Texas Association for Pupil Transportation
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Amended June 2008
ARTICLE I. NAME:
The name of this Organization shall be the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Organization shall be to promote safe and efficient pupil transportation operations for public school districts in Texas. The Organization shall encourage the exchange of ideas and cooperation between public school district transportation operations. The Organization shall work to improve school transportation policies, operational standards and equipment on the local, state and national levels. The Organization shall serve as a vehicle to promote professional development among its Chapters and the State Membership. The Organization will to the extent possible make presentations and offer its expertise to the Texas State Legislature on issues effecting Texas School Transportation in an effort to do what is best for the children of Texas.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES:
Section 1. Eligibility: Membership in the Organization shall be open to all persons as defined below.
Section 2. Classification: Membership in the organization shall be of four classes: active, associate, business associate and honorary.
Sub-Section a. Active: Active members shall be Texas public school district personnel involved in pupil transportation. Active members in good standing shall have the right to vote, hold office, and participate in discussions at meetings of the organization.
Sub-Section b. Associate: Associate members shall be individuals who are public school district personnel, other than those designated as active members; and state agency personnel, Department of Public Safety, Texas Education Agency and Educational Service Centers who are directly involved on a daily basis with Texas school transportation program management. Associate members in good standing shall be entitled to attend all meetings of the organization and participate in discussions. Associate members are not entitled to vote or hold office.
Sub-Section c. Business Associate Member: Business Associate members shall be individuals connected with pupil transportation in a supply, maintenance, vendor or technical advisory capacity. Business Associate members in good standing shall be entitled to attend all meetings of the organization and participate in discussions. Business Associate members are not entitled to vote or hold office.
Sub-Section d: Honorary: When an active member retires after a minimum of five consecutive years of membership in good standing in T.A.P.T., they may apply to become an honorary member. Honorary membership applications are approved by the executive committee. Honorary members shall be entitled to all the privileges of active members except they shall not be permitted to vote or hold office. Honorary members are exempt from paying dues.
Section 3. Termination: Membership in the Organization shall be terminated for non-payment of dues, by resignation, by failure to comply with requirements for membership, or other causes as determined by the Executive Committee.
Section 4. Dues: The annual dues shall be determined by the Executive Committee. Dues are payable by June 1st and will be considered delinquent by October 1st.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS:
Section 1. Officers: The officers of the organization shall consist of a President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian and a Historian.
Section 2. Nomination: The Nominating Committee shall present a ballot, with a slate of at least two names for each office (Except the office of President for which the slate will be presented with at least one name). These nominees will be presented to the active members of the organization at the first session of the annual meeting. All candidates for office shall be active members in good standing. Nominees for President-Elect must have a minimum of one year of service on the TAPT Executive Board. Nominations may also be made by any active member from the floor at the first session of the annual meeting. The nominee's consent must be secured, and written approval from the nominee's school district granting permission for the nominee to serve and indicating support from the district if the nominee is elected, must be received by the executive committee before the nomination is made.
Section 3. Officers: Shall be elected by the last session of the annual meeting. When there are less than three (3) candidates for a particular office, a majority vote by active members voting shall be required for election to office. When there are three (3) or more candidates for a particular office, a plurality vote (the candidate receiving the largest number of votes) shall be declared the winner. In the event of a tie between the candidates receiving the most votes, a majority vote of the Executive Committee shall determine the winner. Active members in good standing may vote absentee before the annual conference, in accordance with the procedure determined by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Executive Committee.
Section 4. Term: State-wide elected officers shall serve a one year term except for Treasurer which is a two year term. The officers shall serve until the presentation of new officers at the last session of the annual meeting. No elected officers may serve in one elected position for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
Section 5. Duties:
Sub-Section a. President: The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization. The President shall appoint all committees except the nominating committee. All committee appointments shall be approved by the executive committee. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee. The President determines the
organizations focus; the conference purpose and objectives; oversees all activities of the organization including: Committees, Special elections, Budget Issues, Constitution issues, Legislative issues, Association publications and periodicals, extra duty assignments to other Executive Committee Members and all other matters not specifically assigned to any other office or committee. The President calls all committee meetings and attends the National Association meetings to represent the TAPT. The president attends Affiliated Chapter meetings around the state as invited and/or has an opportunity.
Sub-Section b. President-Elect: The President-Elect shall preside in the absence of the president. The President-Elect shall serve as the chairperson of the membership committee as well as the honoree selection committee. The President Elect presents, in conjunction with the President, all honorees to the membership as well as serves as the MC for the major conference events not MC’ed by the president. Acts as the overall Conference Coordinator with the Secretary and works closely with the Secretary and the Executive Secretary in this regard which includes but is not limited to all formal functions, including entertainment, preparation and menus. The President Elect assists the President by sharing the visitation load to the local chapter meetings and functions throughout the year. The President-Elect will perform all other duties as assigned by the President.
