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BYLAWS of TEXAS FAMILY LITERACY ORGANIZATION
Article One
Name
1.01
The name of the organization is Texas Family Literacy Organization (TFLO).
Article Two
Mission
2.01
The Texas Family Literacy Organization is organized to foster programmatic excellence and interagency relationships, and provide a voice for family literacy and a forum for sharing challenges.
2.02
Definition
The Literacy Involves Families Together [LIFT] Act of 2000, enacted by Public Law 106-554, amends Section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act [ESEA] of 1965 to include a common definition of "family literacy services" for all ESEA programs, including Title I, as follows:
Services provided to participants on a voluntary basis that are of sufficient intensity in terms of hours, and of sufficient duration, to make sustainable changes in a family, and that integrates all of the following activities:
- Interactive literacy activities between parents and their children.
- Training and support for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher for their children and how to be full partners in the education of their children.
- Parent literacy training that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
- An age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in school and life experiences.
Program models include, but are not limited to:
EVEN Start family literacy services are those services provided to participants on a voluntary basis that are of sufficient intensity in terms of hours, and of sufficient duration, to make sustainable changes in a family, and that integrate the following four components:
Adult Education: Parent literacy training that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
Early Childhood Education: An age-appropriate education to prepare children for success in school and life experiences.
Parenting: Training and support for parents regarding how to be the primary teacher for their children and how to be full partners in the education of their home.
Parent and Child Together: Interactive literacy activities between parents and their children.
The Even Start Family Literacy program was first enacted in 1988 as Part B of Chapter 1 of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).
Most recently, the program was reauthorized and amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). With the enactment of NCLB, two programs that complement Even Start are the Reading First and Early Reading First programs. The Reading First program gives funds to States to invest in scientifically based reading instructional programs for the early grades; and the Early Reading First Program gives funds to districts and other entities to support the early language, literacy, and pre-reading development of preschool-age children.
Article Three
Membership
3.01
Criteria
Members may be individuals affiliated with or interested in Texas family literacy programs. Membership categories are: (a) professional (Administrators, evaluators, coordinators, tech) (b) para-professional (staff), (c) student, (d) family, and (e) friends.
3.02
Membership Fees
Annual membership fees established by the Board of Directors are due upon becoming a member of the Texas Family Literacy Organization and should be renewed on September 1st for the duration of the individual’s membership in the Texas Family Literacy Organization.
Annual membership fees for Texas Family Literacy Organization program are as follows:
Professional: $15.00
Paraprofessional: $5.00
Student: $1.00
Family: $3.00
Friends: $10.00
Membership fees are due upon becoming a member and payable on September 1st.
3.03
Voting Rights
Each Texas Family Literacy Organization member shall have one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote and by the membership. Voting members are professional and paraprofessional members in good standing. Two members of the Board of Directors will be appointed by the President and will become the Elections Committee whose duty is to collect votes.
3.04
Standing
A member must be in good standing as defined by the policies of the organization before voting at any membership meeting.
3.05
Decisions
Votes for any issue may be cast electronically or in person at a scheduled meeting. Any issue submitted to a vote of the members shall be decided by a simple majority of those present and eligible to vote. The election of the Board of Directors (“the Board”) shall be decided by a plurality of votes cast by members eligible to vote. Election of the Board is by secret ballot.
3.06
Termination of Membership
The Texas Family Literacy Organization may suspend or terminate the membership of any member who becomes ineligible for membership by actions that violate the policies of this organization. The Board may, by vote of a simple majority, suspend or expel such member. Such action may be appealed through the grievance procedure established by the Bylaws, Article Seven. All rights accruing to membership will be suspended during the grievance procedure.
3.07
Liability
The members of Texas Family Literacy Organization shall not be personally liable for the debts of liabilities of the Texas Family Literacy Organization.
Article Four
Meetings of Members
4.01
Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of the members shall be held at such a date and hour as determined by the Board for the transaction of any business that may come before the meeting.
4.02
Regular or Special Meetings
Regular business meetings or special meetings in addition to the annual meeting of the members shall occur in the Fall of each year as determined by the Board.
4.03
Place of Meeting
The Board may designate any place within the State of Texas as the place of meeting for any annual, regular, or special meeting of the membership.
4.04
Notice of Meeting
Notice, including electronic notice, stating the place, day, and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered to each member entitle to a vote at such a meeting. Four (4) weeks notice shall be required for the annual meeting and ten (10) working days notice for any other regular or special meeting. Any member who had actual knowledge of a meeting and failed to object at or prior to the meeting must abide by the decisions made during the meeting.
