Contents
Article I - The Structure of the Board
Article II - The Selection of the Board Members and Alternates
Article III - The Powers and Duties of the SFA Board
Article IV - The Operating Procedures of the Board
Article V- Ratification and Effective Date of this Constitution
Article VI - Procedural Rules
Article I - The Structure of the Board
Article II - The Selection of the Board Members and Alternates
Article III - The Powers and Duties of the SFA Board
Article IV - The Operating Procedures of the Board
Article V- Ratification and Effective Date of this Constitution
Article VI - Procedural Rules
Article I - The Structure of the Board
1. The board shall consist of 24 voting members, four non-voting members, and seven alternate members.
2. The voting members shall consist of twelve student members, ten faculty members, one housemaster, and one department head. The alternate members shall consist of four student, one selected from each grade, one faculty alternate, the principal's alternate, and the alternate of the PTSO representatives. These alternates shall fill in for their respective members. The alternates shall serve with full voting powers during the time in which they are sitting for absent respective members. The non-voting members shall be the principal, the secretary of the Board, and the two PTSO representatives.
3. There shall be two co-chairpeople of the board. One shall be a voting student member of the board, to be elected by secret ballot before October 1 by a caucus of the student members, voting and alternate. The other shall be a faculty member of the board, to be elected by a caucus of the faculty members, voting and alternate, at their first meeting. The co-chairpersons shall preside alternately. The chairperson votes only to break a tie.
Article II - The Selection of the Board Members and Alternates
1. The student members and alternate members shall be elected by the student body, of their graduating classes. The candidates shall be nominated by a petition of thirty students in their respective graduating classes. If there are more than twelve candidates per class then there shall be a primary election which shall reduce the number of candidates to twelve. If there are twelve or fewer candidates then there shall be only a final election.
2. Each class will elect its own representatives. Elections shall be held in May with three representatives and one alternate from each of the existing junior, sophomore, and freshman classes. By November, at large elections shall be held to elect three representatives and an alternate from the entering freshman class.
3. The faculty members and alternate member shall be elected by the faculty body. The candidates shall be nominated by a petition of fifteen faculty.
4. The housemaster shall be elected by a conference of housemasters. The housemaster member should appoint an alternate housemaster to serve in his/her absence.
5. The department head member shall be elected by a conference of department heads. The department head member should appoint an alternate department head to serve in his/her absence.
6. The secretary shall by appointed by the Board after the May elections. Upon the Board's announcement, students from the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes may submit applications and/or appear before the Board, as determined by the Board. The secretary shall be elected by both voting and non-voting members. The secretary shall be a non-voting member, responsible for taking and distributing the minutes and keeping the SFA archives.
7. The two PTSO representatives shall be elected by the PTSO. The PTSO members should appoint an alternate PTSO representative to serve if both PTSO members are absent.
8. Should a vacancy appear on the board, the vacancy will be filled by the person who received the next highest votes from that graduating class in the last Board election, or by a special election, as determined by the Board.
9. Each student has three votes which may be cast for one nominee or split among two or three nominees, as the student chooses.
Article III - The Powers and Duties of the SFA Board
1. Board members have the following responsibilities:
1. to attend every meeting or send an alternate
2. to listen and participate in Board discussion
3. to make responses that reflect the best interest of the school at large
2. The Board shall establish the rules of its proceedings.
3. The Board shall establish policies affecting the operation of the school.
4. Once a proposal has passed, the principal, as executive officer of the Board, has two weeks to exercise the following rights:
1. to veto the proposal
2. to request an extension from the Board for a specific period of time, which may be denied by a vote of two-thirds of the Board. Such action may not be vetoed by the principal.
If the principal fails to veto or to express the need for an extension within the original two weeks, the motion will be recognized as passed.
5. The Board may, at its discretion, submit any measure to the school community in the form of a non-binding referendum for approval or disapproval.
6. The Board may compel the attendance of members and alternate members in such manner, and under such penalties, as the Board may provide.
7. The Board may expel a member or alternate by two-thirds vote of the members and sitting alternates present. Such action may not be vetoed by the principal.
8. The Board may issue non-binding resolutions stating its opinions.
9. Members of the Board shall have access to school data which it deems necessary to its deliberations.
10. Members of the school community have an obligation to appear before the Board when it is deemed necessary.
11. The Board may, by a two-thirds vote of members and sitting alternates present, amend this constitution provided that the notice of one week be given.
Article IV - The Operating Procedures of the Board
1. All of the following must by on the Board's agendas: a proposal of the principal, of a housemaster, of a department head or of any Board member, or a proposal which is the subject of a petition of fifty members of the school community or parents. All proposals from non-members must be presented to the secretary of the Board two days prior to the meeting in question. All proposals must follow the procedural rules of Article VI.
