Bylaws

The name of the association shall be the Pembroke Teachers Association, hereinafter referred to as the “Association”.

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

Section 1.   General Objectives

A.   To maintain and improve the quality of education,

B.   To uphold high professional standards and to advance the socioeconomic well-being of

       educators.

Section 2.   Specific Objectives

       The Executive Board is authorized and directed to establish specific objectives within the

       framework of the general objectives in Section 1. These specific objectives shall be

       reviewed annually, revised if necessary, and published.

Section 3.   Scholarship

       The Association will provide a scholarship for three Pembroke seniors representative of each

       elementary school planning further education. The amount of this scholarship is to be voted

       annually.

Section 1.   Active Members

A.   Active members are those:

1.   Who are engaged in work of a professional nature in the field of education, and

2.   Who hold membership in the local affiliated association if such membership is

      available, and

3.   Who, as new applicants for membership, hold a baccalaureate degree or higher and a

      certificate of eligibility to hold same from a proper certifying authority, where

      required, or are qualified and certified by the Division of Vocational Education in the

      Massachusetts Department of Education, or

B.   Other employees of the school committees of other governing boards of education

       institutions who hold membership, if such membership is available to them, but limited to 

       paraprofessionals, school nurses, secretaries and clerks (instructional), and secretaries and

       clerks (office) and school custodians.

Section 2.  Active members of the Association shall also be members of the Massachusetts Teachers

      Association, the Plymouth County Education Association, and the National Education

      Association.

Section 3.   Active membership shall be continuous until a member leaves, resigns from the Association,

       fails to pay membership dues, or opts out of paying membership dues in accordance with

       Janus v. State, County, and Municipal Employees (2018).

A.   Any member who opts out of paying membership dues must submit written intent to

       the Executive Board any date between April 1 and September 1. If such intent is not

       expressed in writing within this window, that member will continue to pay full

       membership dues for the subsequent school year.

Section 4.   Associate Members

      Associate members are those other persons interested in the advancement of the cause of

       education, but who are not eligible for active membership. Application for said membership

       shall be made in writing with the understanding that the application will pay membership

       dues.

Section 5.   Retired Members

      Retired members are those former active or associate members who, upon retirement, apply

       to the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Retired

       personnel will become life members of the local association, exempt from dues, and will be

       so notified.

Section 6.   Honorary Membership

      Honorary membership may be conferred by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board or

       general meeting of the membership. Honorary members of the association are exempt from

       dues.

Section 7.   Adherence to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession shall be a condition of

       continuing 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 Code of Ethics of the Education Profession.

Section 8.   Only active members as defined in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article III shall have the

       privilege of voting and holding office in the Association.

Section 9.   The membership year shall be from July 1 to June 30. A member joining through a local

       association may elect to be a continuing member. Membership shall then be continued from

       year to year until death, retirement, or the member cancels the election with a sixty day

       notice in writing. The current membership lists will be updated by December 1 of each year.

Section 10.   Every local association shall submit to the Massachusetts Teachers Association annually

         prior to July 1, a list of its officers and their addresses as well as a copy of the By-laws with

         any changes or amendments made in the preceding year.

Section 1.   The elected officers of a local association shall be the President, Vice President (s), a

       Secretary, and a Treasurer.

Section 2.   Powers and Duties of Officers

A.   The President

1.   The President shall preside over meetings of the Executive Board and the general

      membership.

2.   The President may appoint the Chairman and members of standing committees and

      special committees.

3.   The President shall be the Executive Officer of the Association except when it

      employs an Executive Secretary. (The Executive Secretary is defined as the person

      who carries out the policies of the Association.)

B.   Vice President

1.   The Vice President (s) shall perform the functions usually attributed to that office.

2.   He/she shall meet regularly with the Committee Chairmen to discuss committee

      activities.

3.   He/she shall prepare committee progress reports for the Executive Board.

4.   He/she may be called upon to preside when the presidency becomes vacant and shall

      perform the functions usually attributed to this office.

5.   He/she shall keep a record of dates of all scheduled committee meetings.

6.   He/she will be responsible for notifying all members of said committee (s) of time

      and place of meeting (s) or cancellations.

C.   Secretary

1.   The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the Executive Board and

      of the general membership meetings.

2.   He/she shall maintain official files, and shall assist the President with the Association

      correspondence.

3.   The Secretary shall maintain all communications.

D.   Treasurer

1.   The Treasurer shall hold the funds of the Association and disburse them in

      accordance with budgeted authorization.

