Greater Lawrence Technical School
Alumni Association, Inc.
By-Laws
Article I – Name
The name of this organization shall be the "Greater Lawrence Technical School Reggie Alumni Association, Inc., hereinafter called "the Association.”
Article II – Purpose
The purpose of the Association shall be to promote through its alumni and membership
The interests of the Greater Lawrence Technical School and its alumni.
The Association shall provide services and programs in accordance with the mission Statement of the Association which is to enlighten, strengthen and develop the student, Faculty, Staff, Association and its Alumni body.
The Association shall act independently to further the interest of the alumni and the Technical School.
In furtherance of these stated purposes, the Association's mission shall be to:
• Provide the leadership, service and financial support necessary to enrich the Academic, technical, intellectual and social experience of the technical school’s students;
• Enhance, strengthen and develop the academic reputation of the Technical School and To reinforce and validate the worth and pride in the Technical School learning experience;
• Continue to develop and reinforce the bonds between the Technical School and its Alumni;
• Seize upon every opportunity to evaluate and heighten the Technical School's image End to instill pride within the Greater Lawrence Technical School community of students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni, as well as with the citizens of the Commonwealth;
• Promote diversity within the Technical School family;
• Serve as the Technical School's advocate and champion before the political leadership of the District, the Commonwealth and the Nation.
All of the Association’s initiatives, programs, services, operations and plans shall serve to advance one or more of the elements of the foregoing mission. This mission statement shall be reviewed and examined on at least an annual basis insure its appropriateness, Validity and significance.
Article III - The Association
Section 1: Membership
- Regular Members
All persons holding diplomas and or technical certificates from Greater Lawrence Technical School are eligible for regular membership in the Association.
- Honorary
Those persons who have rendered meritorious service to the Technical School or the Association, and who are recommended by the Board of Directors, may be elected as honorary life members of the Association at an annual meeting.
Honorary members shall be extended all the rights and privileges of regular members.
- Life Members
Those persons who qualify as regular members and who have paid life membership dues as established by the Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Directors shall be considered life members.
- Associate Members
Those persons who wish to receive the same benefits of membership as regular members but who do not otherwise qualify as a regular member may become associate members upon the payment of annual associate membership dues as established by the Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Associate members shall neither be eligible to hold office in the Association nor shall they be eligible to vote in any Association matter or election.
Section 2: Meetings
- The Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of the Association shall be held in Andover each Fall, at a date and location to be determined by the Board of Directors. Members shall be notified of the date and location of the annual meeting at least thirty days prior to the meeting. A notice of the meeting shall be distributed to all members, and shall include a brief description of the items of business to the items of business to come before a meeting.
The purposes of the annual meeting shall be:
• To elect officers of the Association when necessary;
• To accept the election results for the Board of Directors;
• To receive reports;
• To accomplish any other business brought before it.
At an annual meeting where election of officers is an order of business, the recommendation of the Board of Directors for each office shall be presented as a nomination. Nominations from the floor shall also be in order. If there is more than one candidate for an office, voting shall take place also by paper ballot. In a case where there is only one candidate for an office, a voice vote shall suffice.
- Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Association shall be called upon the written petition of 75 members, or by a vote of art absolute majority of the Board of Directors. The purpose of the special meeting shall be stated as part of the petition or vote and no business shall be transacted except that for which the meeting has been called. Notice of the time, place, and purposes of the meeting shall be published by mailing to each member of the Association. This shall be published at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
- Quorum for Special Meetings
A quorum will consists of 50 members of the Association present in person
- Voting Procedure
Each member present shall be entitled to one vote.
Section 3 Dues (SEE MEMBERSHIPS)
- Annual Dues
The Executive Committee shall annually establish the amount of annual regular membership dues, life membership dues and associate membership dues. On or before the annual meeting of the Association, the Board of Directors shall approve the amount of the annual dues and life membership dues established by the Executive Committee.
- Dues Payable
The date upon which dues are payable should be established by the Executive Committee
and approved by the Board of Directors.
c. Members in Good Standing
Only regular and life members of the Association in good standing are entitled to vote on
any matter or to serve on the Board of Directors, A member is in "good standing" when
said member has paid or her dues on a current basis.
Article IV - Board of Directors
Section 1 Responsibilities
The affairs of the Association shall be managed by a Board of Directors.
Section 2 Composition
- Voting Members
The Board of Directors shall consist of 12 members-at-large, the officers of the Association and certain ex-officio voting members as enumerated below:
• The immediate past president of the Association, for a two-year term.