2. Members of the school community shall be afforded the opportunity to address the Board.
3. The Board shall meet weekly from September to June, unless it votes otherwise. It shall meet not less than once every two weeks.
4. The Board meeting shall be open unless a closed session is voted by a simple majority and confidentiality will then be required. Only members and the secretary may attend closed sessions.
5. Upon the request of a member of the school community, the Board shall give its decisions about a proposal in writing, with reasons. If the principal vetoes a decision of the Board, he/she shall inform the Board of his/her veto, with reasons, in writing.
6. One week after the May election of the Board members and alternates, the Board shall be convened by the principal, who shall preside. The secretary shall record the minutes of the meeting. During the meeting, the Board shall determine and clarify the rules of its proceedings, the principal shall address the Board on school policy, and the PTSO representative shall be given the opportunity to address the Board.
7. A full, accurate and up-to-date record of the proceedings of the Board shall be kept by the secretary, and shall be stored in a SFA cabinet in the Library. This cabinet shall be opened for inspection by the school community. A full copy of the actions and proceedings of the Board shall be available at the Library desk. The contents shall included a record of each vote with members' names included in the breakdown. The secretary shall keep on record at school all reports, documents, studies, and communications of the Board, which shall be open to inspection by members of the school community. The secretary shall notify the principal of the Board's decisions, shall make available to the school community the minutes of the Board meetings, and shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Board.
8. The quorum shall be sixteen voting members and/or sitting alternates, which is two-thirds of the existing voting members.
Article V- Ratification and Effective Date of this Constitution
1. This Constitution became effective January 14, 1988 upon the ratification of the SFA Board and the principal.
2. This Constitution shall supersede all other constitutions establishing governing bodies at Newton North High School
Article VI - Procedural Rules
1. Suggested Budget Time for Meetings:
A. Allow 10 minutes for the principal's and all committees' reports.
B. Allow 15 minutes for unscheduled speakers to raise issues and for new bills to be introduced.
C. Allow 30 minutes for debates. The chair may end a debate when he/she deems it necessary.
D. Suggested agenda order:
1. minutes
2. Principal's report
3. committee reports
4. unscheduled speakers
5. introduction of new proposals
6. old business
7. adjournment
2. Bill Procedure:
A. A bill may be introduced by a representative or by a petition. It is recommended that the bill be supported by a thorough written explanation, including an implementation plan with time frame, as this will expedite the process. Copies of the bill and support material must be distributed to all members of the Board and can be made available to interested members of the school community via the secretary. Questions about the bill may be asked at this time.
B. All SFA members are responsible for reading the bill and for preparing for debate the following week.
C. In the weeks after introduction, the bill will be debated. Speaking time is at the discretion of the chair. Depending upon how may proposals are up for discussion at the meeting, the chair will end the discussion and move on to the next item on the agenda.
D. In the first three weeks of debate, the sponsor(s) of the proposal has (have) the following options at any time during those three meetings: (Note that a week will only be counted if the Board meets and discusses the bill in question.)
1. to call for a vote. At this point, two speakers will be chosen: one on behalf of having the vote and one on behalf of delaying the vote. The chair will then determine whether a vote will be held. If there is a vote, in that case the Board will approve a proposal if an absolute majority of members and sitting alternative present vote in favor of that proposal. NOTE: "Absolute majority" means that more than half of the voting members and sitting alternates present must vote in favor of the proposal. Thus, a vote of 9-6-4 would not pass because a majority did not approve it.
2. request that the proposal be tabled and a committee be formed to study it and report back to the Board within a designated time.
3. withdraw the proposal.
E. In the following three weeks (the fourth to sixth weeks after introduction) the proposal shall be on the agenda for discussion and any board member of sitting alternate present has the following options:
1. to call for a vote in accordance with Section D.1.
2. to move to table the vote. A two-thirds vote is necessary to pass this motion.
F. If a proposal is not passed or tabled after seven weeks (1 week for introduction, six weeks for discussion) there shall be a vote.
G. If any proposal is defeated, it may not be reintroduced until the next school year.
H. This procedure may be replaced by a one-day emergency procedure by a two-thirds vote of the Board. A member or petitioner with an emergency bill should notify the chair before the meeting. The chair will announce the bill at the opening of the meeting. A five minute discussion will take place before voting on whether or not to use the emergency procedure. If passed, the bill will be debated, voted upon and a regular meeting will follow. If the bill is not passed, the bill will undergo the normal procedure.
