Bylaws

Stark County School Counselors Association By-Laws

Revised 2008 - 2009

Preamble

Being mindful that informed counselors can provide better services for students, parents, school and community; that we may each profit from the other in an exchange of views; and that many can achieve more than a few, we do hereby form ourselves into the Stark County School Counselors Association.

Article One    Name

The organization shall be known as the Stark County School Counselors' Association.

Article Two    Object and Scope

The primary objectives of this organization are as follows:

    1. To arrange for an exchange of procedures, views, and philosophies             among members.

    2. To continually review, refine, and appraise the tools of guidance which         will assist pupils to become responsible self-directed citizens, workers         and moral beings.

    3. To develop better systems of communication between counselors,             administrators, teachers, parents and community members to better             understand and assist the pupils therein.

Article Three    Membership

Section One: Membership

Membership is extended to any person presently classified as a school counselor in a school and assigned to counseling duties in a school or post-secondary institution.  School psychologists, counseling supervisors and directors of pupil personnel are also eligible for membership in this organization. Membership may also be extended to certificated or licensed school counselor working in school, community, or private agencies and to retired counselors as well as individuals actively seeking a degree in guidance and counseling.

Section Two: Dues and Fees

Fees for members shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per year. Retired members shall pay ten dollars ($10) per year.  Student members shall pay ten dollars ($10) per year. Assessment of membership or registration fees for special programs may be requested when necessary.

Article Four    Officers

A president, a president-elect, a corresponding secretary, a membership secretary and a treasurer shall constitute the elected officials of this organization.

Section One:    Term of Office

Each officer shall service for a period of two years.  The president-elect will automatically assume the position of president in the school year following the term as president-elect.

Section Two:    Nomination of Officers

Nomination of officers for the ensuing school year shall be proposed by the Nomination Committee no later than the fourth meeting of the Association.

Section Three:    Election of Officer

Officers for the subsequent school year shall be announced at the last meeting of the Association.  Election to office will require a simple majority of voting members.

Section Four:    Duties of the Officers:

    1. The President

        A. Shall chair and moderate all meetings of the general membership and             of the Executive Board.

        B. Shall call special meetings of the general membership and of the                 Executive Board when necessary.

        C. Shall fill official vacancies on the Executive Board should the                     situation be called for.

        D. Shall sign any necessary official papers.

        E. Shall set up committees and name committee members as necessary,               excluding the Program Committee.

        F. Shall appoint a member to complete unfulfilled term of any elected                 officer the need arise.

    2. The President-Elect

        A. Shall assume the duties of the president in the event of the                         president's absence.

        B. Shall be responsible for programs.

    3. The Corresponding Secretary

        A. Shall keep an accurate record of the Executive Board Meeting

        B. Shall keep an accurate record of the regular meetings and make a             report at the following regular meeting.

        C. Shall send out all pertinent correspondence and announcements.

        D. Shall assume the duties of the treasurer in the even of the                         treasurer's absence.

        E. Shall handle all publicity in the media.

    4. The Membership Secretary

        A. Shall keep a current and up-to-date registry of the membership

        B. Shall solicit membership and dues from all eligible persons as                         described in the Article Three of the Association By-Laws.

        C. Shall provide a membership directory for members of the                         Association.

        D. Shall assume the duties of the corresponding secretary in the event              of the corresponding secretary's absence.

Article Five    Executive Board

Section One:    Term and Membership

The Association will have an Executive Board consisting of the elected officers, the historian and the immediate past president.

Section Two:    Method of Selection

Non-officer members of the Executive Board shall be appointed by the President.

Section Three:    Duties

    1. The Executive Board shall recommend policies and procedures and act in an advisory capacity.

    2. They shall make immediate policy regarding decisions when necessary.

    3. They shall serve as the membership committee for the organization.

Article Six    Meetings

Section One:    Meetings of the Membership

There will be a minimum of five meeting throughout the school year.

Section Two:    Meetings of the Executive Board

Meetings of the Executive Board will be called by the President when necessary.  A quorum of four will be necessary to conduct business.

Article Seven    Committees

Section One:    Standing Committees

Standing committees shall be: nominations, scholarships, and award/recognition.

Section Two:    Other Committees

Other committees shall be appointed by the president when necessary.

Section Three:    Committee Chairperson

Committee Chairpersons shall be named prior to the first meeting of the school year.

Article Eight    Parliamentary Authority

The parliamentary authority for this organization shall be Robert's Rules of Order.

Article Nine    Amendments

Amendments to the By-Laws shall be proposed by the membership through any Executive Board Member.  They shall be presented at the general meeting and voted on at the next general meeting. A two-thirds vote of the members present is required for passage of any amendment.