• One Professional staff member appointed each year, by the Faculty of Greater Lawrence Technical Association, for a one year term.
• One person elected by the students of the graduating class appointed each year by the President of the Association, for a one year term.
• Members of the Association, appointed by the President of the Association, subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee, who the President feels will be of value to the Board of Directors, for a one year term;
b. A non-voting member will be the superintendent-director or his designee for a one year term.
Section 3 Election, Terms and Vacancies
Members-a-large shall be elected by the membership of the Association for terms of three years, and shall be elected to no more than two full terms. One third of the Members-at-large shall be elected each year. Any member whose consecutive terms of service have expired shall not be eligible for election to the Board of Directors until after a lapse of one year.
The Board of Directors shall establish and oversee election procedures.
The Board of Directors shall fill vacancies in IRS memberships until completion of a vacated term. A person, who has served more than half a term, as set forth in this section, shall be considered to have served the-full term for the purpose of determining eligibility to serve additional terms.
The term of office of a member-at-large shall begin at the close of business following the Annual meeting after their election.
Each member of the Board of Directors present shall be entitled to one vote.
Section 4 Removal
Any member of the Board of Director’s may be removed for just and stated cause by two-thirds vote of the total membership of the Board of Directors, provided that the intention to remove a member, and the cause tor removal, is stated in the notice of the meeting.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a member of the Board of Directors may be removed as a member should he or she be absent from two or more consecutive meeting of the Board of Directors, A member of the Board of directors who is a member of the Executive Committee may be removed if he or she is absent either from two or more meetings of the executive Committee and a meeting of the Board of Directors. In the event of said absences, the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee and it is sole discretion, may remove a member by two-thirds, vote of those members present and annoying.
Section 5 Meetings
- Regular Meetings
There shall be at least one regular meeting of the Board of Directors annually, at such Times and places as the board of Directors may decide, provided that all meetings must be held within the Commonwealth. Notice of the time, place and general purpose of each meeting shall be mailed to-each member of the Board of Directors not less than 14 days prior to the meeting.
- Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President or upon the written petition to the Secretary of 15 members of the Board of Directors. Agenda items shall be submitted in writing with the notice of the call of the meeting, and no business shall be transacted except that for which the meeting had been called. The special meeting shall be held within 14 days of the receipt of the petition. Notice of the meeting, with an agenda should be mailed to the members of the Board of Directors less than seven days prior to meeting.
- Nomination of Officers
The Board of Directors shall be recommended to the annual meeting of the Association, when necessary, the names of members of the Association to serve as officers of the Association voting for these recommendations shall take place no later than three months prior to the annual meeting, and those members as the nominees of the Board of Directors. Balloting for these positions shall be conducted by secret ballot.
Section 6 Open Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees shall be open to all Members of the Association, provided that the Board of Directors (or a committee) may, by majority vote, enter into closed session to discuss matters which it deems best.
Section 7 Quorum
A majority of the Board of Directors must be present to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at regular and special meetings.
Article V – Officers
Section 1 Title
There shall be four officers of the Association: a President, a Vice President, Secretary, and a Treasurer.
Section 2 Election, Terms, and Vacancies
The officers shall be elected by the membership at an annual meeting for a term of two years or until their successors are elected, and shall serve for not more than two Consecutive full terms in any one or more offices. Any officer whose terms have expired shall not be eligible for election to the Board of Directors unit after the lapse of one year. Regardless of the number of consecutive full terms any person shall be eligible to serve two consecutive terms as President. A vacancy among the officers shall be filled by the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of the Association. The term of office of each officer shall begin with the close of business set the annual meeting at which the officer is elected.
Section 3 Duties
- President
The President shall be the principal executive officer of the association and shall preside at all meetings of the Association, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee, and shall perform other such duties as arc prescribed elsewhere in the By-Laws and as are usual to the office.
- Vice President
The Vice President shall assist the president in the supervision of the Board of Directors to include: chairing meetings of the Board of Directors, of the Executive Committee, and the Association in the absence of or at the request of the president. He shall also coordinate the work of the committees of the Board of Directors and coordinate relations between the Association and the Technical School.