2.   He/she shall bill the membership for all annual dues, collect dues and membership

      information through the membership committee in each building, and transmit

      amounts due the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education

      Association.

3.   He/she shall maintain a roll of the members.

4.   He/she shall keep an accurate account of the receipts and disbursements, and shall

      report to each meeting of the general membership. Payments shall be made in

      accordance with an agreed upon schedule and shall be completed not later than sixty

      days in arrears of the final date in said plan.

5.   All disbursements over $250 shall be countersigned by the President of the

      Association.

6.   He/she shall prepare an annual financial statement for publication to members as

      directed by the Executive Board.

7.   He/she shall 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.

8.   He/she may be bonded.

E.   Sick Leave Bank Coordinator

1.   He/she shall coordinate membership and represent teachers in all sick leave bank

      matters.

2.   He/she will be responsible for making financial recommendations to the School

      Committee under the advisement of the Executive Board.

3.   This position shall be appointed by the President.

F.   Chairman of the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee

1.   Shall process all level two or higher grievances.

2.   Shall maintain regular contact with building representatives.

3.   He/she will be available for consult to building representatives for level one

      grievances.

G.   Negotiations Chair

1.   Shall meet with the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee on all level 2

      and higher grievances.

H.   Appointed Positions

       These positions shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Board

       and shall serve at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Section 3.   Terms and Succession

A.   President may be elected for more than two concurrent terms.

B.   The term of all officers will be two years with the exception of the Professional Rights and

       Responsibilities Committee and Negotiations Chair. Those positions will be elected to three

       year terms.

C.   If a position becomes vacant during a non-election cycle, it will be filled for a term equal to

       the remaining time of that position until its next scheduled election cycle.

Section 4.   New Officers

A.   Shall be installed on or before July 1 of each calendar year.

Section 1.   The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers, the immediate past President,

       standing Committee Chairpersons, the elected building representatives, and the elected shop

       stewards.

Section 2.   Powers and Duties of the Executive Board

A.   Within policies established by the general membership, the Executive Board shall be

       responsible for the management of the Association and shall carry out policies of the

       Association.

B.   It shall report its transactions to the general membership and suggest policies for

       consideration by them.

C.   It shall create a budget, to be approved annually by both the Executive Board and the

       General Membership for the operations of the Association. The accounts of the Association

       may be audited annually.

D.   The President is hereby authorized to instruct the Treasurer to make necessary expenditures

       not to exceed $250.00. Over that amount, the expenditure must be approved by the

       membership of the Association.

E.   Donation, contributions to funds, and stipends to funds shall be voted annually.

F.   It shall establish committees and adopt policies governing them.

G.   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 by these by-laws it shall recommend

       immediately to the membership that the office be declared vacant. If the general membership

       so votes by a two-thirds majority to uphold the Executive Board recommendation, it shall

       immediately elect a replacement.

Section 1.   No person shall be admitted to or be continued as an active member in the Association who

       is not also an active member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, National Education

       Association, and the Plymouth County Education Association.

Section 2.   Application for affiliation to the Massachusetts Teachers Association or the National

       Education Association shall be made in writing by the President or the Secretary of the

       organization seeking admission. This application shall be accompanied by a list of the

       officers and their address, and by a copy of the bylaws, which shall be subject to approval of

       the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

Section 3.   Every local association shall submit annually to the Massachusetts Teachers Association

       (prior to July 1).

A.   A list of its officers and their addresses.

B.   The names and addresses of all members on an official enrollment form furnished by

       the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

C.   A statement setting forth amendments or changes in its bylaws during the preceding

       year.

Section 4.   Eligible associations shall be admitted by a majority vote of the Executive Board of the

       Massachusetts Teachers Association. Effective July 1, 1974, as a condition of eligibility, all

       local associations shall include in their bylaws a provision for a combination of local, state,

       and National Education Association memberships.

Section 1.   In each public school in Pembroke, faculty members who are in good standing of the

       Association shall elect for a term of two years two faculty representatives in each building.

       Faculty representatives of the same bargaining unit will be elected on a staggered schedule,

       so no two representatives of the same unit (units C, D, E)  or building (units A) will be up

       for reelection in the same year. If a faculty representative position becomes vacant during a

       non-election cycle, it will be filled for a term equal to the remaining time of that position

       until its next scheduled election cycle.

       Members of the Unit D bargaining unit who are members in good standing of the
      Association shall elect for a term of two years five stewards, three Education Support
      Professionals at the elementary level and two Education Support Professionals at the
      secondary level.

