Table of Contents

 

CONSTITUTION

Article    I.           NameÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.         2

Article    II.          PurposesÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ         2

Article    III.                  MembershipÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ..                  2

Article    IV.         DuesÉÉ.ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.                  3

Article    V.          CouncilÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.          3

Article    VI.         OfficersÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.                  4

Article    VII.        Standing CommitteesÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ         4

Article    VIII.      MeetingsÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ         5

Article    IX.         QuorumÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.         5

Article    X.          AmendmentsÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.         5

 

BY-LAWS

Article    I.           Elections/Voting (Officers and Delegates)ÉÉÉ..                  5

Article    II.          Duties of the Executive CommitteeÉÉÉÉÉÉ..        8

Article    III.                  Duties of Delegates and AlternatesÉÉÉÉÉÉ..                  10

Article    IV.         Duties of Representatives to the CouncilÉÉÉÉÉ..     10

Article    V.          Duties of CouncilÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.          11

Article    VI.         Duties of CommitteesÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ...                  11

Article    VII.        MeetingsÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ         15

Article    VIII.      Rules of OrderÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ..                  15

Article    IX.         Recognition ReceptionÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.          16

Article    X.          Retiring MembersÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.                  16

Article    XI.         Membership RightsÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ..          16

Article    XII.        By-Laws ChangesÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ.         16

 

CONSTITUTION

 

ARTICLE I

NAME

 

The name of the organization shall be Frontier Central TeachersÕ Association completely unified with its affiliates.

 

 

ARTICLE II

PURPOSES

 

The purposes of the organization shall include the following:

  1. To work for the welfare of children, the advancement of public education, and the improvement of instruction.
  2. To develop and promote the adoption of such ethical practices, personnel policies, and standards of preparation and participation as mark a profession.
  3. To unify and strengthen the teaching profession, and to secure and maintain the salaries, retirement, tenure, professional and sick leave, and other working conditions necessary to support teaching as a profession.
  4. To enable members to speak with a common voice on matters pertaining to the teaching profession and to present their individual and common interest to the District administration, the Board of Education, the taxpayers of the District, and other legal authorities.
  5. To act as a teacher advocate, work to insure due process for every member, and diligently protect the rights of members.
  6. To hold property and funds, and to employ a staff for the attainment of these purposes.

 

 

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

 

Members of the FCTA regularly employed by, on leave from, on the DistrictÕs preferred eligibility list, or retired from the Frontier Central School District are eligible to become members of the Association and its affiliates.

  1. Frontier Central TeachersÕ Association, completely unified with its affiliates.
  2. Affiliation shall be determined as follows:
    1. A meeting will be held for the general membership at least one month before the proposed date for voting.  Any proposed changes will be discussed at this meeting.
    2. Voting procedures will be in accordance with the election procedures outlined in the By-Laws.

C.    Membership shall be classified as:

    1. Active:  Those currently employed and working within the District and paying membership dues.
    2. Leave of Absence:  Those currently on leave who are paying partial membership dues.
    3. Life:  Those retired from the FCTA and not paying membership dues.

D.   For the purpose of voting, only active members and members who are on a leave of absence and who have paid their partial dues in advance are eligible to vote.

 

 

ARTICLE IV

DUES

 

Active Member:

  1. Basic dues of the Association shall be paid by payroll deduction, personal check, draft, or money order.
  2. Active members paying their dues by check, draft, or money order must make their payment to the Treasurer no later than September 30.  Failure to make full payment by this date will result in the individual being assessed agency-fee.
  3. The basic dues shall be the amount as determined by the affiliate organizations, plus the LocalÕs dues.
    1. The LocalÕs dues shall be determined by the Executive Committee, and subject to Council approval.
    2. The amount to be deposited in the FCTA General Fund is to be determined by the Treasurer with the consent of the Council.
    3. The appropriate portion of this amount shall be used to pay the FCTA membersÕ dues to state and national affiliates.
  4. If a member of the Local not on payroll deduction leaves the Frontier system, the remaining dues shall be returned, if requested in writing by the individual.  The amount shall be based upon a ten-month year (September through June).
  5. The Council, at its discretion, may levy a special assessment to replenish or establish special funds not specifically designated in this Constitution.

 

Members on Leave of Absence:

  1. The partial dues of members on unpaid leave of absence must be paid by personal check, draft, or money order within 30 days of the first day of their unpaid leave.
  2. Failure to make full payment within the first 30 days of the beginning of the unpaid leave will result in the individual being removed from the membership rolls.
    1. Individuals who are removed from the membership roll will lose any insurance or other membership benefits they may currently be taking advantage of through our affiliations.
    2. Individuals who are removed from the membership roll will lose their right to vote.
  1. The partial dues shall be the amount as determined by the affiliate organizations.
    1. The Executive Committee may assess a partial amount for local dues for members on unpaid leave of absence with the approval of the Council.
  2. The amount of the assessment shall be based upon a ten-month year.  (September through June)

 

 