4.05
Quorum
Simple majority of the members present to vote any given meeting of the membership shall constitute a quorum.
Article Five
Board of Directors
5.01
General Powers
A Board of Directors that constitutes the representation of the membership shall manage the affairs of the Texas Family Literacy Organization. Directors must be members of the organization.
5.02
Number, Eligibility, Election, Tenure of Directors
5.02(a) The number of directors shall not be less than five (5) and no more than twenty-five (25). Members of the Board of Directors include elected officers (appointed by the Board), committee chairs, and one (1) elected area representative to include one (1) at-large member.
5.02 (b) Directors must be members in good standing as provided for in the organization’s policies.
5.02 (c) Officers and area representatives shall be elected by the general membership.
5.02(d) Except as otherwise provided, all directors shall hold offices for 2 years. Directors may be re-elected to serve one subsequent term.
5.02(e) Directors are defined as elected officers, standing committee chairs, and one (1) area representative. Area representatives shall include members from the following regions:
North
South
East
West
Central
South Central
Coastal
5.02(f) Up to three (3) at-large members may be appointed. At-large membership includes evaluators, family members, administrators, etc. Any at-large member on the Board of Directors must be appointed by the President and approved by up to 3 members of the Board. The State Even Start Coordinator will serve as an ex-officio member without a vote.
5.03
Removal of Directors
The Board, for good cause, may remove a Director. One third (1/3) of the Board or one-tenth of the voting membership may petition the Board for removal of such director. The Board shall hear the petition at a regular or special meeting of the Board. The director whose removal is requested may address the Board at a meeting to present his or her position. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board is required to remove a director. A director who is removed from the Board may appeal such action through the grievance procedures established in Article Seven of these Bylaws. Failure to attend three (3) consecutive board meetings may be cause for removal.
5.04
Vacancies
If a director position is vacated, the Board shall fill the position by appointment of a person qualified for the position until the next regular election.
5.05
Compensation
Directors shall not receive any compensation from the organization for their services.
5.06
Committees
The Board may designate one or more committees. Committee responsibilities will be defined by the Board. The designation of such committees and the delegation of authority shall not operate to relieve the Board, or any individual director, of any responsibility imposed by law. Any non-director who becomes a member of any such committee shall have the same responsibility with respect to such committee as a director who is a member. Committee chairs must be Board members. Committee members may be Texas Family Literacy Organization members in good standing.
5.07
Place and Notice of Director’s Meeting
5.07(a) Regular meetings shall be held at such date and hour and place as determined by the Board. Any elected officer may call an emergency meeting. Special meetings of the Board may be called by an officer. Notice of any special meeting of the Board shall be given to all directors at least three (3) working days prior by written notice or by telephone or electronic mail.
5.08
Open Meetings
All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public, except the Board may meet in closed session to discuss a legal or personnel matter.
Article Six
Officers
6.02
Officer Positions
The officers of the organization shall be President, President Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. The membership shall elect the officers for a term of two (2) years.
6.02(a) President: The President shall be the principal executive officer of the Texas Family Literacy Organization and shall generally supervise and control the business of the organization. She or he shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the Board. The President may sign documents with any proper officer of the organization authorized to execute documents except in cases where signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the organization.
6.02(b) President Elect: The President Elect shall preside at all meetings of the membership and the Board in the absence of the President. She or he shall assume all other duties of the President in the temporary absence of the elected President, or if the President is unable to complete the term of office, the President Elect shall succeed to the office of President until the next election. In general, she or he shall assist the President in performing all duties, and shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Board.
6.02(c) Secretary: The Secretary shall ensure minutes of all meetings are maintained. She or he shall certify members and identify those eligible to vote at each membership meeting. She or he shall ensure proper notice of all meetings and actions in conformance with the Bylaws. She or he shall sign official documents as required by law or by the Board.
6.02(d) Treasurer: The Treasurer shall ensure books of account consistent with standard accounting practices are maintained. She or he shall deliver a report at each meeting of the Board of Directors and general membership. The Treasurer shall ensure the performance of proper federal, state, and any other reporting that may be required. She or he shall assist the Board to develop fiscal management policies, shall supervise the operating budget, and if a Board appointed Finance Committee exists, she or he shall serve on such committee. The Treasurer shall review any audits of books of account and shall ensure all audit findings are resolved in a timely manner.
