Article I � Name

The name of this organization shall be the Hudson Prairie Parent Group (HPPG).

Article II � Membership 

HPPG is open to any and all Hudson Prairie school parents, guardians, staff members, and concerned citizens residing in the Hudson Prairie school district.  Any of those in attendance at a scheduled meeting is considered a voting member.

Article III � Mission Statement

The Hudson Prairie Parent Group provides meaningful contributions toward the development of the children of the school. We promote progressive actions for continuous improvements at the school that support the whole child.

Article IV � Purpose

The purpose of HPPG shall be to:

1. 1.      Provide an organized channel to disseminate information about Hudson Prairie Elementary School.

2. Foster the concept of parent involvement and maintain and improve quality education by providing:

1. an arena for discussion of issues important to staff and parents.

2. a forum for parents to network with other parents.

3. parent education and volunteer opportunities.

3. 3.      Encourage Hudson Prairie parents to involve themselves in HPPG and other organizations that promote educational opportunities for students.

4. Engage in fundraising that is dedicated to offering the school and students educational and social opportunities that may otherwise not be available.

Article V � Basic Policies

1. The HPPG shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan.

2. Neither the HPPG or the names of any members in their official capacities shall be used to endorse or promote a commercial concern, nor can any member profit from any HPPG sponsored event.

3. The organization shall work with the school to educate and inform the HPPG on school and district policy, recognizing that district school board has the responsibility to make decisions.

4. The HPPG shall not, directly or indirectly, participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

5. All Monies raised by the HPPG shall be dispersed equitably to provide resources for students at Hudson Prairie School, based on the following considerations:

1. direct benefit to the children,

2. immediate education impact,

3. wide range impact,

4. long-term value,

5. positive impact on student and teacher morale.

The only exception to the above is that HPPG will reimburse its members and officers for expenses incurred for carrying out legitimate HPPG business.  For expenditures that are part of a committee budgetary allotment, approval of a committee chairperson must be secured before the expense is submitted to the treasurer for payment. For expenditures not related to a committee budgetary allotment, but under ($75.00), approval of the HPPG Chair/Co-Chair must be secured before the expense is submitted to the Treasurer for repayment. Expenses above ($75.00) must be authorized by the executive board.

6.   Any activity or event sponsored by the HPPG must first have the appropriate committee�s approval.

7.   Communications and mailings for any HPPG sponsored activity or event need to be coordinated through the HPPG executive board.

Article VI � Governance

1.      a.  Officers � The officers of this organization shall consist of the HPPG
     Chair/Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Chairs, and School Principal. 
       b.  Committees of this organization may consist of the following:

Open House/Meet the teacher night, Student directory, Yearbook, Hudson Prairie Clothing, Art Adventure, Book Fair, All School Event, Knowledgeathon, Lyceums, Family Night, Volunteer Coordinator,  Newsletter, Teacher Buffets, Fundraisers.

2. Executive Board � The above officers and committee chairs shall comprise the Executive Board of HPPG. The duties of the board shall be to:

1. create standing and special committees,

2. approve the work plans of the committees,

3. present a report at HPPG monthly meetings,

4. select an auditor or auditing committee to audit the Treasurer�s account every 6 months or as needed,

5. approve routine expenditures within the framework of the budget.

Regular meetings of the board shall be held during the school year as needed. A simple majority of the Executive Board members shall constitute a quorum.  If a vote needs to be counted, each committee gets one vote.

Article VII � Operations

1.   Meetings �

1. Regular meetings shall be held each month of the school year.

2. Special meetings may be called by the Chair/Co-Chair or by a majority of the Executive Board.

3. The members in attendance shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  A newsletter will advise parents and members of upcoming agenda and voting issues. Meeting minutes will be generated.  A summary of the minutes will be published. The complete minutes will be kept available by the Secretary.

4. The Executive Board will establish a calendar of monthly meetings and events at or before the beginning of each school year.  The events will be divided between the various committees, with the tentative program ideas and budget presented to the members during the fall of each year.

2.   Financial Records and Reports -

1. The Treasurer(s) will maintain and present a financial report to the members at each monthly meeting.

2. The Budget Committee will develop an annual budget to be presented for approval first to the Executive Board, then to the members at a monthly meeting. This budget will reflect the program options planned and the financial obligations of the HPPG. 

3. The Budget may be amended by a specific request receiving a favorable vote by the Executive and then; by the members at a monthly meeting.

Article VIII � Elections

1.     Each Office will be a one-year term; however, there will be no term limits. 

2.    Nominations for officer positions shall be accepted at the monthly meeting in March. A final slate of candidates will be submitted for vote at the monthly meeting in April.

3.    Terms of office will be from July 1 to June 30 of the following academic year.

Article IX � Parliamentary Authority

HPPG shall try to reach consensus on all issues presented for discussion.  If consensus cannot be reached in a reasonable period of time a member may request a vote.  If a vote is taken, Robert�s Rules of Order Revised shall govern.

Article X � Amendments

Upon acceptance of these By-Laws, amendments may be made by presenting the proposed changes to the HPPG members for a vote at a monthly meeting, following the publication of the proposed amendment in a HPPG newsletter. Amendments become effective immediately upon adoption.