Brooklyn Technical High School

Brooklyn Technical High School David Newman, Principal 29 Fort Greene Place Brooklyn, New York 11217 Telephone: (718) 804-6400 Fax: (718) 804-6535 www.bths.edu CONSTITUTION OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION PREAMBLE: We, the Student Government representatives of Brooklyn Technical High School, in order to fully represent the voice and concerns of the student body; to develop democratic ideals; to uphold high standards of academic excellence of Brooklyn Technical High School; to teach respect for law and order; to maintain high standards of cooperation, loyalty, and school spirit; to encourage all worthwhile activities in the school, and to prepare students for the future, do form this constitution for the Student Government Organization of Brooklyn Technical High School. INDEX TO ARTICLES: ARTICLE NAME PAGE I Purposes and Functions of the Student Government Organization 2 II Structure of the Student Government Organization 2 III Membership 2 IV Voting Procedures 2 V The Executive Council 3 VI The Club/Team Council 7 VII Student Leadership 9 VIII COMMA 9 IX Clubs, Teams, and Organizations 10 X Committees: Structure, Function, and Purpose 11 XI Amendment and Ratification 11

ARTICLE I: PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION I. Develop policies, set standards, and suggest any rules necessary for the betterment of BTHS II. Serve as the communicative link between BTHS between the following bodies A. The student body B. Clubs and teams C. The school principal D. Administration and teaching staff E. Parent Teacher Association F. Alumni Association III. Represent the voice and concerns of the student body IV. Listen to and promote ideas and suggestions V. Address general and specific concerns VI. Effectively report new information that applies to the student body VII. Promote extra-curricular activities VIII. Encourage responsible student participation in school affairs IX. Control the expenditure of school funds for student activities, as well as any other designated funds for use by students in co-curricular and extracurricular activities X. Create, supervise, and coordinate committees for a special service or activity ARTICLE II: STRUCTURE OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION I. The school principal shall serve as head of all activities in the school II. The SGO shall consist of: A. The Executive Council B. Student Leadership C. The Club Team Council ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP I. All enrolled students of Brooklyn Technical High School shall be eligible for membership in this organization II. All members must have a cleared record of discipline III. Special requirements may apply for specific positions ARTICLE IV: VOTING PROCEDURES I. All members of a said council have voting power within that respective council II. Any member of a said council may motion a vote to decide on a topic, excluding the facilitator III. In the case of the Executive Council, no SGO executives may vote in any case. A. A majority of the Council (at least 50% + 1) must be present for a vote to occur IV. A majority vote (at least 50% + 1) of the members of a said council is required to pass a decision V. The student serving as a leader or parliamentarian of the said meeting shall only vote in the case of a tie VI. Robert s Rules or Order shall prevail during all voting procedures unless it conflicts with this constitution. In that case, this constitution shall prevail.

ARTICLE V: THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL I. Purpose A. Serves as the main student-based policy maker within BTHS B. Oversees the function of the Student Government Organization C. Serves as the main student liaison between all bodies within BTHS D. Creates the annual club and team budget II. Structure A. The Executive Council shall consist of the SGO President, SGO Secretary, Student Advocate, Student Advocate Secretary, and each respective class s president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and parliamentarian B. The Executive Council will be led by the SGO President, hereby known as President (class presidents shall be labeled by their designated grade levels) C. The president and vice president will be elected via a vote by each respective class s student body D. The secretary, treasurer, and parliamentarian shall be selected via an application and interview process with the election committee, COSA, and/or SGO President III. Special Criteria and Selection Processes A. SGO President 1. Only rising seniors may apply 2. Applicants must have sufficient credits to be considered a senior 3. Must have a minimum of one year class executive experience, including the year they apply 4. If no qualified rising Executive Council seniors apply or meet the stated requirements for President, any rising senior members that are deemed eligible by the election committee may apply. 5. If no qualified seniors from the Council apply, junior executive board members may apply B. SGO Secretary 1. Must have one year class executive experience to be eligible 2. If no person is eligible for this position due to the above mentioned criteria, then anyone deemed eligible by the election committee may apply. 3. If this position is not filled due to this requirement, this requirement will not apply for this position 4. Shall be selected via an application and interview process with the election committee, COSA, and/or SGO President C. Student Advocate 1. Must have one year class executive experience to be eligible a. If no person is eligible for this position due to the above mentioned criteria, then anyone deemed eligible by the election committee may apply. b. If this position is not filled due to this requirement, this requirement will not apply for this position 2. Shall be selected via an application and interview process with the election committee, COSA, and/or SGO President D. Executive Positions 1. Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors must have one year of experience within SGO, including the year they apply 2. If the position(s) is not filled due to this requirement, this requirement will not apply for that position(s) IV. Special Election Procedures A. SGO President