- Secretary
The secretary shall keep a record and minutes of the Association, the Board of Directors, and
Executive Committee, and shall perform other such duties pertaining to this office as may be required by-laws and applicable state or federal law. The Secretary shall be responsible for implementing the accordance with these By-Laws. The Secretary shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining a complete record of the activities of the Association and the Board of Directors, and may expend funds for this purpose as authorized by the Finance Committee. The Secretary shall act as parliamentarian of the Association and shall assist the presiding officer in maintaining parliamentary order at meetings of the Association and its Board of Directors. The Secretary shall be responsible for calling the roll of members during votes and for counting votes and ballots. The Secretary shall certify the results of elections.
- Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be the principal financial officer of the Association. The Treasurer shall serve as chair of the Finance Committee and shall be responsible for the operation often Finance Committee and for presentation of quarterly reports to the Board of Directors and an annual report to the membership.
- Directors
Three chairpersons to add specific committees relating to fund raisers, community outreach and alumni membership.
Section 4 Removal
Any officer may be removed for a just and stated cause by two-thirds vote of the total membership of the Board of Directors provided that this intention is carried in the notice of the meeting.
Section 5 Conflict of interest:
It is hereby recited that the officer of the Association and the members of the Board of Directors have a fiduciary obligation to the Association. Pursuant to the implementation of said obligation, said officers and directors shall carry out their duties consistent with their strict duty of loyalty to the Association. Further, officers and directors shall conduct their affairs so as to avoid conflicts if interest, potential conflicts of interest, or even the appearance of the same.
Article VI - Executive Committee
Section 1 Responsibilities
The Executive Committee shall assist tile President in setting agendas for meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall meet in the interim between Board of Directors meetings and carry cur policies as established by the Board. The Executive Committee shall submit the minutes to all members of the Board as Soon as it is practicable after each meeting.
Section 2 Composition
There shall be an Executive Committee which shall consist of the officers of the Association, the immediate past president and five members-at-large elected annually by the Board of Directors from among its large members. The President shall chair the Executive Committee. Ex-officio members of the Board of Directors may not serve on the Executive Committee. The elected members of the committee may recalled with or without cause by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 3 Meetings
- Regular Meetings
Regular Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held at least four times a year. Notice of time, place, and purpose of the meetings shall be given member of the Executive Committee not less than 14 days before the meeting.
- Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the President. The purpose of the meeting shall be started in the call for the meeting and no business shall be transacted except that for which the meeting has been called. Notice of the meeting shall be given to each member of the committee.
Section 4 Quorum
Two-thirds of the Committee membership must be present to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Appropriation of funds shall require a two-thirds vote of those present and voting.
Article VII – Committees
Notwithstanding the provisions of this article, the Board of Directors may establish and give powers to such standing and special committees as it sees fit. The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint the members of those committees from among the membership of the Directors. In addition, the President shall appoint persons to represent the association on various faculty, student and Technical School committees.
Section 1 Permanent Standing Committees
- Awards Committee
There shall be an Awards Committee, consisting of at least three members appointed by the President which shall meet from time to time to recommend to the appropriate authority the names of alumni that the committee feels are deserving of special honor.
- Allocations Committee
There shall be an Allocations Committee consisting of at least three members appointed by the President which shall meet from time to time to recommend to the Board of Directions the establishment of priorities for the allocation of contributions given to the school by alumni. The Committee shall make a written report to the Board of Directions as soon as practical. If directed by either the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee, the Committee shall meet with the Superintendent-Director to discuss its recommendations. The Treasure shall be a member of this Committee ex-officio but shall not serve as its chairperson.
- Finance Committee
There shall be a finance Committee consisting of at least two members appointed by the President, and chaired by the Treasurer, which shall meet from time to recommend to the Board of Directors policies regarding financial planning, budgeting, and the expenditure of funds of the Association. The Board of Directors shall empower the Committee as it sees fit, and may establish guidelines regarding the expenditure of money by the Committee. The Committee shall submit a proposed annual budget to the Board of Directors.
- Nominating Committee
- Composition
The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of at least seven members, at least four of whom shall be members of the Board of Directors at the time of their appointment. The Committee should reflect the alumni body in terms of numbers and diversity. The Committee chair shall, at all times, be a member of the Association's Board of Directors. The Committee shall appoint said Committee following the annual meeting of the Association.
- Responsibilities
The Committee shall present to the membership by mail, no later than four (4) weeks prior to the annual meeting, a ballot for the election of membership-at-large of the Board of Directors. This ballot for members-at-large shall attempt to contain a balanced number of men and women and shall attempt to reflect the size and diversity of graduating classes. The Committee shall, if possible, present to the membership a number of candidates at least equal to twice the number of vacancies on the Board of Directors.
