PTO BYLAWS
The Shorewood Hills PTO is governed by the bylaws found below as .pdf version or web page version
PTO BYLAWS
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Shorewood Hills Elementary School PTO, Inc., (the
“organization” or the “PTO”).
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Shorewood Hills Elementary School PTO, Inc., (the
“organization” or the “PTO”).
ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES
A. The objectives of the PTO shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. To encourage close and effective relationships among Shorewood Hills children,
parents, school, and the community.
2. To provide a forum through which parents, teachers, and administrators can
communicate on pertinent issues of general importance or urgency.
3. To support the school district’s mission of providing high-quality, equitable, and
inclusive instruction.
4. To develop united efforts among parents, teachers, administrators, children, and the
general public to secure for every child the highest advantages in physical, intellectual,
and social education.
5. To sponsor and promote involvement in inclusive and equitable events and programs
that encourage a sense of community both within the school and among the
communities of Shorewood Hills Elementary School and its surrounding neighborhood.
6. To raise and contribute monies to support inclusive and equitable programs and
projects that enhance Shorewood Hills Elementary School, its community, and
relationship with its neighborhood.
A. The objectives of the PTO shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. To encourage close and effective relationships among Shorewood Hills children,
parents, school, and the community.
2. To provide a forum through which parents, teachers, and administrators can
communicate on pertinent issues of general importance or urgency.
3. To support the school district’s mission of providing high-quality, equitable, and
inclusive instruction.
4. To develop united efforts among parents, teachers, administrators, children, and the
general public to secure for every child the highest advantages in physical, intellectual,
and social education.
5. To sponsor and promote involvement in inclusive and equitable events and programs
that encourage a sense of community both within the school and among the
communities of Shorewood Hills Elementary School and its surrounding neighborhood.
6. To raise and contribute monies to support inclusive and equitable programs and
projects that enhance Shorewood Hills Elementary School, its community, and
relationship with its neighborhood.
ARTICLE III: BASIC POLICIES
A. The organization shall be non-profit, noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan.
B. The name of the organization and the names of any members in their official capacities shall
not be used to endorse or promote a commercial concern, or in connection with any
partisan interest, or for any purpose not appropriately related to promoting the objectives
of the organization.
C. No organizational funds or other assets shall personally benefit or be distributed to its
members, directors, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the
organization may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments
and distributions in furtherance of the objectives set forth in Article II.
D. The organization shall not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political
campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office, or attempt to
influence legislation, in any way, including by the publishing or distributing of statements.
E. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the organization shall not carry on
any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal
income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or by an organization that
receives contributions, which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
F. Upon dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and
obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed by the “Board”
(hereinafter defined) to one or more non-profit fund, foundation, or organization with
501(c)(3) status.
A. The organization shall be non-profit, noncommercial, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan.
B. The name of the organization and the names of any members in their official capacities shall
not be used to endorse or promote a commercial concern, or in connection with any
partisan interest, or for any purpose not appropriately related to promoting the objectives
of the organization.
C. No organizational funds or other assets shall personally benefit or be distributed to its
members, directors, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the
organization may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments
and distributions in furtherance of the objectives set forth in Article II.
D. The organization shall not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political
campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office, or attempt to
influence legislation, in any way, including by the publishing or distributing of statements.
E. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the organization shall not carry on
any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal
income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or by an organization that
receives contributions, which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
F. Upon dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and
obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed by the “Board”
(hereinafter defined) to one or more non-profit fund, foundation, or organization with
501(c)(3) status.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
A. Membership shall consist of all parents and legal guardians of children currently enrolled in
Shorewood Hills Elementary School, the principal, and the teachers and educational support
staff of the school who expressly or implicitly demonstrate their consent to be members.
B. The organization shall have no membership dues, but the Board may request pledges from
the membership.
A. Membership shall consist of all parents and legal guardians of children currently enrolled in
Shorewood Hills Elementary School, the principal, and the teachers and educational support
staff of the school who expressly or implicitly demonstrate their consent to be members.
B. The organization shall have no membership dues, but the Board may request pledges from
the membership.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
A. The officers of the organization (hereinafter referred to alternatively as the “Officers” or an
“Officer”) shall be the president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Descriptions of
the roles are as follow:
1. The president shall preside at all meetings of the organization, coordinate the work of
the Officers and the “Ad Hoc Committees” (hereinafter defined) of the organization,
appoint chairpersons of the Ad Hoc Committees, appoint other special committees, fill
vacant Board positions as provided herein, sign checks in the absence of the treasurer,
and perform all other duties usually pertaining to the office.