1. Potential candidates must apply through the COSA and previous President 2. All candidates are screened by the COSA, previous President, and election committee, who will have final say in allowing a person s name on the ballot a. The COSA and previous President shall take recommendations from non-candidates 3. The COSA will have the final say on the selection of the President 4. The previous President and COSA shall train the newly elected President after the President s election 5. The previous President shall step down on the last day of the academic term V. SGO Executive Council Officer Positions and Subsequent Responsibilities A. General Members 1. May only be absent at a maximum of 4 meetings. a. Meetings include both executive and class council meetings. 2. Responsible for keeping a log of all accomplished activities, to be submitted B. SGO President 1. Reports to the COSA 2. Serves as parliamentarian for all Executive Council meetings 3. Oversees planning and execution of all SGO related events under the COSA a. Serves as a recruitment manager for all events i. Recruits students and assigns duties for schoolwide events, such as the High School Fair, Open House, Alumni Homecoming, Freshman Orientation, and various SGO events 4. Serves as chief student liaison 5. Serves as chief aid to the Freshman Executive Board a. The COSA determines the extent of the President s assistance 6. Serves as an aid to the four Executive Boards, upon request 7. Responsible for gathering appropriate feedback for proposed plans from school groups, i.e. the administration and the UFT Board 8. Responsible for ensuring the enforcement of the constitution and the responsibilities it gives to each executive member. C. SGO Secretary 1. Creates and maintains the records of all discussions and decisions at weekly Executive Council meetings 2. Distributes all minutes to the Executive Council members within three days following the meeting after approval from the President 3. Assists the President in developing the agenda for Executive Council meetings 4. Upon the COSA s approval, the SGO Secretary will serve as parliamentarian during Executive Council meetings in the event of the President s absence a. The senior secretary shall take minutes should this occur b. In the case of the SGO Secretary s absence, the parliamentarian of the meeting is up to the COSA s discretion D. SGO Treasurer 1. Shall be the Senior Treasurer 2. Must keep a detailed account of all SGO related finances in an organized manner 3. Must be ready to present information upon request by the COSA or President 4. Leads in the creation of the annual club and team budget proposals a. Proposals include, but are not limited to: b. Money allotted to each respective club/team the prior year c. Total sum of each club/team s expenses d. Total money raised by each club/team e. Money requested for next year 5. Every year, the completed annual budget proposal must be placed in a binder