ARTICLE V

COUNCIL

 

  1. The Legislative Body shall be known as the Council
  2. The Council shall consist of the representatives elected by the active members in each building in the system.
    1. Members elected by the active members shall be known as Building Representatives.
  3. For the purpose of determining the number of building representatives from each building, the unit of apportionment shall be ten (10) or the major portion thereof.
  4. There shall be one building representative for each unit of apportionment.
    1. Each building having ten (10) or less members shall be entitled to one (1) building representative.
  5. Building representatives shall be elected by the membership in each building no later than the end of May each year, as vacancies occur, or when authorized by the Council.
    1. When situations develop, the Council shall be empowered to authorize an increase or decrease of representation from the buildings involved.
    2. When the position of one building representative becomes vacant, there shall be an election by the members in the building involved if more than one individual desires the position.
    3. Should a new building require representation on the Council, that building, regardless of its size, shall have one building representative until the next election as specified in this Constitution.
  6. The term of office shall be two (2) years, with approximately one-half (1/2) of the membership of the Council elected annually.

 

 

ARTICLE VI

OFFICERS

 

The officers of the Association shall consist of the following: (These will become effective after the election of 2008. Officers and their duties will remain as listed in the 2003 revisions.   Officers will assume the new duties on July 1, 2008.)

  1. President                                             D.   Recording/Corresponding Secretary
  2. 1st Vice-President                                E.   Treasurer
  3. 2nd Vice-President

 

 

ARTICLE VII

STANDING COMMITTEES

 

  1. Executive Committee
    1. The Executive Committee shall be made up of:

a.     The Association Officers

b.     Two Elementary School Representatives

1.     These representatives will be selected from and by the building representatives from the elementary buildings on the day of the first Council meeting in June.

2.     The term of office will be one (1) year beginning on July 1 of that year.

3.     Only building representatives who will be in office on July 1 of that year are eligible to run and vote.

c.     One Middle School Representative

1.     This representative will be selected from and by the building representatives from the middle school building(s) on the day of the first Council meeting in June.

2.     The term of office will be one (1) year beginning on July 1 of that year.

3.     Only building representatives who will be in office on July 1 of that year are eligible to run and vote. 

d.     One High School Representative

1.     This representative will be selected from and by the building representatives from the high school building(s) on the day of the first Council meeting in June.

2.     The term of office will be one (1) year beginning on July 1 of that year.

3.     Only building representatives who will be in office on July 1 of that year are eligible to run and vote.

  1. Appointed Committees
    1. Social Committee                                              3. Nominations Committee
    2. Scholarship Selection Committee                      4. Membership Committee

5.     Negotiations Committee                                  10. Labor Management Committee

6.     Grievance Committee                                      11. Professional Growth Appeals Committee

7.     Public Relations Committee                            12. Southtown TeachersÕ Center Committee

8.     Educational Issues Committee                         13. Health and Safety Committee

9.     Benefit Fund Committee                                 14. New Member Committee

                                                                              15. Health Care Review Committee

     

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

MEETINGS

 

There shall be two (2) regular General Meetings each school year as prescribed in the By-Laws.

 

 

ARTICLE IX

QUORUM

 

For general and special meetings of this Association, a quorum shall consist of twenty-five percent (25%) of the active membership.  The President may, using personal discretion, declare a quorum.

 

 

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

 

A.   A meeting will be held for the voting membership at least one month before the proposed date of voting.  All proposed changes would be discussed at this meeting.

  1. Amendments to the Constitution must be made by at least a 2/3 vote, providing the amendments have been presented in writing to each voting member at least ten (10) days prior to the voting.

C.    For the purpose of voting, only active members and members who are on a leave of absence and who have paid their partial dues in advance are eligible to vote.

  1. The Executive Committee will appoint tellers.
  2. All members have the right to be present at the tabulation.

 

 


BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I

ELECTIONS/VOTING

A.  Voting

    1. All ballots will be cast in each building within the District.  The Association will provide locked ballot boxes in each of the buildings for this purpose.  All balloting will be by secret ballot.
    2. Balloting will be from the beginning of the contract workday to the close of that workday in accordance with the individual building schedule on the day designated for the balloting.
    3. Ballots will be distributed to each active member, or member who is on a leave of absence and paid their partial dues in advance, in the building in which the employee receives or would receive his/her payroll; however, ballots may be cast in any building in the district.
    4. All balloting will take place on a Friday.
    5. The building designee, immediately upon the close of balloting, will take all ballot boxes to a central location designated by the Nominations Chair.  After the ballot boxes have arrived, the designated tellers will open the boxes and the tabulation of ballots will take place.
    6. All members have the right to be present at the tabulation.

 

B.    Association officers and delegates to state and national affiliates:

1.   The Association shall elect its own officers and delegates to state and national affiliates.

2.   The election procedures shall follow the requirements of the Landrum-Griffin Act. The balloting will be held no later than May 15 and shall follow the procedures as prescribed in these By-Laws. Notification of the election shall be mailed first class to each memberÕs last known address at least three (3) weeks prior to balloting.  Notification will also appear on the website with a nominating petition.