2. The vice president shall act as an aide to the president, perform the duties of the
president in the absence or the disability of the president, perform other duties that
may be delegated by the president, and assume the position of president following the
completion of the vice presidential term. If the vice president is unable to serve as
president, the president’s position shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board.
3. The secretary shall record and distribute the minutes of PTO meetings. The secretary
shall prepare and distribute the agenda for PTO meetings under the direction of the
president, and shall retain copies of all essential correspondence, memoranda, and
other documents prepared, transmitted, or received by the organization and/or its
Officers, except the treasurer. The secretary shall also be responsible for maintaining,
updating, and monitoring the PTO’s social media accounts and website.
4. The treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the organization, keep a complete and
accurate account of receipts and expenditures, and make disbursements in accordance
with the approved budget and/or as authorized by the Board. The treasurer shall
present financial reports at the PTO meetings. The Board may request an audit of the
treasurer’s records at any time. The treasurer’s accounts shall be examined annually by
the president, or by a representative or committee appointed by the “Executive
Committee” (hereinafter defined). An external audit may be recommended by the
president or the Board. The treasurer of the organization will not have a defined term
limit.
B. The Officers shall be elected by the general membership and, with the exception of the
treasurer and the vice-president, hold office for two (2) years. The vice-president shall serve
as vice president and president, each with a two-year term, as described in Subparagraph
A.2 of this Article. The treasurer shall serve without a defined term limit. Multiple
individuals may share any Officer role. Consecutive terms are allowed.
C. An Officer of the organization may resign at any time during their term by written notice
delivered to the remaining Officers of the organization.
D. An Officer of the organization may be removed at any time during their term for cause by a
two-thirds majority of the voting Board members who are present and voting.
A. The officers of the organization (hereinafter referred to alternatively as the “Officers” or an
“Officer”) shall be the president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Descriptions of
the roles are as follow:
1. The president shall preside at all meetings of the organization, coordinate the work of
the Officers and the “Ad Hoc Committees” (hereinafter defined) of the organization,
appoint chairpersons of the Ad Hoc Committees, appoint other special committees, fill
vacant Board positions as provided herein, sign checks in the absence of the treasurer,
and perform all other duties usually pertaining to the office.
2. The vice president shall act as an aide to the president, perform the duties of the
president in the absence or the disability of the president, perform other duties that
may be delegated by the president, and assume the position of president following the
completion of the vice presidential term. If the vice president is unable to serve as
president, the president’s position shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board.
3. The secretary shall record and distribute the minutes of PTO meetings. The secretary
shall prepare and distribute the agenda for PTO meetings under the direction of the
president, and shall retain copies of all essential correspondence, memoranda, and
other documents prepared, transmitted, or received by the organization and/or its
Officers, except the treasurer. The secretary shall also be responsible for maintaining,
updating, and monitoring the PTO’s social media accounts and website.
4. The treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the organization, keep a complete and
accurate account of receipts and expenditures, and make disbursements in accordance
with the approved budget and/or as authorized by the Board. The treasurer shall
present financial reports at the PTO meetings. The Board may request an audit of the
treasurer’s records at any time. The treasurer’s accounts shall be examined annually by
the president, or by a representative or committee appointed by the “Executive
Committee” (hereinafter defined). An external audit may be recommended by the
president or the Board. The treasurer of the organization will not have a defined term
limit.
B. The Officers shall be elected by the general membership and, with the exception of the
treasurer and the vice-president, hold office for two (2) years. The vice-president shall serve
as vice president and president, each with a two-year term, as described in Subparagraph
A.2 of this Article. The treasurer shall serve without a defined term limit. Multiple
individuals may share any Officer role. Consecutive terms are allowed.
C. An Officer of the organization may resign at any time during their term by written notice
delivered to the remaining Officers of the organization.
D. An Officer of the organization may be removed at any time during their term for cause by a
two-thirds majority of the voting Board members who are present and voting.
ARTICLE VI: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. The Board shall consist of the following:
1. The Officers;
2. Up to one representative of Shorewood;
3. Up to two representatives of Eagle Heights/University Houses;
4. Up to One representative of greater Madison;
5. Up to Three Members-at-Large;
6. The past president;
7. Up to two teacher representatives; and
8. The principal, as an ex-officio member.
A. The Board shall consist of the following:
1. The Officers;
2. Up to one representative of Shorewood;
3. Up to two representatives of Eagle Heights/University Houses;
4. Up to One representative of greater Madison;
5. Up to Three Members-at-Large;
6. The past president;
7. Up to two teacher representatives; and
8. The principal, as an ex-officio member.
B. The voting members of the Board shall consist of the following:
1. The Officers; and
2. The following members, which shall hereinafter referred to alternatively as the
“Directors” and a “Director”:
a. The representative of Shorewood, if any;
b. The representatives of Eagle Heights/University Houses, if any;
c. The representative of greater Madison, if any;
d. The Members-at-Large, if any;
e. The past president; and
f. The teacher representative(s).