held by the COSA specified for this purpose a. The binder will be updated on a needed basis 6. Is responsible for assembling and chairing a committee responsible for raising funds for all SGO events, otherwise known as the Committee for Money Management and Allocations (COMMA) E. Members from the executive board will receive one of the following positions in addition to their position on the Executive Council which will be finalized by COSA and the President. 1. School Leadership Team (SLT) Representatives a. There shall be two representatives who serve on SLT i. One representative must be from executive council ii. May not be from the same grade level iii. One representative must be from the general student body iv. Selected by the President and COSA v. Not from the executive council b. Represent the student body at all SLT meetings, including subcommittee meetings c. Provides minutes for each meeting to the Executive Council d. Reports important topics to the Executive Council for further discussion e. The representatives will recommend certain Executive Council members to serve on the SLT Facilities Subcommittee f. The representatives will be chosen based on their availability during the day 2. School Safety Committee (SSC) Representative a. Represents the student body at all SSC meetings b. Provides minutes for each meeting to the Executive Council c. Reports important topics to the Executive Council for further discussion 3. School Cafeteria Committee (SCC) Consultant a. Represents the student body at all SSC meetings b. Provides minutes for each meeting to the Executive Council c. Reports important topics to the Executive Council for further discussion 4. Newsletter Director a. Organizes a monthly newsletter for their respective class. b. Each class is assigned a week of the month to send our their newsletter. c. If a class fails to send out a newsletter then it is up to the President s and COSA s discretion on whether that class will be allowed to send future newsletters. F. The parliamentarians of each respective executive board will serve as coordinators for the following branches of the SGO in addition to their position on the Executive Council 1. Club/Team Council (CTC) Coordinator a. Shall be the Junior Parliamentarian and Freshman Parliamentarian will assist. b. Must work in tandem with CTC President. 2. Student Leadership Coordinators a. Shall be the Senior Parliamentarian and Sophomore Parliamentarian b. The Senior Parliamentarian will oversee the Senior and Junior student leaderships. c. The Sophomore Parliamentarian oversees the Sophomore and

Freshman student leaderships. d. Organizes potential leadership events, such as out-of-school workshops e. Coordinates weekly Leadership meetings under the guidance of each class COSA. VI. Advisory Position(s) for the Executive Council A. Student Advocate 1. Serves as the student representative to the administration and faculty 2. Facilitates thematic monthly Town Hall meetings. a. The first themed Town Hall meeting will be determined by the discretion of the Student Advocate and COSA. Subsequent themes of meetings will be determined by the student body through a voting process at the end of each Town Hall meeting. b. Prepares an agenda for Town Hall meetings c. Serves as the parliamentarian of the meetings 3. Primarily serves as an advisor to the Executive Council, but shall not receive a vote within the Council 4. Serves as a policy analyst for the SGO a. Responsible for reviewing all policies before vote to determine public approval, practicality, and legality b. The Executive Council shall discuss and vote on the policy based on its own judgment 5. Responsible for communication with the student body regarding school wide policy 6. Receives all privileges of the Executive Council, excluding voting privileges. VII. Special Provisions for Removal A. Impeachment 1. After a grievance has been submitted, an anonymous majority (50% + 1) of the executive members from the same grade level as the defendant must vote in favor of the impeachment for it to take place. In the case of a tie, the President will serve as the tie breaker. In the case that the President is being impeached and a tie arises, the SGO Secretary will break the tie. 2. The accused party may be present but may not vote nor defend themselves at that point in time. 3. Anyone from the student body or faculty may submit a grievance to the President or the respective COSA. a. If the accused party is a treasurer, COMMA will vote as well. b. If the accused party is a special executive then the entire SGO council votes c. A dean report will act as the entity filing the grievance. B. Grounds for impeachment 1. Having a GPA below 85 2. Missing 4 or more meetings, or being late to 5 or more mandatory meetings per year 3. Neglecting SGO duties as outlined in this constitution 4. Deans report is an automatic impeachment C. Prior to voting on an impeachment, the executive council is informed of the infraction level in the case of a dean report and the cause if a grievance. They will then proceed with their vote. 1. The accused party must be informed of the grievance one week prior to the presenting of the grievance so that he/she may prepare. D. Guilt determination 1. Will take place two school days after the grievance has been filed. 2. The special executives will serve as moderators on the trial to prevent bias. If the person being accused is a special executive then they may not moderate.

