Proposed Bylaw Updates – Vote on December 2
At our November 4 meeting, the Emerald PTO presented several proposed updates to our bylaws. These updates were introduced for member review and will be voted on at our next meeting: Tuesday, December 2, at 5:30 p.m.
All members are encouraged to attend and participate in the vote! These updates aim to strengthen transparency, clarify financial policies, and ensure our mission reflects our inclusive school community.
Summary of Proposed Changes
1. Updated Mission Statement (Article I, Section 3)
Adds a statement affirming our commitment to inclusivity:
“The PTO is committed to an inclusive environment where all families and staff are welcome regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.”
2. Officer Attendance & Participation (New Article III, Section 4)
Establishes expectations for officer participation:
Officers are expected to attend scheduled Board meetings or submit updates in advance. Three or more unexcused absences may be considered a failure to fulfill duties.
3. Electronic Voting Between Meetings (Article IV)
Allows the Executive Board to vote electronically between meetings for urgent matters, with all votes recorded in the next meeting’s minutes.
4. Revised Financial Policy (Article VI)
Completely rewritten for clarity on how funds are used and how reserves are managed:
- Fundraising efforts will align with the PTO’s mission and benefit Emerald students, staff, and community during the same school year whenever possible.
- The number and type of fundraisers may vary each year, as determined by the Executive Board and approved by membership. (This replaces the previous limit of two fundraisers per year.)
- The PTO may maintain an operating reserve of 20–30% of the previous year’s expenditures for stability.
- Funds may be earmarked from the prior year’s balance for early-year events like the Fun Run.
- Unused funds beyond the reserve limit must be used to benefit students or staff within the following fiscal year.
- Money raised for specific projects (e.g., playground or technology improvements) will be tracked separately and used only for that purpose unless members approve otherwise.
5. Banking and Reporting Updates
Adds provisions for electronic payments and a year-end treasurer’s report.
6. New Conflict of Interest Policy (New Article VIII)
Introduces a clear policy ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of the PTO and school community.
These proposed updates were presented according to our bylaws and will be voted on by the membership at the December 2 meeting.
The full text of the
proposed bylaws is available here.
💚 We hope to see you on December 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Commons to cast your vote!