1. The Officers; and
2. The following members, which shall hereinafter referred to alternatively as the
“Directors” and a “Director”:
a. The representative of Shorewood, if any;
b. The representatives of Eagle Heights/University Houses, if any;
c. The representative of greater Madison, if any;
d. The Members-at-Large, if any;
e. The past president; and
f. The teacher representative(s).
C. The principal may participate in Board discussions and functions but shall not be entitled to
vote.
D. All Directors shall serve for two (2) years or until their successor is elected and qualified.
Consecutive terms are allowed.
E. The duties of the Board shall be:
1. To transact the business of the organization.
2. To approve plans of the Ad Hoc Committees.
3. To approve a budget for the organization.
4. To monitor and, as necessary, amend the budget during the year.
5. To approve all expenditures over $1000 which are outside of the approved budget.
6. To approve all plans for raising funds for the organization.
vote.
D. All Directors shall serve for two (2) years or until their successor is elected and qualified.
Consecutive terms are allowed.
E. The duties of the Board shall be:
1. To transact the business of the organization.
2. To approve plans of the Ad Hoc Committees.
3. To approve a budget for the organization.
4. To monitor and, as necessary, amend the budget during the year.
5. To approve all expenditures over $1000 which are outside of the approved budget.
6. To approve all plans for raising funds for the organization.
F. The president and the principal shall establish a schedule of PTO events for the school year,
including PTO meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the president or by
a simple majority of the voting members of the Board, with one week’s notice to all Board
members.
G. A quorum of the Board shall consist of not less than five voting members.
H. The Board should typically meet monthly. All Board members shall make a good-faith effort
to attend each PTO meeting.
I. Any member of the organization may request to place an item on the agenda for a PTO
meeting by contacting the president.
J. In the event a matter not included on the agenda is raised at a PTO meeting, discussion of
such matter shall be allowed unless objected to by the majority of voting members present.
Additionally, the presiding officer must defer any vote on the matter to a later meeting to
provide notice to all Board members prior to a vote.
K. PTO meetings are open to all members of the organization.
L. If more than one individuals share a position as a voting Board member, they shall each
hold a single vote. All persons voting must be present at the meeting in person or virtually.
M. In voting on all matters relative to the business of the organization, Board members shall
avoid conflicts of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, in all situations. A
conflict of interest exists when a Board member’s individual interests or gain may be
reasonably viewed as having the power to substantially influence or control that member’s
vote on a matter. In the event of a conflict of interest, the Board member shall abstain from
voting.
N. The Board shall act as a liaison between the Shorewood PTO and the Madison Metropolitan
School District, the Foundation for Madison Public Schools, the Shorewood Hills Foundation,
and the Madison Community Foundation.
including PTO meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the president or by
a simple majority of the voting members of the Board, with one week’s notice to all Board
members.
G. A quorum of the Board shall consist of not less than five voting members.
H. The Board should typically meet monthly. All Board members shall make a good-faith effort
to attend each PTO meeting.
I. Any member of the organization may request to place an item on the agenda for a PTO
meeting by contacting the president.
J. In the event a matter not included on the agenda is raised at a PTO meeting, discussion of
such matter shall be allowed unless objected to by the majority of voting members present.
Additionally, the presiding officer must defer any vote on the matter to a later meeting to
provide notice to all Board members prior to a vote.
K. PTO meetings are open to all members of the organization.
L. If more than one individuals share a position as a voting Board member, they shall each
hold a single vote. All persons voting must be present at the meeting in person or virtually.
M. In voting on all matters relative to the business of the organization, Board members shall
avoid conflicts of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, in all situations. A
conflict of interest exists when a Board member’s individual interests or gain may be
reasonably viewed as having the power to substantially influence or control that member’s
vote on a matter. In the event of a conflict of interest, the Board member shall abstain from
voting.
N. The Board shall act as a liaison between the Shorewood PTO and the Madison Metropolitan
School District, the Foundation for Madison Public Schools, the Shorewood Hills Foundation,
and the Madison Community Foundation.
ARTICLE VII: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A. The president may establish an “Executive Committee,” which shall consist of the president,
the vice president, the secretary or treasurer, and two of the Board members at large
nominated by the president. The president’s nominees to the Executive Committee shall be
confirmed by a majority vote of the Board prior to the first meeting of the Executive
Committee. The president may invite non-voting Executive Committee participation by any
other Director when useful to the conduct of Executive Committee business.
