Norton Teachers Association

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Bylaws 2019

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05-16-2019

 

  • NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION

 

The name of the Association shall be the Norton Teachers Association hereinafter referred to as “the Association”.

 

  • OBJECTIVES

 

We, the members of this Association, in order to fulfill our responsibilities to society and to our profession do hereby adopt these objectives:

        1. To maintain and improve the quality of education for the children of the Norton Public School System

        2. To uphold high professional standards

        3. To promote the welfare and interests of its members

        4. To foster the professional improvement of the membership.

 

  • AFFILIATION

 

      1. The Norton Teachers Association is affiliated with the National Education Association, the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Bristol County Educators Association.

      2. The local Association shall annually submit to the Massachusetts Teachers Association:

        1. A list of its officers and their addresses prior to July 1

        2. The names and addresses of all members on an official enrollment furnished by the Massachusetts Teachers Association

        3. A statement setting forth all amendments and changes to its by-laws during the preceding year.

 

  • MEMBERSHIP

 

    1. Active Members 

      1. Active members of the Association are those who:

        1. Are engaged in work of a professional nature in the field of education, excluding management personnel

 

        1. Pay annual dues and sign a membership card to join the Association

        2. Adhere to the MTA CODE OF ETHICS as a condition of continuing membership.

      2. No person shall be admitted to or continued as an active member in the Association who is not also a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association.

      3. The membership year shall be from July 1 to June 30.

      4. Membership shall be continued from year to year until retirement, resignation or death.

      5. Changes in continuing membership must be made in writing to the treasurer no later than September 1st of the school year in which it is to take place.  If a change occurs after that date it will not go into effect until the following school year.  All teachers without active membership will be assessed an agency fee for that school year.

      6. Only active members shall have the privilege of voting and holding office in the Association.

    2. Honorary Members

Honorary membership may be conferred by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the general board present.

    1. Revocation of Membership

According to procedures adopted by the membership, the Executive Board may suspend from membership or expel any member who has been found in violation of the MTA CODE OF ETHICS.

 

  • EXECUTIVE BOARD

 

    1. The Executive Board shall: 

      1. Consist of the President, the pre-K-5 Vice President, the 6-12 Vice President, the Education Support Personnel (ESP) Vice President, the Treasurer, and the Secretary

      2. Be the executive Authority of the Association.

    2. The Powers and Duties of the Executive Board

      1. The Executive Board shall:

        1. Within policies established by the general membership, be responsible for the management of the Association and shall carry out the policies of the Association

        2. Report its transactions to the General Board and the general membership and suggest policies for consideration by them

        3. Adopt an annual budget for the operation of the Association

        4. Establish committees and create policies governing them.

      2. Whenever a majority of the Executive Board shall agree that an officer is incapacitated or has been grossly negligent in his/her duties as defined in these by-laws, it shall recommend immediately to the general membership that the office be declared vacant.  If the general membership by a two thirds (2/3) majority of those voting, upholds the recommendation of the Executive Board, the membership shall promptly elect a replacement to fill the unexpired term of the vacated office.

      3. Where a vacancy in any office other than President exists, the President shall appoint a qualified replacement for the unexpired term with the approval of the majority of members of the Executive Board present and voting.  If unexpired term is longer than eight months, a special election will be held to fill the vacancy.

      4. Should the President resign the Vice Presidents will serve jointly as the President of the Association until such time that a special election can be held to fill vacancy.

    3. Officers

      1. The Powers and Duties of the Officers

        1. Bonding-All officers of the Association shall be bonded.

        2. President

          1. The President shall:
            1.  Be the Chief Executive of the Association; the President shall authenticate by his/her signature, when necessary, all acts, orders, and proceedings of the Association and of the Executive Committee
            2. Preside over the meetings of the Executive Board, the General Board, and the general membership
            3. Appoint members of the standing committees and special committees
            4. Initiate the formation of the Negotiations Team in a Negotiations year
            5. Perform other functions usually attributed to this office
            6. The President may attend, as a voting delegate, the National Educators Association Convention.   In the event the President is unable to attend the convention, at the discretion of the Executive Board, an alternate will be elected by the general membership.