3.     Candidates for office shall be nominated by the Nominations Committee and/or by individual members utilizing the appropriate forms.  Nominations will close five (5) workdays before the election.

a.     Official ballots containing the names of the candidate for each office shall be prepared by the Nominations Committee and distributed by the Head Building Representatives.  A blank line under each office shall be left on the ballot for the accommodation of Òwrite-inÓ votes.

b.     The candidates for President, 1st Vice President, and 2nd Vice President will be nominated together and elected as a slate.

c.     Any member who has met the requirements for, and wishes to become a write-in candidate for election must file with the Nominations Chairperson, a completed and signed nomination form no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the beginning of balloting.  This 24-hour period shall expire at 7:15 am on the last workday prior to the date of the election.

d.     If the election is uncontested after the write-in deadline, the Recording/Corresponding Secretary will cast one vote at the next regularly scheduled Council meeting.

4.     Each candidate for office should select one (1) teller to assist in the tabulation of the ballots.  The candidate should notify the Nominations Chair who that teller will be no later than 24 hours prior to the beginning of balloting.  The tellers will select from among themselves a head teller to supervise the overall operation.

5.     All members have the right to be present at the tabulation.

6.     The term of office shall be two (2) years.  New officers and delegates to state and national affiliates shall take office on July 1 following their election.

7.     In case of resignation or withdrawal of an officer the Council shall elect a successor for the unexpired term, except in the case of the Presidency; the 1st Vice President shall ascend to that office.  The successor shall take office immediately after the special election.

8.     Prerequisites for candidates:

a.   President, 1st Vice President, and 2nd Vice President

1.     Active member of the Association.

2.     Member of the Council within the past five (5) years or Member of any of the standing committees from Article VII B of the Constitution within the past five (5) years or Attended one or more leadership workshops sponsored by FCTA/NYSUT/NEA/AFT within the past five (5) years.

3.     Candidates signed consent on the nominations form.

b.   Recording/Corresponding Secretary

1.     Active member of the Association.

2.     Member of the Council within the past five (5) years.

3.     Candidates signed consent on the nominations form.

c.     Treasurer

1.     Active member of the Association.

2.     Member of the Council within the past five (5) years.

3.     Possess accounting/financial business knowledge and experience.

4.     Candidates signed consent on the nominations form.

d.     Delegates to State and National Affiliates

1.     Active member of the Association.

2.     One (1) complete yearÕs experience on the Council or one of the AssociationÕs standing committees.

3.     Candidates signed consent on the nominations form.

9.     Delegates to Affiliates

a.     The membership shall elect two (2) active members as Delegates.  Each Delegate will have an Alternate.  The Delegate and Alternate must run as a slate.

b.     In no case can an individual hold more than one (1) position for Delegate(s)/Alternate(s) concurrently.

c.     In the event that the Delegate(s) is unable to attend the meetings, convention, or the Representative Assembly, the Alternate will take the place of the Delegate and assume all of the rights and privileges of the Delegate.  If neither can attend, the Association will not have representation for that Delegate/Alternate.

d.     In case of a resignation, the Alternate shall ascend to the DelegateÕs position.

e.     In the case of the resignation or withdrawal of both the Delegate and the Alternate, a special election by the membership will take place.

f.      Upon the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Council may send as many Delegates/Alternates to the Representative Assembly.   The purpose is for the attendees to gain the necessary experience.

 

C.    Campaign Guidelines

1.     Candidates for Association, national, or state office will not be allowed to campaign in person in any District building other than the one in which they work during Association time.

2.     The Association will, prior to the election and with the consent and cooperation of each candidate who so desires, publish and distribute a biographical resume.

 

D.   Council

1.     Only an active member of the Association may be elected as a building representative.

2.     A member so elected must be tenured in the Frontier Central School system.

3.     The memberÕs consent is a prerequisite for candidacy.

4.     Elections for building representatives shall take place no later than the end of May each year in their respective buildings.

5.     Election Procedure:

a.     FCTA members shall vote for their unit of apportionment by secret ballot.

b.     The candidate(s) getting the highest number of votes shall form a list of representatives from the building.  All other candidates will have the option of becoming an alternate.

c.     The 2nd Vice President and the Recording/Corresponding Secretary of the Association shall be notified of the election results by the first scheduled Council meeting in June.

6.     The term of office shall be two (2) years.  New building representatives will take office on July 1 following their election.  All newly elected building representatives are encouraged to attend the June Council Meeting for the purpose of selecting the Executive Committee members.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

The duties of the President shall include the following:

  1. Be the chief executive officer of the Frontier Central TeachersÕ Association.  It shall be his/her duty to administer all of the affairs of the Frontier Central TeachersÕ Association and to execute the policies of the organization as d