Sub-Section c. Secretary: The Secretary plans and presents the conference program as approved and coordinated with the Executive Committee. Ensures that scheduling and session functions are properly advertised and that the areas are provided signage. Works with the President-Elect and the Executive Secretary on all food functions including entertainment, menus and procedures. Obtains and assigns conference rooms; arranges for required support equipment and continually communicates with guest speakers and session facilitators. Other duties as assigned by the President or President-Elect.
Sub-Section d. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall ensure that an accurate record is kept of receipts and expenditures, and shall expend funds as authorized by the organization. The Treasurer shall present an account of all funds at every executive committee meeting of the organization and at the annual conference. The Treasurer shall ensure an annual review of the organization's finances is conducted. Assists the Executive Secretary when required. Performs other duties as assigned by the President.
· Sub-Section e. Historian: The Historian shall compile a written and/or visual record of the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation and its activities. Personally and with appointed assistants, takes pictures. Prepares and maintains an annual scrap book and furnishes photos and slides to the next president for their use in applicable slide show to be used as they see fit. Performs other duties as assigned by the President. May provide his/her services to Affiliated Chapter events at the expense of the Affiliated Chapter, by first asking the Affiliate Chapter to offset the expenses or a portion thereof. If the Affiliate is unable to support funding, TAPT will fund trip as approved by the Executive Committee.
Sub-Section f. Parliamentarian: The Parliamentarian ensures all meetings are conducted in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order, latest edition, and that all decisions, functions, proclamations and elections are held in accordance with the TAPT Constitution and Bylaws. The Parliamentarian is a voting member of the executive committee. Act as the chairperson of the Constitution committee and ensure that all amendments are properly prepared for, presented to and acted upon by the membership.
Sub-Section g. Area Directors (Areas 1 through 5): Represent their area by bringing their area thoughts, desires and requirements to the executive committee meetings. Take information from TAPT back to their area and disseminates the information to Area Chapters. Recruit and advertise TAPT and the local chapters to all ISD’s in their area. Serve as members of the Scholarship Committee, Site Selection Committee and any other committees as required by the President or President-Elect. Coordinates local (Area) school bus roadeo winners and assists with local area roadeo committee decisions. Certifies registration of local winners to state competition. Serves to assist with conference planning, preparation and conduct and attend executive committee meetings as a voting member. Perform any other duties as assigned by the President.
Sub-Section h. Ex-Officio.
This position will be occupied by the
Immediate Past President for a period of one
year. The Ex-Officio will be a non-voting member of the executive committee and
the chairperson of the nominating committee. The Ex-Officio will serve as a
special staff advisor to the President and the rest of the executive committee.
The Ex-Officio will send all of the special award
selections to the sponsoring agency for
recognition at the state conference. Arranges
for appropriate slide shows using previous year’s photos. The Ex-Officio
will perform other duties as assigned by the President.
ARTICLE V. COMMITTEES
Section 1. Executive:
Sub-Section a. Members: The executive committee shall be comprised of the officers of the organization, the Executive Secretary, Area Directors from each area, and the immediate past president, (Ex-Officio). The Executive Secretary and Ex-Officio will serve as non voting members.
Sub-Section b. Area Directors: Each Area Director shall be an active member in good standing and shall be elected by and from the active members working in their respective geographic areas as determined by the executive committee. Area Directors shall serve for a two year term and shall be elected from a ballot of at least two names presented to each active member by the nominating committee at the first session of the annual meeting. Nominations may also be made by an active member from the floor at the first session of the annual meeting provided the nominee's consent is secured before the nomination is made, written notification from the nominee's school district granting permission for the nominee to serve and indicating support from the district if the nominee is elected has been received by the executive committee before the nomination is made, and both the nominee and nominator work in the same geographic area. Area Directors may not serve consecutive elected two year terms.
Sub-Section c. Membership Forfeited: A member of the Executive Committee, by reason of three (3) consecutive absences from Executive Committee meetings, may forfeit their membership on the Executive Committee by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Sub-Section d. Meetings: Executive committee meetings shall be called by the President or by a majority of the Executive Committee.
Sub-Section e. Duties: It shall be the duty of the executive committee to act upon matters of business which are to be presented at the annual meeting of the organization and to fill vacancies which may arise between elections. The executive committee shall approve all committee appointments made by the president. The executive committee shall conduct (in the interim between organization meetings) the duties and responsibilities and be the final authority for the conduct of the organization in all matters, except as stated otherwise in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 2. Nominating:
Sub-Section a. Members: The nominating committee shall consist of one (1) member from each Area and the Ex-Officio. The Ex-Officio shall serve as a non-voting chairperson of the nominating committee.