        3. The Vice Presidents (pre-K-5, 6-12 & ESP)

          1. There shall be three Vice Presidents, one representing pre-k through grade five, one representing grade six through grade twelve, and one representing ESPs. All Vice Presidents shall perform the duties which are incorporated herein.
          2. The Vice Presidents shall:
            1. Coordinate faculty and ESP representation and be responsible for reporting to the Executive Board on building concerns
            2. Assume the responsibilities of the President in the President’s absence
            3. Serve as Chairpersons of the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee and keep records within their level
            4. Attend all meetings of Executive Board, the General Board, and the general membership

 

            1. Perform any other duties as assigned by the President. 

        2. The Treasurer

          1. The Treasurer shall: 
            1. Hold the funds of the Association and disperse them in accordance with budgeted authorization
            2. Bill the membership for annual dues, collect dues in lump sum or by payroll deductions per member stipulation and transmit amounts due the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the National Education Association, and the Bristol County Educators Association
            3. Maintain a roll of the members and shall compile and post an updated membership list by November 15 through the NTA Website
            4. Keep an accurate account of receipts and disbursements and shall report to each meeting of the general membership
            5. Be responsible for preparing an annual financial statement for audit.  This statement will be made available to the membership and upon completion will be included in the Annual Report
            6. Keep the President and the Executive Board informed of the financial condition of the Association and assist the Executive Board in the drafting of the annual budget
            7. Be in charge of transactions for Association members with the Century Bank and Trust, Educators Division  
            8. Be responsible for filing all required federal and state forms.

        2. The Secretary

          1. The Secretary shall:
            1. Keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the Executive Board, the General Board, and general membership.  The written minutes shall give the name of the organizations; the kind of meeting; the date, time and place of the meeting; the disposition of previous minutes; business transacted; the exact wording of every motion; the name of the mover and the one who seconds every motions; the results of the vote, the time of adjournments; as well as the date of the next meeting, if the date of the next meeting is known.  The Secretary must date and sign the minutes and include his/her title. Minutes should be given to the Webmaster after they have been approved by the Executive Board.
            2. Maintain official files and assist the President with Association correspondence
            3. Be responsible for compiling an annual report of the Association which will include a list of those who served on the Executive and General Boards; awards and scholarships given; seniority and sick leave bank; membership lists and summaries of standing and special committees by June 30.
            4. Post the Seniority List by November 15th
            5. Coordinate schedule of faculty representatives at School Committee meetings.
            6. Shall be responsible for writing publicity releases for the local press when needed.

 

      1. TERMS AND SUCCESSION

        1. All officers shall serve a term on one (1) year and may be re-elected

        2. New officers shall take office on July 1 of each calendar year.

c) No officer shall serve or seek to serve in more than one position on the general board unless one of the positions is BCEA Representative or Web Master.

 

 

  • GENERAL BOARD

 

    1. The General Board shall consist of the Executive Board, Bristol County Educators Association Representative and all Faculty Representatives.

      1. The Bristol County Educators Association Representative

The Bristol County Educators Association Representative shall:

          1. Attend all meetings of the Bristol County Educators Association to represent the Norton Teachers Association and shall report to the General Board regarding all Bristol County Educators Association matters
          2. Be responsible for completing a dated annual summary of BCEA activities
          3. Attend all General Membership and General Board meetings.

      2. The Faculty and ESP Representatives 

The Faculty and ESP Representatives shall:

            1. Serve a term of one (1) year
            2. Attend a minimum of four meetings per elected year. These may include the regular meetings of the General Board meetings, general membership
            3. Attend Norton School Committee meetings as assigned on a rotating basis
            4. Be responsible for distributing Association communications to the members in his/her building, for keeping his/her members informed, and shall act as a liaison between the members in the building and the Executive Board and the Administration
            5. Be the building’s Committee on Professional Rights and Responsibilities and report directly to the Vice President of their level
            6. Provide school building news to the Webmaster
            7. Post all Association news on a designated bulletin board within the building.

      2. TERMS AND SUCCESSION

        1. Buildings with 45 or more faculty members will have 3 faculty representatives.  Buildings with fewer than 45 Faculty members will have 2 faculty representatives.  

        2.   Buildings with 15 or more ESPs will have 2 ESP representatives.  Buildings with fewer than 15 ESPs will have 1 ESP representative. 

        3. All officers shall serve a term of one (1) year and may be re-elected.

        4. New officers shall take office on July 1 of each calendar year.

 

  •  FINANCES

 

      1. The annual NTA dues for all active members shall be seventeen percent (17%) of MTA dues (rounded to the next highest dollar).  These dues may be changed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present and voting at a general membership meeting.

