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). Blanchard School PTO is an umbrella organization of Westford PTO (WEPTO), an IRS designated tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3). For financial transactions, the name shall be registered as WEPTO – Blanchard PTO.
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. Members
Section 1. Membership in the Blanchard School PTO shall be available to all parents and guardians of students enrolled at Blanchard Middle School as well as faculty and staff employed at the Blanchard Middle School.
Section 2. Members representing the Blanchard School PTO Board shall include the Principal, a minimum of two teachers or staff members, and parents or guardians acting as Officers or standing committee chairs.
Article IV. Officers and Elections
Section 1. Officers. The officers shall include a President, Treasurer, and Secretary (recommended).
a. President
1. The President shall serve for a two-year term.
2. The President shall preside over meetings of the organization and the Executive Board and will oversee the Arts and Enrichment programs in the event there is not a standing committee assigned.
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 organization at meetings outside of the organization.
6. The President will serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee, and coordinate the work of all the officers and committees so that the purpose of the organization is served.
7. The President’s role may be filled by two people acting as co-presidents.
b. Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall serve for a two-year term.
2. The Treasurer shall receive all funds of the organization, keep accurate records or receipts and expenditures, and pay out funds in accordance with the approval of the Executive Board.
3. The Treasurer will present a financial statement at every meeting and at other times of the year when requested by the Executive Board.
4. The Treasurer shall provide the WEPTO Treasurer with financial information as requested.
c. Secretary (Recommended)
1. The Secretary shall serve for a two-year term.
2. The Secretary shall keep all records of the organization, take and record minutes, prepare the agenda, and send notices of the meetings to the membership.
3. The Secretary keeps a copy of the minutes, bylaws, rules, and any other necessary supplies, and brings them to meetings.
4. The position of Secretary is recommended but not required. In the event there is no secretary, the duties of the position will be the responsibility of the President.
Section 2. Nominations and Elections. Elections will be held at the second to last meeting of the school year. The nominating committee shall select a candidate for each office and present the slate at the meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the meeting. Voting shall be by voice vote if a slate is presented. If more than one person is running for an office, a ballot vote shall be taken.
Section 3. Eligibility. Any Blanchard School PTO member is eligible. A parent without a student enrolled at Blanchard Middle School or with a student in the Westford School System, including a homeschooled student, is eligible to hold an office position with a ⅔ vote of the current Blanchard School PTO Board.
Section 4. Vacancies. If there is a vacancy of any office, members will fill the vacancy through an election at the next regular meeting.
Section 5. Removal from Office. Officers can be removed from office with or without cause by a ⅔ vote of the Blanchard School PTO Board (assuming a quorum) at a regular meeting where previous notice has been given.
Article V. 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 7 (current) board 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 VI. Executive Board
Section 1. Membership. The Executive Board shall consist of the Officers, Principal, and standing committee chairs.
Section 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, appoint the Nominating Committee, and to conduct other such necessary business.
Article VII. Standing Committees
Standing Committees shall be formed as necessary by the Executive Board. Each committee shall have a Chair or Co-Chairs appointed by the Executive Board, and may consist of members and Executive Board members. These committees shall make initial decisions; however, no decision shall be acted upon without approval of the Executive Board of the voting membership. Blanchard School PTO shall have standing committees for Arts and Enrichment programs, Fundraising, and Activities.
Article VIII. Finances
Section 1. A tentative budget shall be drafted in September for each school year and approved by a majority vote of the Blanchard School PTO Board members present.
Section 2. The Treasurer shall keep accurate records of any disbursements, income and bank account information.
Section 3. The Blanchard Treasurer and the WEPTO Treasurer are authorized check signers.
Section 4. The Executive Board shall approve all expenses of the organization.
Section 5. All Appreciation funds shall be used for the purpose they were donated and must be spent within that school year.
Section 6. 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 7. Principal funds are the sole discretion of the principal and can be spent as he/she feels appropriate for the betterment of the school community. It is recommended that the Blanchard School PTO board is 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 8: The Blanchard School 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 School PTO Board.
Article IX. Amendments
These bylaws become effective upon their acceptance by a majority vote of the Blanchard School PTO Board. 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.
Approved by Blanchard School PTO Board on 1/17/23