Sub-Section b. Nomination: The Nominating Committee shall present a ballot of two (2) names from each Area for the Nominating Committee positions to active members of the Organization at the first session of the annual meeting. Nominations may also be made by an active member from the floor at the first session of the annual meeting, provided the nominee's consent is secured before the nomination is made and both nominee and nominator work in the same geographic area and written notification from the nominee's school district granting permission for the nominee to serve and indicating support from the district if the nominee is elected has been received by the executive committee before the nomination is made.
Sub-Section c. Election: Each nominating committee member shall be an active member in good standing and shall be elected by and from the active members working in their respective geographic Area as determined by the Executive Committee. The nominee from each Area who receives the most votes from the Area shall be elected to the committee.
Section 3. Membership:
Sub-Section a. Members: The membership committee shall consist of the President-Elect and the Area Directors.
Sub-Section b. Duties: It shall be the duty of the membership committee to promote membership in the Organization throughout the public school districts in Texas.
Section 4. Other:
The President, or majority of the Executive Committee, may from time to time appoint additional committees as they deem necessary. Such committees shall exist only until the next annual meeting or until their purpose is fulfilled.
ARTICLE VI.. VACANCIES
Section 1. President: In the event of a vacancy in the office of President between elections, the President-Elect shall serve to the end of the unexpired term as the acting President.
Section 2. President-Elect: In the event of a vacancy in the office of President-Elect between elections, the executive committee will appoint an active member in good standing who shall serve to the end of the unexpired term as the acting President-Elect.
Section 3. Secretary: In the event of a vacancy in the office of Secretary between elections, the Executive Committee will appoint an active member in good standing who shall serve to the end of the unexpired term as the acting Secretary.
Section 4. Treasurer: In the event of a vacancy in the office of Treasurer between elections, the Executive Committee will appoint an active member in good standing who shall serve to the end of the unexpired term as the acting Treasurer.
Section 5. Historian: In the event of a vacancy in the office of Historian between elections, the Executive Committee will appoint an active member in good standing who shall serve to the end of the unexpired term as acting Historian.
Section 6. Ex-Officio: In the event of a vacancy in the position of Ex-Officio, the Executive Committee will appoint an active member in good standing who shall serve to the end of the unexpired term as acting Ex-Officio.
Section 7. Parliamentarian: In the event of a vacancy in the position of Parliamentarian between elections, the Executive Committee will appoint an active member in good standing who shall serve to the end of the unexpired term as the acting Parliamentarian.
Section 8. Area Director: In the event of a vacancy in the position of Area Director, the Executive Committee will appoint an active member in good standing who works in the affected Area to serve until the next election as acting Area Director. At that time, if the vacant position has a year remaining on the original term, the position will be filled by normal election procedures for the remaining year term, so that the staggered terms for Area Directors will remain intact.
Section 9. Nominating Committee: In the event of a vacancy in the position of a Nominating Committee member, the Executive Committee will appoint an active member in good standing who works in the affected Area to serve until the next election as acting Nominating Committee member.
ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS:
Section 1. Regular: The Organization shall meet annually at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee. The order of business shall include the following: Call to order, report of the Treasurer, committee reports, unfinished business, new business, and adjournment.
Section 2. Special: Special meetings of the Organization may be called by the President or by the Executive Committee. The President or the Executive Committee must call a special meeting if they are requested to do so in a written request defining the purpose of the meeting signed by ten (10) percent or more of the active members.
ARTICLE VIII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY:
The rules contained in the most current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, shall govern the Organization in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws or special rules of order of this organization.
ARTICLE IX. QUORUM:
A majority of active members present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS:
This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended at any annual meeting of the organization by a majority of the active members voting.
ARTICLE XI. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY: As the only permanent employee of the TAPT, the Executive Secretary publishes and distributes the TAPT Newsletter; Prepares the annual financial audit/report; Serves as the single point of contact for TAPT inquiries for the state; files state and federal reports; informs executive committee of all activities and expenses; keeps membership and certification records; keeps the official minutes of all meetings; prepares the annual budget in concert with the Executive Committee; makes reservations and arrangements for all called Executive Committee meetings and school bus competitions; registers members, vendors, companions, contestants and golfers for the annual conference and keeps financial and historical records of these activities; keeps all scholarship records; sends yearly funds to recipients; regularly communicates with affiliate presidents between publications of the newsletter; and keeps all historical records. Performs other duties as assigned by the President and the Executive Committee.
Section 1. Employment: The Executive Committee is authorized to employ an Executive Secretary.
Section 2. Period of Employment: The Executive Secretary will be employed for a period of one year, renewable annually.
Section 3. Compensation: The Executive Committee is authorized to negotiate the amount of compensation. Such compensation shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, a reasonable amount for services rendered and actual expenses incurred during the performance of duties authorized by the Executive Committee.
Section 4. No Voting Rights: The Executive Secretary shall be a non-voting member of the Executive Committee and all committees.
AMENDMENTS:
June 2008
||
Send E-Mail