3. Suspension of rules:
Any of the above rules may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of members and sitting alternates present.
1. The board shall consist of 24 voting members, four non-voting members, and seven alternate members.
2. The voting members shall consist of twelve student members, ten faculty members, one housemaster, and one department head. The alternate members shall consist of four student, one selected from each grade, one faculty alternate, the principal's alternate, and the alternate of the PTSO representatives. These alternates shall fill in for their respective members. The alternates shall serve with full voting powers during the time in which they are sitting for absent respective members. The non-voting members shall be the principal, the secretary of the Board, and the two PTSO representatives.
3. There shall be two co-chairpeople of the board. One shall be a voting student member of the board, to be elected by secret ballot before October 1 by a caucus of the student members, voting and alternate. The other shall be a faculty member of the board, to be elected by a caucus of the faculty members, voting and alternate, at their first meeting. The co-chairpersons shall preside alternately. The chairperson votes only to break a tie.
Article II - The Selection of the Board Members and Alternates
1. The student members and alternate members shall be elected by the student body, of their graduating classes. The candidates shall be nominated by a petition of thirty students in their respective graduating classes. If there are more than twelve candidates per class then there shall be a primary election which shall reduce the number of candidates to twelve. If there are twelve or fewer candidates then there shall be only a final election.
2. Each class will elect its own representatives. Elections shall be held in May with three representatives and one alternate from each of the existing junior, sophomore, and freshman classes. By November, at large elections shall be held to elect three representatives and an alternate from the entering freshman class.
3. The faculty members and alternate member shall be elected by the faculty body. The candidates shall be nominated by a petition of fifteen faculty.
4. The housemaster shall be elected by a conference of housemasters. The housemaster member should appoint an alternate housemaster to serve in his/her absence.
5. The department head member shall be elected by a conference of department heads. The department head member should appoint an alternate department head to serve in his/her absence.
6. The secretary shall by appointed by the Board after the May elections. Upon the Board's announcement, students from the junior, sophomore, and freshman classes may submit applications and/or appear before the Board, as determined by the Board. The secretary shall be elected by both voting and non-voting members. The secretary shall be a non-voting member, responsible for taking and distributing the minutes and keeping the SFA archives.
7. The two PTSO representatives shall be elected by the PTSO. The PTSO members should appoint an alternate PTSO representative to serve if both PTSO members are absent.
8. Should a vacancy appear on the board, the vacancy will be filled by the person who received the next highest votes from that graduating class in the last Board election, or by a special election, as determined by the Board.
9. Each student has three votes which may be cast for one nominee or split among two or three nominees, as the student chooses.
Article III - The Powers and Duties of the SFA Board
1. Board members have the following responsibilities:
1. to attend every meeting or send an alternate
2. to listen and participate in Board discussion
3. to make responses that reflect the best interest of the school at large
2. The Board shall establish the rules of its proceedings.
3. The Board shall establish policies affecting the operation of the school.
4. Once a proposal has passed, the principal, as executive officer of the Board, has two weeks to exercise the following rights:
1. to veto the proposal
2. to request an extension from the Board for a specific period of time, which may be denied by a vote of two-thirds of the Board. Such action may not be vetoed by the principal.
If the principal fails to veto or to express the need for an extension within the original two weeks, the motion will be recognized as passed.
5. The Board may, at its discretion, submit any measure to the school community in the form of a non-binding referendum for approval or disapproval.
6. The Board may compel the attendance of members and alternate members in such manner, and under such penalties, as the Board may provide.
7. The Board may expel a member or alternate by two-thirds vote of the members and sitting alternates present. Such action may not be vetoed by the principal.
8. The Board may issue non-binding resolutions stating its opinions.
9. Members of the Board shall have access to school data which it deems necessary to its deliberations.
10. Members of the school community have an obligation to appear before the Board when it is deemed necessary.
11. The Board may, by a two-thirds vote of members and sitting alternates present, amend this constitution provided that the notice of one week be given.
Article IV - The Operating Procedures of the Board
1. All of the following must by on the Board's agendas: a proposal of the principal, of a housemaster, of a department head or of any Board member, or a proposal which is the subject of a petition of fifty members of the school community or parents. All proposals from non-members must be presented to the secretary of the Board two days prior to the meeting in question. All proposals must follow the procedural rules of Article VI.
2. Members of the school community shall be afforded the opportunity to address the Board.
3. The Board shall meet weekly from September to June, unless it votes otherwise. It shall meet not less than once every two weeks.
4. The Board meeting shall be open unless a closed session is voted by a simple majority and confidentiality will then be required. Only members and the secretary may attend closed sessions.