- Nomination by Petition
In addition to the nominees presented by the Nominating Committee, anyone otherwise eligible many have his/her name placed on the ballot by presenting to the Nominating Committee, by a predetermined date, a petition signed by at least 2S members of the Association.
- Election Procedures
Ballots received for election to the Board of Directors shall be kept. untabulated, in a locked box. At a date determined by the Nominating Committee and printed on the ballot, all ballots shall be counted and those candidates receiving the most votes shall be declared the winners, Ballots shall be kept for a period of one year after tabulation.
Articles VIII - Parliamentary Authority
Robert's Rules of Order, Revised shall be the parliamentary authority governing meetings of the Association, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and all committees, subject to state laws, the articles of incorporates, these By-Laws, and such standing rules as the Board of’ Directors may adopt.
Article IX - Finances
Section 1 Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall end with the thirtieth day of September in each year. A summary report of the financial operation of the Association shall be made at least annually to the membership and to other necessary groups.
Section 2 Approved Signatures
All contracts, checks, and orders for be payment, receipt or deposit of money and access to the securities of the Association shall be provided by resolution of the Board of Directors. The President and Treasure shall execute, in the name of the Association, all contracts and other instruments authorized generally or specifically by the Board of Directors.
Section 3 Allocation of Dues
The Board of Directors shall recommend, and the general membership of the Association shall approve, the dues structure for the Association at the annual meeting of the Association. The dues structure shall include, but not be limited to, three categories: annual dues, lifetime dues and level dues. The Association may add or delete categories on an annual basis by vote of the general membership.
As the dues are received each year, it shall be the responsibility of the Treasure of the Association, in conjunction with Executive Director and Business Manager of the Association, to isolate the dlues by category and disburse them as follows:
a. Annual dues of the Association shall be available for the general use and purposes of the Association. The funds, as received, shall be deposited into the general account of the Association. In accordance with the annual budgeting process, the Board of Directors shall review the anticipated revenue of the Association from all sources and shall determine the portion of the annual dues needed to balance the budget shall be invested in an interest-bearing account. Those dues, or a portion thereof, may be used later in the fiscal year and following completion of the annual audit of the books of the Association, any dues remaining in the account which were not used in the fiscal year when the dues were received shall be transferred to the endowment fund to be established herein and shall not be available to balance the budget in any subsequent year.
b. Annual dues received for enrollment in orange and black level membership shall be deposited into the general account of the Association. The portion of the dues to be transferred to the Athletic Fund shall be identified and so delineated on the records of the Association. Any dues remaining in excess of the level established for annual dues shall, thereafter be transferred to the permanent endowment fund to be established herein and shall not be available to balance the budget in any subsequent year as set forth in Section a.
c. The dues received for life membership shall be so identified on the records of the Association and be placed in the Endowment Fund established herein. The principal amount of these endowed funds shall remain invested and shall not be available for the general use and purposes of the Association. The Association shall transfer to the general operating account a portion of the interest earned on said endowed funds, which transferred amount shall be equal to the provisions of Section a, above.
d. The Treasurer of the Association shall be responsible for insuring that the Endowment Fund is created and maintained. The Treasurer shall report on the status of the fund to the Board of Directors of the Association on a quarterly basis. From time to time, the Finance Committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the location for, maintenance and investment composition of the Endowment Fund. Any decision based upon these recommendations shall be made by the Board of Directors of the Association.
e. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for developing a written set of procedures concerning the maintenance and operation of tile Endowment Fund. Once established, the procedure manual shall be maintained in the office to the Executive Director of the Association. All decisions related to the Endowment Fund shall be made in a manner consistent with the established written guidelines and procedures.
Section 4 Dissolution
It the event that the Alumni Association is dissolved, annulled, or otherwise ceases to function as an Association, or in the event that two-thirds of the Board of Directors by vote at a meeting called for that purpose, determine that the general purposes for which the Association was organized can only be accomplished thereby, all, or any part of, the property and assets of the Association, or the proceeds there of, after payment of, or provisions made for the liabilities due from the Association, shall be given and transferred, when, as, or upon the terms authorized by a majority of the Board of Directors at a meeting called for the purpose to the Technical School. Money to be entered into an endowment fund to be used for scholarship fund to be awarded by the faculty/advisory of Greater Lawrence Technical School.
Article X – Amendments
These By-Laws may be amended at any meeting of the Association by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting, provided that notice of the proposed changes shall have been printed with call of the meeting.