B. The Executive Committee shall have the power, whether or not circumstances require
immediate action, to transact business usually handled by the Board between regular PTO
meetings.
C. The Executive Committee can authorize expenditures of $1000 or less. Amounts greater
than this can be discussed but must be approved by the Board.
D. A report of all Executive Committee actions and/or expenditures shall be made to the Board
at the next scheduled PTO meeting. The Board may reverse, alter, or otherwise modify
actions taken by the Executive Committee, unless doing so would subject the organization
to unreasonable monetary loss or liability.
A. The president may establish an “Executive Committee,” which shall consist of the president,
the vice president, the secretary or treasurer, and two of the Board members at large
nominated by the president. The president’s nominees to the Executive Committee shall be
confirmed by a majority vote of the Board prior to the first meeting of the Executive
Committee. The president may invite non-voting Executive Committee participation by any
other Director when useful to the conduct of Executive Committee business.
B. The Executive Committee shall have the power, whether or not circumstances require
immediate action, to transact business usually handled by the Board between regular PTO
meetings.
C. The Executive Committee can authorize expenditures of $1000 or less. Amounts greater
than this can be discussed but must be approved by the Board.
D. A report of all Executive Committee actions and/or expenditures shall be made to the Board
at the next scheduled PTO meeting. The Board may reverse, alter, or otherwise modify
actions taken by the Executive Committee, unless doing so would subject the organization
to unreasonable monetary loss or liability.
ARTICLE VIII: NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
A. At least one month prior to the election, the Board shall solicit nominees for open Officer
and Director positions from the PTO membership via school-wide messenger email,
backpack mail, or other method of school-wide communication.
B. Joint nominees for a single Officer or Director position may be designated.
C. All nominees must consent to the nomination.
D. Prior to the election, the slate of nominees and all other Board of Director candidates shall
be circulated to the entire PTO membership via school-wide messenger email, backpack
mail, or other method of school-wide communication.
E. The election of Officers and Directors shall be conducted by a vote of the PTO membership
at a spring meeting of the organization. If there is one nominee (or set of co-nominees) for
any position, a voice vote shall be used. If there are two or more nominees (or sets of conominees), there shall be a raised hand vote. Additional nominations may be received from
the floor. A majority vote wins for each position. Each member is entitled to one vote. In the
case of parents or legal guardians, each member is entitled to only one vote regardless of
the number of children they may have enrolled in the schools. All persons voting must be
present at the meeting in person or virtually.
F. Officers and Directors assume their duties at the next scheduled PTO meeting following the
election.
G. In the event that an Officer or Director position is vacated, the membership at large shall be
notified and invited to submit nominations, with the prior consent of the nominees, to the
president who shall fill the vacancy by appointment. Prior to notifying the membership at
large of an Officer or Director position vacancy, the president may appoint an individual as
an acting Officer or Director, as the case may be.
A. At least one month prior to the election, the Board shall solicit nominees for open Officer
and Director positions from the PTO membership via school-wide messenger email,
backpack mail, or other method of school-wide communication.
B. Joint nominees for a single Officer or Director position may be designated.
C. All nominees must consent to the nomination.
D. Prior to the election, the slate of nominees and all other Board of Director candidates shall
be circulated to the entire PTO membership via school-wide messenger email, backpack
mail, or other method of school-wide communication.
E. The election of Officers and Directors shall be conducted by a vote of the PTO membership
at a spring meeting of the organization. If there is one nominee (or set of co-nominees) for
any position, a voice vote shall be used. If there are two or more nominees (or sets of conominees), there shall be a raised hand vote. Additional nominations may be received from
the floor. A majority vote wins for each position. Each member is entitled to one vote. In the
case of parents or legal guardians, each member is entitled to only one vote regardless of
the number of children they may have enrolled in the schools. All persons voting must be
present at the meeting in person or virtually.
F. Officers and Directors assume their duties at the next scheduled PTO meeting following the
election.
G. In the event that an Officer or Director position is vacated, the membership at large shall be
notified and invited to submit nominations, with the prior consent of the nominees, to the
president who shall fill the vacancy by appointment. Prior to notifying the membership at
large of an Officer or Director position vacancy, the president may appoint an individual as
an acting Officer or Director, as the case may be.