5. Upon the request of a member of the school community, the Board shall give its decisions about a proposal in writing, with reasons. If the principal vetoes a decision of the Board, he/she shall inform the Board of his/her veto, with reasons, in writing.
6. One week after the May election of the Board members and alternates, the Board shall be convened by the principal, who shall preside. The secretary shall record the minutes of the meeting. During the meeting, the Board shall determine and clarify the rules of its proceedings, the principal shall address the Board on school policy, and the PTSO representative shall be given the opportunity to address the Board.
7. A full, accurate and up-to-date record of the proceedings of the Board shall be kept by the secretary, and shall be stored in a SFA cabinet in the Library. This cabinet shall be opened for inspection by the school community. A full copy of the actions and proceedings of the Board shall be available at the Library desk. The contents shall included a record of each vote with members' names included in the breakdown. The secretary shall keep on record at school all reports, documents, studies, and communications of the Board, which shall be open to inspection by members of the school community. The secretary shall notify the principal of the Board's decisions, shall make available to the school community the minutes of the Board meetings, and shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Board.
8. The quorum shall be sixteen voting members and/or sitting alternates, which is two-thirds of the existing voting members.
Article V- Ratification and Effective Date of this Constitution
1. This Constitution became effective January 14, 1988 upon the ratification of the SFA Board and the principal.
2. This Constitution shall supersede all other constitutions establishing governing bodies at Newton North High School
Article VI - Procedural Rules
1. Suggested Budget Time for Meetings:
A. Allow 10 minutes for the principal's and all committees' reports.
B. Allow 15 minutes for unscheduled speakers to raise issues and for new bills to be introduced.
C. Allow 30 minutes for debates. The chair may end a debate when he/she deems it necessary.
D. Suggested agenda order:
1. minutes
2. Principal's report
3. committee reports
4. unscheduled speakers
5. introduction of new proposals
6. old business
7. adjournment
2. Bill Procedure:
A. A bill may be introduced by a representative or by a petition. It is recommended that the bill be supported by a thorough written explanation, including an implementation plan with time frame, as this will expedite the process. Copies of the bill and support material must be distributed to all members of the Board and can be made available to interested members of the school community via the secretary. Questions about the bill may be asked at this time.
B. All SFA members are responsible for reading the bill and for preparing for debate the following week.
C. In the weeks after introduction, the bill will be debated. Speaking time is at the discretion of the chair. Depending upon how may proposals are up for discussion at the meeting, the chair will end the discussion and move on to the next item on the agenda.
D. In the first three weeks of debate, the sponsor(s) of the proposal has (have) the following options at any time during those three meetings: (Note that a week will only be counted if the Board meets and discusses the bill in question.)
1. to call for a vote. At this point, two speakers will be chosen: one on behalf of having the vote and one on behalf of delaying the vote. The chair will then determine whether a vote will be held. If there is a vote, in that case the Board will approve a proposal if an absolute majority of members and sitting alternative present vote in favor of that proposal. NOTE: "Absolute majority" means that more than half of the voting members and sitting alternates present must vote in favor of the proposal. Thus, a vote of 9-6-4 would not pass because a majority did not approve it.
2. request that the proposal be tabled and a committee be formed to study it and report back to the Board within a designated time.
3. withdraw the proposal.
E. In the following three weeks (the fourth to sixth weeks after introduction) the proposal shall be on the agenda for discussion and any board member of sitting alternate present has the following options:
1. to call for a vote in accordance with Section D.1.
2. to move to table the vote. A two-thirds vote is necessary to pass this motion.
F. If a proposal is not passed or tabled after seven weeks (1 week for introduction, six weeks for discussion) there shall be a vote.
G. If any proposal is defeated, it may not be reintroduced until the next school year.
H. This procedure may be replaced by a one-day emergency procedure by a two-thirds vote of the Board. A member or petitioner with an emergency bill should notify the chair before the meeting. The chair will announce the bill at the opening of the meeting. A five minute discussion will take place before voting on whether or not to use the emergency procedure. If passed, the bill will be debated, voted upon and a regular meeting will follow. If the bill is not passed, the bill will undergo the normal procedure.
3. Suspension of rules:
Any of the above rules may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of members and sitting alternates present.
Written by the SFA, May, 1982
Revised and amended by the SFA, January, 1988
Amended by the SFA, May, 1993
Amended by the SFA, October 1993
Amended by the SFA, May, 1996
Amended by the SFA, March, 1998
Revised and amended by the SFA, January, 1988
Amended by the SFA, May, 1993
Amended by the SFA, October 1993
Amended by the SFA, May, 1996
Amended by the SFA, March, 1998