6.03
Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring in the officer positions shall be filled by appointment of the Board until the next regular election of officers, except the President Elect who shall succeed to the vacant position of the President.
6.04
Removal of Officers
The Board at any regular or special meeting may remove any officer from office by a majority vote and upon good cause shown. Election or appointment of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights.
Article Seven
Grievance Procedure
7.1
The following procedures shall be used for filing and resolution of grievances:
- All complaints shall be submitted in writing by the aggrieved party and filed with the Board secretary. The Board secretary shall maintain a log that shows the receipt and disposition of such complaints.
- The Board secretary shall immediately log all complaints and shall, within three days of the receipt of said grievance:
- Create a file;
- Send a letter of acknowledgement of the complaint and copy of the organization’s grievance procedures to the aggrieved party; and
- Forward a copy of the complaint to the affected party and the full Board.
- The affected party shall contact the aggrieved person and attempt an informal resolution of the conflict. A written determination or a statement that the matter cannot be resolved should be filed with the Board secretary within ten (10) working days. Failure to act in the prescribed period will result in the grievance becoming null and void.
The final stage in the appellate process will consist of a hearing to be held before the Board at a specifically called meeting via teleconference or in person. This meeting will be conducted as soon as deemed possible by consensus of the Board but not to exceed thirty (30) days. A majority decision made by the Board will be considered final.
Article Eight
Fees
8.01
Fees for Services
The Texas Family Literacy Organization may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of services offered, which may include but is not limited to, education, training, travel, and the distribution of materials.
Article Nine
Budget, Records, Compensation, Contracts, Checks, Deposits, and Gifts
A budget shall be prepared annually by the Finance Committee who will submit it through the Board approval. The budget can be amended through Board approval.
9.02
Records
The Board of Directors will keep correct and complete books and records of all income and expenditures in accordance with normal accounting procedures and prepare an annual report identifying the financial activity of the past year. Such financial records shall be kept on file with the organization’s current Secretary. The Board of Directors will also keep minutes of official meetings. These records will be kept on file with the organization’s current Secretary and will be open for inspection at the request of any member of the organization.
9.03
Compensation
No compensation shall be paid to any member of the organization for services as a member of the organization. Reasonable expenses may be allowed for attendance or travel at regular and/or special meetings of the organization or other activities which may be authorized by the Board. Any expenditure must be authorized and approved by any 2 of the following 3 officers: President, President Elect, or Secretary. All approved expenditures must have appropriate documentation attached and submitted to the Treasurer within 30 days of the activity. An annual expenditure report must be provided to all members. If the expenditure is not approved by members of TESLA, a written request detailing the purpose of the expenditure may be submitted to the Board for approval. The budget can be amended by Board approval. 2/3 of a majority of the present members is required.
9.04
Contracts
The Board of Directors enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of or for the Texas Family Literacy Organization.
9.05
Checks and Drafts
All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issues in the name of the organization, shall be signed by such officers or agents of the organization as shall be determined by resolution of the Board. In the absence of such determination by the Board, the Treasurer shall sign them.
9.06
Deposits
All funds of the Texas Family Literacy Organization shall be deposited to the credit of the Organization in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors.
9.07
Gifts
The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the Texas Family Literacy Organization any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the general or special purpose of the organization.
Article Ten
Books and Records
10.1
The Texas Family Literacy Organization shall keep records of accounts according to generally accepted accounting procedures and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its members and Board, and shall keep a record giving the names and addresses of any members entitled to votes. All books and records of the organization may be inspected by any member or the member’s agent or attorney for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.
Article Eleven
Indemnification
11.1
The Texas Family Literacy Organization shall have the power to indemnify any former or current director, officer, employee or agent for expenses and costs (including attorney’s fees) incurred by such person in connection with any claim asserted against him or her, by reason of being or having been such director, officer, employee or agent, unless he or she shall have been guilty of negligence or misconduct in the matter in which indemnity is sought.
Article Twelve
Amendment to Bylaws
12.1
The Bylaws may be amended or repealed and new Bylaws adopted by the membership upon a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the membership present and eligible to vote. Written notice of intention to amend or repeal these Bylaws or to adopt new Bylaws shall be given the general membership by the Board at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting of the membership at which affirmation will be voted. Such notice to members shall include the exact wording of the new or revised Bylaws to be affirmed. Such new or revised Bylaws shall take effect upon affirmation by the membership.
12.2
Any person who disagrees with the written Bylaws should consult Roberts’ Rules of Order. For a quick reference, please visit http://www.robertsrules.org/.
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