       Members of the Unit C bargaining unit who are in good standing of the Association shall
      elect for a term of two years two stewards, that include two Custodial staff member and one

       Secretary or member of IT.

       Members of the Unit E bargaining unit who are in good standing of the Association will
      elect for a term of two years two stewards.

       If a new bargaining unit organizes under the Association, new unit members who are in good

       standing of the Association shall elect for a term of two years one representative unless

       otherwise voted by the majority of members in the bargaining unit.

A.   Elections shall be held during the annual elections. (They shall be held in April.)

Section 2.

A.   Building Representatives shall attend the regular meeting of the general membership unless

       they are excused by the President prior to said meeting.

B.   After two unexcused absences, the President may declare the seat vacant, and call for an

       election to fill the remainder of their position.

C.   By a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board a member who has two (2) or more

       unexcused absences may be dismissed from their position.

D.   The President shall designate the Nominations and Elections Committee to conduct such a

       special election.

E.   Full dues are to be paid by the Association provided Faculty Representative attends 5/9 of

       scheduled Executive Board Meetings.

F.    Building Representatives shall serve on the P.R. & R. Committee for grievances related to

       their building.

G.   Building Representatives may process all level one grievances.

Section 3.   The Faculty Representatives shall be responsible for distributing Association

       communications to the members in their buildings, for keeping their members informed, and

       shall further act as liaison from members in their buildings to the Executive Board.

Section 1.   Massachusetts Teachers Association Annual Meeting

A.   Any active member is eligible to be a candidate to the Annual Meeting.

B.   Each candidate must be nominated and elected according to regulations set by the

       Massachusetts Teachers Association.

C.   Each local affiliated association shall be entitled to representation by two delegates and one

       additional delegate for every fifty members over fifty, or major fraction thereof, based on the

       official members established by the Executive Committee as of March.

D.   The local association shall submit to the Massachusetts Teachers Association a list of names

       and addresses of such delegates.

E.   The local association will vote annually to reimburse delegates of reasonable travel and

       accommodation expenses while attending the Massachusetts Annual Meeting of Delegates.

Section 1.   The Executive Board shall meet at least monthly during the school year on a schedule to be

       determined by the Executive Board.

Section 2.   All Building Representatives and Shop Stewards will hold monthly housekeeping meetings

       with their respective unit members and additional meetings if deemed necessary.

Section 3.   General Membership Meetings

      There shall be at least two general membership meetings each year, whose dates shall be

       determined by the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall prepare a tentative agenda

       for each meeting and shall circulate it to all members so that the members will have time to

       discuss it prior to the meeting.

Section 4.   Special Meetings

      Special meetings of the general membership may be held at the call of the President or upon

       written request to the Executive Board from five percent (5%) of the membership.

Section 5.   Quorum

      The majority of the members shall be a quorum for the Executive Board and Committees. A

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

Section 1.   Organization

      There will be the following standing committees having the function outlined below:

A.   They shall have members selected to represent different groups in the Association

       and appointed for one year.

B.   Each committee, with the approval of the Executive Board, may organize from the

       membership of the Association special sub-committees and tasks forces for specific

       activities.

Section 2.   Meetings

      Each standing committee shall meet regularly according to a calendar developed by the

       Executive Board. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman.

Section 3.   Reports

      Each committee shall appoint a secretary who shall record the activities of the committee.

       The Chairman shall report any action items to general membership meetings. He/she shall

       prepare an annual written report which the Executive Secretary shall file as part of the

       records of the Association.

Section 4.   Titles and Duties

A.   Negotiating Team

1.   Shall negotiate with the School Committee on hours, wages, and working conditions,

      including the instructional programs for all personnel in each bargaining unit. The

      team shall consist of a chairperson voted on every three years by the membership and

      at least one person from each building. A nurse and/or other educator of specialty

      may be appointed to the team, but will not be required. With the exception of the

      chairperson, the remaining team members shall be appointed by the President.

2.   The elected stewards of the Education Support Personnel Unit shall appoint, subject

      to the approval of the President, up to four (4) members in good standing to serve on

      the Education Support Personnel Unit negotiation team.

3.   The President shall appoint a Negotiation Team to represent any future bargaining

      units represented by the PTA.

4.   With the aid of the appropriate committees, it shall prepare proposals to be approved

      by the general membership prior to being placed before the School Committee.

5.   Upon reaching tentative agreement on all matters under negotiation, the team shall

      prepare and submit said agreement with their recommendations, to the Association

      membership for ratification. Members will be provided with a copy of proposed

      changes before ratification, and be given sufficient time to make a decision for

      ratification. If necessary, even twenty-four hours may be considered sufficient. The

      vote will be by secret ballot.

