By-Laws of the Lancaster Music Teachers Association
ARTICLE I-NAME
The name of this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is the Lancaster Music Teachers Association; a chapter of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA) and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).
ARTICLE II-PURPOSE
Section 1: The purpose of this organization is to:
• stimulate its members to greater effectiveness in the teaching of music and the advancement of musical knowledge and education through teacher enrichment programs
• provide ongoing performance and educational opportunities for students of its membership
• promote and support music and music education in the community
• promote public awareness of the value of music education
Section 2: The purpose of this organization is literary and educational, as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any amended federal tax code.
Section 3: In the event of the dissolution of this organization, the Executive Committee shall, after making payments for all liabilities of the organization, disperse the remaining assets of the organization in a manner that aligns with the purposes set forth in the clauses stated hereof and qualifies under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
ARTICLE III-MEMBERSHIP
The following membership categories are open to prospective members. Members of the local association shall pay annual dues to MTNA, PMTA and LMTA.
Section 1: Active Membership shall be open to any professional musician engaged in the teaching of any branch of music. Active members may vote and hold office.
Section 2: Retired/Supporting Membership shall be open to anyone qualifying for Retired status under MTNA guidelines. Retired/Supporting members may vote, but may not hold office. They shall pay dues at half the full rate.
Section 3: Collegiate Membership shall be open to any student currently enrolled in music courses and seeking a music degree on the college level. Collegiate members may not vote or hold office. They shall pay dues at one third the full rate.
ARTICLE IV-TEACHING SCHOLARSHIPS
Section 1: The decision may be made, on an annual basis, to provide a one-year scholarship to eligible teachers in order to advance teacher development in our community.
Section 2: A scholarship candidate must be a recent college graduate who is pursuing a career in the music teaching field.
Section 3: Proposals for scholarships shall be presented to the general membership and shall be approved by a majority vote of the members present and voting at the general business meeting. If action is required mid-year, the Executive Committee shall make a decision.
ARTICLE V-ETHICS
Section 1: All members shall respect the reputation of colleagues and shall refrain from making false or malicious statements about colleagues.
Section 2: All members shall refrain from disclosing sensitive information about colleagues obtained in the course of professional service unless disclosure serves a compelling purpose or is required by law.
Section 3: All members shall participate in the student's change of teachers with as much communication as possible between parties, while being sensitive to the privacy rights of the student and families.
ARTICLE VI-OFFICERS
Section 1: The officers of this association shall be President, Vice President of Student Activities, Vice President of Teacher Activities, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President.
Section 2: Officers shall be elected in even-numbered years at the June business meeting by a majority vote of the members present. Each officer shall be elected for a term of two years, except the Treasurer. Officers may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms, with the exception of the Treasurer. All officers shall serve until his or her successor assumes office.
Section 3: All officers will turn over all papers and supporting documents pertaining to their responsibilities within thirty days after leaving office.
Section 4: The President shall preside at all meetings of the association and of the Executive Board. He or she shall oversee the activities of the association, serve as a member ex-officio of all committees except the Nominating Committee, and enforce this constitution. He or she shall perform such other duties applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by the association.
Section 5: In the absence of the President, one of the Vice Presidents shall assume all duties of that office.
Section 6: The Vice President of Student Activities shall be responsible for any duties as delegated by the President, oversee and work with committee chairpersons for student activities such as the Dorothy Sutton Performance, Spring Festival, Student Recitals and other duties applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by this organization.
Section 7: The Vice President for Teacher Activities shall be responsible for any duties as delegated by the President, oversee and work with committee chairpersons for teacher enrichment activities such as seminars, meetings, events and other duties applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by this organization.
Section 8: The Secretary shall record minutes of the Executive Committee and general membership meetings. This officer shall oversee all internal and external communications and publicity and perform other duties applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by this organization.
Section 9: The Treasurer shall be responsible for overseeing, in cooperation with the President, all financial affairs of this association, shall submit a financial report at the business meeting of the general membership, shall distribute a membership list to all members, and perform other duties applicable to the office as prescribed by the parliamentary authority adopted by this organization.
Section 10: When a vacancy occurs within an elected office, the Executive Board shall appoint a member of the organization to fill the unexpired term.
ARTICLE VII-EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1: The Executive Board consists of the elected officers, including the President, Vice President of Student Activities, Vice President of Teacher Activities, Secretary, Treasurer and Immediate Past President.
Section 2: The Executive Board shall function as the representative and governing body for the benefit of the organization. It may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of the business of the association as shall be deemed advisable.
Section 3: A quorum of four voting members of the Executive Board, including the President and one Vice President, must be present in order to conduct business. Meetings may be held by conference calls or any other means of electronic communication, in which all persons participating shall constitute presence at such meeting.
ARTICLE VIII-COMMITTEES
Section 1: The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members appointed by the President by May first in the election year. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of candidates for each office.
Section 2: The President shall appoint other committees as necessary. All committees shall report to the President.
ARTICLE IX- BYLAW AMENDMENTS
Section 1: A bylaws committee of three persons will be appointed by the President when a bylaws amendment is proposed. The committee will consist of at least one member of the Executive Board.
Section 2: Any proposed amendments will be presented to the general membership for their consideration at least 30 days prior to the intended date of the vote.
Section 3: These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of those members present and voting at a general business meeting.
Section 4: These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the returned ballots via written mail or electronic mail ballot. Members will be notified of the results of the vote within 60 days of the return deadline.
ARTICLE X-DUES
Section 1: The Executive Committee shall determine the dues for all categories of membership. Any increase in dues shall be determined by a unanimous vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 2: Membership is from July 1 to June 30. Dues are delinquent if not paid in full within sixty days of the stated renewal date of June 30. Members shall not be entitled to the privileges of membership until dues are paid in full.
ARTICLE XI-FINANCES
Section 1: The fiscal year is July 1 to June 30.
Section 2: An annual audit of the association's finances shall occur by a person appointed by the President.