval of the WEPTO Board. The Blanchard Treasurer and the WEPTO Treasurer are the authorized users of the debit card. In the event a debit card is obtained, monthly bank statements and supporting documentation detailing debit card usage must be provided to the Blanchard PTO. 

Article VIII. Membership in Westford PTO (WEPTO)

Section 1. The Blanchard PTO shall operate as a member of WEPTO, the town-wide nonprofit organization serving all town elementary and middle schools.

Section 2. The Blanchard PTO will send representatives to attend WEPTO meetings and events.

Section 3. The Blanchard PTO will provide timely financial and other information as requested by WEPTO.

Section 4. All of the school-based PTOs under the WEPTO umbrella, will share equally in the expenses of WEPTO. Amount, timing, and method of payment by the Blanchard PTO shall be determined annually at the WEPTO board meeting.

Section 5. In the event that the Blanchard PTO wishes to leave WEPTO, the Blanchard PTO agrees to the following in order to minimize the impact to the other members of WEPTO:

1. The effective date to leave WEPTO must be the last day of WEPTO’s fiscal year. The Blanchard PTO must provide WEPTO with at least 3 months’ notice of their intent to leave WEPTO.

2. The Blanchard PTO shall inform the school community, via email or flyer, at least 2 weeks in advance of the time, date, and location of the vote to leave WEPTO. The decision to leave WEPTO must be approved by ⅔ of the members in attendance.

Section 6. Should any conflicts arise, the bylaws of WEPTO supersede the bylaws of the Blanchard PTO. The Blanchard PTO remains bound by the bylaws adopted by WEPTO.

Section 7. A copy of the Blanchard PTO bylaws shall be provided to WEPTO upon approval, and whenever an amendment is approved.

Article IX. Amendments

These bylaws become effective upon their acceptance by a majority vote of the Blanchard PTO. They may be amended by a ⅔ vote at any regular or special meeting providing that previous notice was given in writing and then sent to all members at least 2 weeks in advance. 

Previously enacted bylaws shall be revoked, rescinded and replaced with the amended and restated current bylaws above. 

Approved by Blanchard PTO on: September 17, 2025.