      2. Compensation for the Officers:

        1. The President shall receive two thousand ($2,400) dollars and National, State, Local, and County dues.

        2. The Vice Presidents pre-K – 5 and 6-12 shall receive one thousand ($1,000) dollars and National, State, Local, and County dues.

        3. ESP Vice President shall receive four hundred ($400) dollars and National, State, Local, and County dues.

        4. The Treasurer shall receive one thousand ($1,000) dollars and National, State, Local and County dues.

        5. The Secretary shall receive five hundred ($500) dollars and National, State, Local and County dues.

        6. The President may attend, as a voting delegate, the National Educators Association Convention.  The disbursement for the purposes of attending the Convention shall be the figure promulgated by the Massachusetts Teachers Association Board of Directors for its statewide delegates.

      3. Compensation for the General Board:

        1. The Bristol County Educators Association Representative shall receive three hundred ($300) dollars.

        2. Faculty Representatives shall receive Local dues plus one hundred fifty ($150) dollars, contingent upon attending a minimum of four (4) meetings during their elected term.

        3. ESP Representatives shall receive Local dues plus fifty ($50) dollars, contingent upon attending a minimum of four (4) meetings during their elected term.

      4. Other Compensation:

        1. The Webmaster shall receive eight hundred ($800) dollars per year.

        2. During negotiation years, a stipend of five hundred ($500) dollars will be paid to each the Faculty Negotiations Chairperson and to the ESP Negotiations Chairperson, and two hundred ($200) dollars will be paid to each the Faculty Negotiations Secretary and the ESP Negotiations Secretary. 

        3. The Association shall reimburse conference costs for up to six (6) active members who attend the Massachusetts Teachers’ Association Summer Conference.  Active members interested in attending shall notify the President in writing by May 15th.  If more than the six (6) members request reimbursement, the Executive Board shall determine which members receive reimbursement.

        4.  Any active member is eligible to attend as a voting delegate, the Massachusetts Teacher Association Annual Meeting.  The president will ask for nominations for delegates no later than 5 school days after receiving the delegate allocation and allow at least 5 school days for nominations.  Delegates will then be chosen according to the policies set forth by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. The Association shall pay for delegates’ meals and accommodations.

      5. All of the above payments shall be made upon completion of duties in June.

      6. The Community Outreach Committee will be granted a budget of four hundred ($400) dollars a year to be spent at the discretion of the Chairperson.  The use of this fund will be audited annually by the Executive Board.

 

  • MEETINGS

 

    1.  Executive Board Meetings:

      1. The Executive Board shall meet no fewer than six (6) times a year on a schedule to be determined by the Executive Board.  Three (3) members of the Executive Board may request additional meetings. A written summary shall be distributed within five (5) school days of the meeting to members.

      2. The majority of their members shall be a quorum for the Executive Board.

      3.  Should an executive board vote result in a tie, then the question will be put forth to the General Board for a vote. Should the general board vote fail to reach a majority, then the question will be put forth to the membership for voting at the next General Membership meeting. To be decided by a majority of members present and voting.

    2. General Board Meetings:

      1. There will be three (3) General Board meetings called by the President or at the request of a minimum of five (5) General Board members.

      2. The majority of their members shall be a quorum of the General Board.

 

    1. General Membership Meetings:

      1. There shall be at least two (2) general membership meetings each year the scheduling of which shall be determined by the Executive Board.  

      2. Meetings shall be announced at least one (1) week prior to the meeting date.

      3. A quorum for the general membership meetings shall be twenty percent (20%) of the members. 

      4. The Executive Board shall prepare a tentative agenda for each meeting and shall circulate it to all members so that members shall have time to discuss the agenda prior to the meeting.  

      5. Minutes shall be distributed to the membership within five (5) school days of the meeting.

    2. Special Meetings:

      1. Special Meetings of the general membership may be held at the call of the President or upon the written request to the Executive Board from five percent (5%) of the active members. 

      2. Business to come before special meetings must be stated in the call which shall be circulated to each member. 

      3. Business shall be confined to these matters stated in the call.

    3.  Ratification of Contract Meeting: 

      1. New contract language must be distributed to the membership in writing no less that one week prior to ratification.

2.  Members who are unable to attend the ratification meeting may request an absentee ballot from the Chairperson of the Negotiation Team.