6.   Attendance is subject to the same rules and regulations as those found under Article

      V, Section 2.

7.   Negotiations Chair will be notified in advance of every Professional Rights and

      Responsibilities meeting and will make every effort to attend.

8.   The membership of the Association will be polled before negotiations begin to assess

      priorities for each new contract.

B.   Committee on Public Relations

    Shall develop public understanding for purposes and programs of the Association, the values

       of public education and, in cooperation with the administration, the educational philosophy

       and programs of the schools. It shall develop procedures by which the Association can work

       cooperatively with parents in public, fraternal and social organizations through all available

       channels of communication. Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited

       to, creating and distributing a newsletter, and acting as a Parent Organization Liaison

       in each building.

1. Fundraising Subcommittee

a. The Fundraising Subcommittee shall be responsible for organizing events to

    raise funds for the Association. Events may include, but are not limited to, yard

    sales, raffles, and community events.

2. Outreach Subcommittee

a. The Outreach Subcommittee shall be responsible for organizing community

    outreach events. Events may include, but are not limited to, Winter Coat Drive,

    Canned Food Drive, and representation in town event (e.g. walking in a

    parade).

3. Schedule and Social Affairs Subcommittee

a. The Schedule and Social Affairs Subcommittee shall organize activities as may

    serve the needs of the members and promote fellowship within the Association.

    Activities may include, but are not limited to, Staff Appreciation Days, and

    “get-togethers.”

C.   Membership Committee

      Shall organize and conduct local, state, and national membership enrollment among

       non-members and inform members of the policies, programs, services and accomplishments

       of the Association. It further shall develop and conduct year-long programs for the

       orientation of new teachers to the community, the school system and the Association.

       Duties:

1.   Service Award Banquet (PCEA, MTA, and NEA) He/she will be responsible for

      arranging the PCEA Awards Banquet.

2.   Newspaper Press for PTA, PCEA Award winners;

3. American Education Week (November-Service Appreciation Day)

4. Teacher Appreciation Week/Day (May)

D.   Nomination and Election Committee (No officers may serve)

1.   The Nominations and Elections Committee shall consist of at least one representative

from each school.

2.   The members of the committee shall be appointed by the President with the advice

and consent of the Executive Board.

3.   The nominations procedure for candidates seeking elected office shall be determined

by the Nominations and Elections Committee.

4.   The committee shall be responsible for securing candidates for each of the elected

offices.

5.   The Nominations and Elections Committee shall be responsible for conducting annual

elections and for meeting the requirements of special elections.

i.     During January, meet to draw up new nomination forms, distribute to

      membership, and collect.

ii.    Make personal contact with members to fill any vacancy.

iii.   Draw up the slate to present to the Executive Board before the April

       Executive Board meeting.

iv.   Present slate for vote at General Association meeting.

6.   All elections must be conducted by secret ballot.

7.   To be elected, the candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast.

8.   All elections shall be conducted during April.

E.  Political Education Committee

1.   Shall be chaired by the elected Political Action Leader (PAL).

2.   Shall have broad concern for local, state, and national legislation affecting the

      interests of schools, teachers, and the Association.

3.   Shall encourage members to exercise their political and civic rights, and keep

      members informed about new legislation.

4.   Whenever possible, will attend legislative conferences and trainings.

5.   Keep Association members informed of State and Local legislative action.

6.   Work with the PPS School Committee to encourage building visits.

7.   Encourage members to attend school committee meetings.

8.   Consider political candidate endorsements.

F.  Special Committees

     Each year the President may appoint such other special committees as may be necessary, and

     shall discharge them upon completion of their duties.

G.  Scholarship Committees

1.   The Scholarship Committee should consist of one member from each school who will

      be appointed by the President.

2.   Shall review scholarship applications and determine recipients based on Executive

      Board approved guidelines.

H. Professional Leave Committee

1.   Shall meet with the Superintendent to establish and/or review guidelines for

      professional leave. This shall be done at the beginning of each school year.

2.   Shall review professional leave requests as per the guidelines established at the

      beginning of the school year.

Duties:

1.   Go over guidelines

2.   Committee members should be available in each school as resources to Teachers.

3.   Encourage PTA members to follow agreed upon guidelines to get Professional Leave.

I.  Sick Leave Bank Committee

1.   The Sick Leave Bank Committee should consist of one or more member(s) who will

be appointed by the President.