ARTICLE IX: AD HOC COMMITTEES
g. The Board may, in its discretion, create such number and type of committees as it
determines may assist in the function of the organization (“Ad Hoc Committees”).
h. As set forth in Subparagaph A.1 of Article V hereof, the president may appoint the
chairpersons of Ad Hoc Committees. The chairperson shall recruit and appoint members of
the committees with due regard for the purposes of the organization. Each Ad Hoc
Committee functions as an individual group, is responsible for informing the Board of its
planned activities and is responsible for securing Board approval. The president shall be an
ex-officio member of all committees.
i. Ad Hoc Committees may include, but are not limited to:
1. International Week Committee. This committee shall be responsible for planning and
implementing the Parade & Performance, Food Fair, and Global Village.
2. Playground and Landscaping Committee. This committee shall be responsible for
working with and advising the principals and the Board regarding the physical facilities
of the schools and their environs.
3. The Cultural Arts Committee. This committee shall be responsible for selecting and
making arrangements for the cultural arts programs that are funded by the
organization.
4. The Fundraising Committee. This committee shall be responsible for planning and
implementing the fundraising activities of the organization.
5. The After School Programs Committee. This committee shall be responsible for
coordinating after-school programs.
6. The Volunteer Services Committee. This committee shall be responsible for recruiting
parents and others to volunteer for school-related activities, and matching volunteers
with volunteer service opportunities.
7. The Teacher Needs Committee. This committee shall be responsible for identifying the
needs of the teachers (classroom equipment, field trip funds, book room needs) and
planning Teacher Appreciation Week.
8. The Communications Committee. This committee shall be responsible for coordinating,
publishing, and distributing the Shorewood Hills Elementary School Newsletter
(electronic), Memory Book, and school directory.
9. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. This committee shall be responsible for
ensuring the organization adequately addresses issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion
in collaboration with the teachers, parents, and community members, and provides an
annual report on these efforts.
g. The Board may, in its discretion, create such number and type of committees as it
determines may assist in the function of the organization (“Ad Hoc Committees”).
h. As set forth in Subparagaph A.1 of Article V hereof, the president may appoint the
chairpersons of Ad Hoc Committees. The chairperson shall recruit and appoint members of
the committees with due regard for the purposes of the organization. Each Ad Hoc
Committee functions as an individual group, is responsible for informing the Board of its
planned activities and is responsible for securing Board approval. The president shall be an
ex-officio member of all committees.
i. Ad Hoc Committees may include, but are not limited to:
1. International Week Committee. This committee shall be responsible for planning and
implementing the Parade & Performance, Food Fair, and Global Village.
2. Playground and Landscaping Committee. This committee shall be responsible for
working with and advising the principals and the Board regarding the physical facilities
of the schools and their environs.
3. The Cultural Arts Committee. This committee shall be responsible for selecting and
making arrangements for the cultural arts programs that are funded by the
organization.
4. The Fundraising Committee. This committee shall be responsible for planning and
implementing the fundraising activities of the organization.
5. The After School Programs Committee. This committee shall be responsible for
coordinating after-school programs.
6. The Volunteer Services Committee. This committee shall be responsible for recruiting
parents and others to volunteer for school-related activities, and matching volunteers
with volunteer service opportunities.
7. The Teacher Needs Committee. This committee shall be responsible for identifying the
needs of the teachers (classroom equipment, field trip funds, book room needs) and
planning Teacher Appreciation Week.
8. The Communications Committee. This committee shall be responsible for coordinating,
publishing, and distributing the Shorewood Hills Elementary School Newsletter
(electronic), Memory Book, and school directory.
9. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. This committee shall be responsible for
ensuring the organization adequately addresses issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion
in collaboration with the teachers, parents, and community members, and provides an
annual report on these efforts.
ARTICLE X: DECISION MAKING PROCESS
Roberts’ Rules of Order Newly Revised (2000) or later edition once published, shall govern the
organization’s meetings in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in
conflict with these Bylaws.
Roberts’ Rules of Order Newly Revised (2000) or later edition once published, shall govern the
organization’s meetings in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in
conflict with these Bylaws.
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS
The Bylaws may be amended at any PTO meeting by a two-thirds majority of the voting Board
members who are present and voting, provided that the general membership receives at least
two weeks’ written notice that a vote on amending the Bylaws has been scheduled. An
amendment to the Bylaws shall be referred to the general membership for a vote if at least 35
members of the organization petition for such referral.
The Bylaws may be amended at any PTO meeting by a two-thirds majority of the voting Board
members who are present and voting, provided that the general membership receives at least
two weeks’ written notice that a vote on amending the Bylaws has been scheduled. An
amendment to the Bylaws shall be referred to the general membership for a vote if at least 35
members of the organization petition for such referral.