 

  • COMMITTEES AND APPOINTED POSITIONS

 

    1. Committee members shall be selected to represent different groups within the Association and shall be appointed for one term.

    2. Each Committee with the approval of the Executive Board may organize from the membership of the Association special subcommittees and task forces for specific activities.

    3.  There shall be the following standing committees and appointed positions having the specific functions outlined below:

      1. Committee on Professional Rights and Responsibilities:

        1. The Vice Presidents shall serve as Chairpersons of the Committee on Professional Rights and Responsibilities (hereinafter called PR & R) within their level.

        2. Faculty and ESP Representatives within each building shall serve as the Committee on Professional Rights and Responsibilities and represent members at the initial level of a grievance.  Faculty and ESP Representatives will keep the level Vice Presidents aware of grievances and concerns of members within each building.

        3. Written records of all grievances shall be filed in Association permanent.

        4. The Committee on PR&R shall compile data in support of their position on a grievance.

        5. The Committee on PR&R shall advise the general membership on implementation procedures for the MTA CODE OF ETHICS.

        6. The Committee on PR&R shall make recommendations to the Executive Board in cases of possible censure, suspension, or expulsion of members.

        7. Results of all actions by the PR&R Committee shall be forwarded to the President annually.

      2. The Faculty Sick Leave Bank Committee:

The Faculty Sick Leave Bank Committee shall consist of three (3) teachers- one (1) from the High School, one (1) from the Middle School, and one (1) elementary representative to be appointed by the President (refer to Contract Article XXXI Section 6).

      1. The ESP Sick Leave Bank Committee: 

The ESP Sick Leave Bank Committee shall consist of two representatives appointed by the president. (refer to Contract Article XXVII).

 

      1. The Nominations and Election Committee:

        1. The Nominations and Elections Committee shall consist of five active Association members appointed by the President.  No member of the Executive Board may serve on this Committee.

        2. The nominations and election procedure for the candidates seeking office shall be determined by the Nominations and Elections Committee.

        3. The Nominations and Elections Committee shall be responsible for securing candidates for each of the elective offices.

        4. Candidates for elective office will have the option to submit a statement in support of their candidacy. The names of candidates and any statements submitted will be distributed to the members no later than (1) calendar week prior to the date of election. 

        5. The Nominations and Elections Committee shall be responsible for conducting annual elections and for meeting the requirements of special elections.

        6. All elections shall be conducted by secret ballot within each school.

        7. To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast. If more than two candidates seek an office and no candidate receives a majority of votes cast, the election committee will hold a runoff election for the 2 candidates who received the highest number of votes. Said election will be held no sooner than 7 school days later, and no more than 21 school days later.

        8. Members will vote only for faculty representatives or ESP representatives in their own building.   For the position of Vice President, faculty members will vote only for the Vice President candidate that represents the building and level where they hold the majority of their responsibilities.  ESP members will only vote for ESP Vice President.

        9. The annual elections of the Executive Board, BCEA Representative and Faculty Representatives shall be conducted between April 1 and June 1st. 

        10. The annual election of ESP building representatives shall take place between September 15th and October 10th. 

        11. The Nominations and Elections Committee is responsible for the tabulation and public accounting of any votes taken by membership.  They will notify the Association members of the election results within one (1) week of the elections.

      2. The Faculty Negotiation Team:

        1. The Faculty Negotiation Team shall consist of active members of the Association and shall consist of seven (7) members.  The Board will notify the NTA membership that individuals interested in the positions of Chairperson and Secretary must submit their name in writing.  The Chairperson and Secretary shall be elected by a vote of the Executive Board. The Board will then ask for elections to be held to select the remaining five members, one NTA member from each of the five buildings in the district.  If there are no candidates from a building, the Executive Board may select another NTA member to fill the position. The President may serve as a voting member of the Negotiation Team. The President may appoint an active NTA member to serve as an “ex officio” member of the Negotiation Team, if it is decided that a group requires specific representation, on an “as needed” basis.  An “ex officio” member is a non-voting member of the Negotiation Team. The Chairperson will be responsible for calling meetings, running meetings and setting the agenda. The Secretary will keep official minutes of all meetings. These minutes shall be forwarded to the President upon completion of negotiations.