J.  Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee

1.   The committee shall consist of two chairs, elected for three year terms.

2.   The remainder of the committee shall be composed of the appropriate building

      representatives and/or shop stewards whose specific building and/or unit is filing a

      grievance.

3.   The Negotiations Chair will attend all Level 2 and higher grievances.

Section 1.   The following members will have all dues paid by the Association:

      President

      Vice President (s)

      Secretary

      Treasurer

      Negotiation Chair (s)

      PR&R Chair (s)

Section 2.   Building and Other Representatives referenced in Article VII, Section 1 will have full dues

       paid.

Section 3.   Yearly Stipends for any or all positions may be recommended by the Executive Board. The

       Executive Board shall prepare in writing, and submit designated amounts to the general

       membership at least two weeks before the General Association meeting in April. The vote to

       authorize said stipends will be by secret ballot.

Section 4.   Compensation in the amounts described in Appendix A of these By-Laws shall be made to
      elected positions when the member attends 75% of Executive Board meetings and 50% of
      the General Association meetings.

A. Members serving on the Executive Board will be allowed a maximum of three (3)

     excused absences from Executive Board and General Association meetings for

     the purposes of earning stipend compensation from the Association.

B. Reasons for excusal from required meetings include:

     1. Personal medical appointments

     2. Personal illness

     3. Family illness or emergencies

     4. Pembroke Public Schools Obligations

     5. Pembroke Public Schools Stipended Positions (e.g. Coaching, Clubs, etc.)

     6. Professional Development Opportunities

     7. Other extenuating circumstances as approved by a majority vote of the Executive

         Board.

Section 5.   Compensation shall be made to appointed positions provided the appointee fulfills duties as

       described in the By-Laws.

Section 1.   Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall be the authority of the Association.

Section 2.   The membership year and the business year shall be July 1 to June 30 each year.

Section 1.   The bylaws may be amended by 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 calendar weeks in advance of

       the General Membership meeting.

Section 2.   The following is required by the National Education Association bylaws as of September,

       1975.

A.   Standards of Local Affiliates

1.   Each affiliate shall apply the “one person, one vote” principle for

      representation on its governing bodies, except that the affiliate shall guarantee

      ethnic minority representation at least proportionate to its ethnic minority

      membership. Where an all-inclusive affiliate exists, it shall provide

      proportionate representation between its classroom teacher members and its

      administrator members.

2.   Each affiliate shall conduct all elections with open nominations and a secret

      ballot.

Section 3.   Allocations of Delegates to the National Education Association Representative Assembly.

A. Delegates shall be elected for a term not to exceed three years.

Section 4.   Dues Transmittal and Enforcement Procedures (passed by the Representative Assembly in

       Los Angeles, 1975)

A.   “...Local affiliates shall have the responsibility for transmitting State Association

       dues to state affiliates on a contractual basis”

B.   “A local affiliate shall transmit to a state affiliate, and a state affiliate shall transmit to

       the Association, at least (40%) of the Association dues receivable for the year by

       March 15, and at least two thirds (66 2/3%) of the Association dues receivable for

       the year by June 1; the percentage is to be based upon the last membership count

       prior to January 15, and upon a membership year beginning September 1, unleash the

       contracted transmittal schedule stipulate otherwise.”

C.   If a state affiliate informs the National Education Association in writing that a local

       affiliate has failed to transmit dues to the Association in accordance with the dates

       set forth, and such information is verified by the Executive Director, the delegates of

       that local shall not be seated in the National Education Association Representative

       Assembly at the annual meeting. In this event, the delegates of the state affiliate shall

       be seated.

Section 5.   Definitions

A.   Ethnic Minority Members, as defined by the National Education Association, shall mean

       those persons designated as ethnic minorities by statistics published by the United States

       Bureau of the Census. This designation shall specifically include Black, Mexican American,

       (Chicano), other Spanish speaking groups, Asian American and Indian.

B.   A Classroom Teacher, as defined by the National Education Association shall mean any

       person who is certified, where required, and who spends a major part of his/her time in

       direct contact with students, or who performs allied work which placed him on a local salary

       schedule for teachers.

C.   An Educational Position Member, as defined by the National Education Association, is one

       who does not meet the definition of a classroom teacher member. A non-classroom teacher

       may be one who has designated him or herself as a non-classroom teacher. An individual

       self-designated as a non-classroom teacher member shall remain so for governance purposes

       at local, state, and national levels unless the individual notifies the state association that

       his/her education position has changed.