LPA Constitution

ARTICLE I. NAME.

The title of the Association shall be the "La Salle Parents Association ("LPA")".

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE.

The purpose of the Association shall be to advance the work of Catholic Education at La Salle High School, to promote greater cooperation between parents and teachers, to promote community within the La Salle family, to promote the general welfare of La Salle High School, and to maintain effective lines of communication with the feeder parishes and help to inform them of the values of Catholic education and the needs and activities of La Salle High School.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP.

Membership is open to all parents and guardians of students attending La Salle High School and to all parents and guardians of students who have graduated. The faculty of La Salle are ipso facto members.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS.

The Officers of the Association shall be one or more elected individuals in each of the following offices: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, and Recording Secretary. A vacancy in any office shall be filled through appointment by the remaining Board members, with the approval of the general membership.

The Principal of La Salle High School, or his appointee, sits on the Board in the capacity of moderator.

ARTICLE V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

The election of Officers shall be held during the Association’s May meeting each year. All members of the Association shall be permitted to vote. The terms of the officers shall be one year. The term shall begin upon the election of the officer and shall end upon the election of the officer’s successor. An officer is encouraged to serve on the Board in some capacity for two consecutive terms, but not more than three successive full terms. The officers shall receive no compensation for their holding office but shall be reimbursed for the ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in the fulfillment of their Association duties. Nominations for election to the Board may be made by any Board member or by any member of the Association.

ARTICLE VI. DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

The President shall:

1. Be the principal representative and spokesperson for the Association.
2. Preside at all meetings of the Association.
3. Receive notice of any substantive business proposed by members for meetings and prepare an agenda for each meeting.
4. Be in full charge of the affairs of the Association.
5. Perform such other duties as the office may require.

The Vice President shall:

1. Perform all the duties of and have all of the powers of the President, in the case of his/her absence or disability.
2. Assist the President in the duties of that office, as requested by the President.
3. Recruit individuals to serve as Parish Representatives and coordinate the work of that group.
4. Perform such other duties as the office may require and as requested by the President.

The Treasurer shall:

1. Prepare a statement of receipts and disbursements and submit such statement at each meeting.
2. Coordinate deposits and requests for expenditures with the La Salle Business Office.
3. Prepare an annual budget for presentation at the Association’s April meeting each year. The budget will be submitted for approval by the general membership at the May meeting each year.
4. Perform such other duties as the office may require and as requested by the President.

The Corresponding Secretary shall:

1. Conduct all communications and correspondence for the Board.
2. With input from the President, compose and submit the Association’s entry for the monthly school newsletter, The Lancer Shield.
3. Coordinate efforts with the La Salle Director of Public Relations.
4. Perform such other duties as the office may require and as requested by the President.

The Recording Secretary shall:

1. Maintain accurate records of all meetings of the Association and prepare and submit minutes for approval.
2. Be the custodian of all official records and files of the Association.
3. Perform such other duties as the office may require and as requested by the President.

At the Organizational Meeting of new Officers held in June of each year, oversight of the activities of the Association shall be divided among those newly elected Officers. Those activities will include the following events: Receptions, Chaperones, Fall and Spring Craft Fairs, Career Day and Senior Picnic. This oversight responsibility shall consist of the Officers’ acting as the Board contact for the event Chairpersons, and providing guidance to the Chairpersons, if necessary. Each event Chairperson will form a committee from the list of individuals who have volunteered to help and will work with committee members on all aspects of the event.

ARTICLE VII. PARISH REPRESENTATIVES.

One or more individuals from each La Salle High School feeder parish shall be appointed by the Board to serve as Parish Representative for the term of one school year. The Parish Representatives shall:

1. Promote the activities of La Salle High School within their parish.
2. Create dialogue among fellow parishoners with regard to La Salle High School and communicate apropriate matters to the Board.
3. Attend all meetings of the Association and, if unable to do so, designate a substitute and notify the Association’s Vice President.
4. Perform such other duties as requested by the President.

ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS.

1. Regular meetings of the Association shall be held monthly from September through May (excluding December) at the school. Special meetings of the Board may be called by any Board member.
2. The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order may be used to govern the proceedings of this Association.

ARTICLE IX. EXPENDITURES OF FUNDS.

1. Requests for funds must be submitted in writing to the Board at least one week prior to the monthly meetings.Expenditures of less than $500.00 may be approved by a majority vote of the Board members present at the particular meeting in which the expenditure is requested.Expenditures of $500.00 or more must be submitted to the Association’s general membership for its vote. Approval of such expenditures shall require a majority vote of those members in attendance at that particular meeting.
2. The Association’s Budget (approved annually by the general membership) shall provide for a fund designated for Long-Range Expenses. The Board will work with the Principal and Business Manager to designate the project for which these funds will be used. Prior to disbursement of any Long-Range Funds, the expenditure will be submitted to the Association’s general membership for its vote. Approval of such expenditures shall require a majority vote of those members in attendance at that particular meeting.

ARTICLE X. AUTHORITY.

1. The Association shall be governed by this Constitution.

ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION.

This Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association upon approval of a majority of those in attendance at such meeting. The proposed amendment must be presented in writing to the Board at a meeting at least one month prior to the vote. Unless otherwise provided for, the amendment shall take effect immediately upon adoption. AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT. This Constitution amends and restates, and is in substitution for any other Constitution or authority document which may have been previously adopted by the Association or its predecessors.

This Constitution was approved by a unanimous vote of those in attendance at the May 16, 2001 meeting of the Association.