        2. The Faculty Negotiation Team shall negotiate with the School Committee on hours, wages, and working conditions including the instructional programs for all personnel in each bargaining unit.

        3. The Faculty Negotiation Team shall solicit written suggestions from the general membership and prepare proposals to be presented to the School Committee.

        4. The Faculty Negotiation Team shall conduct an informational meeting for the general membership to review proposals prior to presentation to the School Committee.

        5. Upon reaching tentative agreement on all matters under negotiation, the Negotiation Team shall prepare and submit its report and recommendations to the general membership prior to a scheduled meeting for ratification.

      3. The ESP Negotiation Committee:

        1. The ESP Negotiation Team shall consist of active members of . The ESP Negotiation Team shall consist of active members of the Association. The board will ask for elections to be held to select the five members, one from each of the 5 buildings in the district.  The Board will notify, said ESP NTA representatives that individuals interested in the position of Chairperson and Secretary must submit their name in writing. The Chairperson and Secretary shall then be elected by a vote of the Executive Board. If there are no candidates from a building, the Executive Board may select another ESP NTA member to fill the position.   The NTA President may serve as an ex-officio member and the ESP Vice President may serve as a voting members of the ESP Negotiation Team. The ESP Vice President may appoint an active ESP NTA member to serve as an “ex officio” member of the Negotiation Team, if it is decided that a group requires specific representation, on an “as needed” basis. An “ex officio” member is a non-voting member of the Negotiation Team.  The Chairperson will be responsible for calling meetings, running meetings and setting the agenda. The Secretary will keep official minutes of all meetings. These minutes shall be forwarded to the President upon completion of negotiations.

        2. The ESP Negotiation Team shall negotiate with the School Committee on hours, wages, and working conditions including the instructional programs for all personnel in each bargaining unit.

        3. The ESP Negotiation Team shall solicit written suggestions from the general membership and prepare proposals to be presented to the School Committee.

        4. The ESP Negotiation Team shall conduct an informational meeting for the general membership to review proposals prior to presentation to the School Committee.

        5. Upon reaching tentative agreement on all matters under negotiation, the ESP Negotiation Team shall prepare and submit its report and recommendations to the general membership prior to a scheduled meeting for ratification.

      4. The Scholarship Committee:

        1. Three members will be appointed to the Scholarship Committee by the President.

        2. The Scholarship Committee shall have the responsibility of developing guidelines on an annual basis for the disbursement of scholarship funds raised by the 20 Week Club and/or other activities.

 

      1. Community Outreach Committee

        1. The Community Outreach Committee shall consist of volunteer active members of the Association and a Chairperson appointed by the President. 

        2. The Community Outreach Committee shall have the responsibility of identifying opportunities for teachers to support the community.

        3. The Community Outreach Committee shall plan and organize activities that demonstrate the Association’s support of the community.

        4. The Community Outreach Committee shall promote good public relations for the Association.

 

      1. Special Committees:

Each year the Executive Board may establish such other committees as may be necessary and shall discharge them upon completion of their duties.

      1. Webmaster:

The Webmaster shall:

          1. Be responsible for updating the NTA website on a regular basis at the direction of the members of the Executive Board.
          2. Work with the Executive Board and the General Board to develop guidelines and links that members may use to access information regarding educational, association and personal business.
          3. Shall be responsible for producing a bi-monthly newsletter during the school year: September, November, January, March and the end of May and posting to the webpage.
          4. Shall be responsible for maintaining an accurate database of members’ email addresses
          5. Is an appointed member of the General Board.

 

 

  • RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

      1. Robert’s Rules of Order as updated and revised shall be the authority of the Association.

      2. The President may appoint a parliamentarian who shall attend all general membership meetings of the Association.

      3. The membership and business year shall be July 1 to June 30 each year.

 

  • THE AMENDMENT PROCESS

 

    1. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at any regular meeting of the Association, provided that copies of the proposed amendments have been sent to all members of the Association at least two (2) calendar weeks in advance of the general membership meeting.

    2. These bylaws should be reviewed at least once every three (3) years for the purpose of updating them.

 

(THESE BYLAWS WERE LAST REVISED AND AMENDED AND RATIFIED: May 9, 2019

COMMITTEE: Joseph Spremulli (Chairperson), Jerusha Bjork, Diann Crugnale, Jennifer Farley, Rachel Kearney, Shannon Taylor 

Amended by vote

 

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