ARTICLE VI: THE CLUB/TEAM COUNCIL a. They may not give their opinion and may only present facts b. Must abstain from vote c. Responsible for moving the trial along and making sure everything goes as it should. d. Responsible for making sure no new facts are brought up while accused party is not present. If this is the case the accused party must be given the option to defend themselves again. E. Evidence 1. May be presented by the party filing the grievance. F. Defense 1. The accused may provide a defense from the following: a. No defense b. Written defense c. Self defense d. Choose someone to defend them e. Elect the Student Advocate to defend the defendant G. Vote 1. Anonymous vote to determine if the accused party is guilty. Must pass by majority. (50% +1) H. Punishment determination 1. The punishments available in order of severity are as follows: a. No punishment b. Remediation with respective COSA c. Probation d. Suspension (maximum of 10 days) e. Removal 2. Punishments may be combined if all punishments fall below the maximum punishment for that infraction level 3. Different offenses have a maximum punishment a. Dean reports i. Level 1 infractions have a maximum punishment of Probation ii. Level 2 infractions have a maximum punishment of Suspension iii. Levels 3, 4, and 5 have a maximum punishment of Removal b. Lateness, Absence, and failure to do job. i. These infractions fall under the same category as a level 3 infraction and have a maximum punishment of Removal. c. Vote i. Anonymous vote to pass the chosen punishment. Must pass by majority. (50% +1) I. Purpose A. CTC is used to communicate information between the administration, SGO, and all the clubs and teams. During the general meetings, representatives from each club and team will be able to gather and learn about new policies, have their questions answered, and get feedback about issues they are facing. Different subcommittees can gather at select meetings and receive additional ideas to bring back to their club. II. Membership A. Two representatives from each club are expected to represent a club, in which the

representatives are executive members. If no executive members are available, only then should representatives be general members of a club, selected by the executives and advisor of the club by their personal preference as to who can communicate most effectively. III. Executive Board A. The executive board shall include the CTC Coordinator, a CTC President, a CTC Vice President, and CTC Secretary. B. The Junior Parliamentarian shall be the CTC Coordinator C. Election Process: 1. Candidates for CTC President, Vice President, and Secretary include representatives from a club, and thus, executive members of a club, and members of the CTC branch of the National Honor Society. 2. SGO Executives or the Election Committee will conduct interviews. Interviewers must include the Junior Parliamentarian and a COSA. 3. Candidates will be graded on a rubric. Categories for strong candidates are the following: creativity and ideas brought, previous experience, work ethic and dedication, leadership qualities, and efficiency on answering questions. 4. Consensus must be reached between the interviewers when selecting the positions. 5. Executives shall be selected and finalized within two weeks of the first CTC meeting. D. CTC Coordinator 1. Is the Junior Parliamentarian 2. Communicates between SGO and CTC 3. Oversees everything pertaining to CTC 4. Provides guidance, advice, and solutions 5. Leads the first meeting of CTC alongside the CTC President E. President 1. Creates agendas. 2. Leads general and executive meetings. 3. Sends emails out about upcoming meetings. 4. Is actively participating and being sent all emails and updates regarding clubs, teams, the executives, faculty, and meetings. 5. If a club isn't acting to their purpose, the president performs a personal quality check. F. Vice President 1. Assists in creating agenda. 2. Leads general and executive meetings when the president cannot. 3. Assists the president in anything needed. 4. Performs a personal quality check when the president cannot. G. Secretary 1. Organizes files received by clubs a. Bylaws/Constitutions b. Rosters 2. Organizes and keeps track of the attendance of clubs for general meetings 3. Keeps track of any changes made to Rosters 4. Notes any changes to a club, such as their room, executive positions, and keeps the Club Information file updated H. Removal Process 1. A one week probation for any of the executive members can be decided by the SGO President, the CTC Advisor, or a COSA. The SGO President must approve of this action. 2. After the probation, the SGO President or CTC advisor can choose to officially remove the executive by their own collective judgement, with all persons in approval to do so.

IV. Advisor Role A. The Advisor of CTC shall be a COSA and shall provide advice, suggestions, and solutions. He/she shall oversee general and executive meetings, provide leadership training, and everything in relation to CTC. V. Meetings A. General Meetings shall be once every month, scheduled and overseen by the advisor. The first meeting shall be led by the Junior Parliamentarian and CTC President. The following meetings shall be led by the CTC President and/or CTC Vice President. All meetings shall be open to the student body. B. Executive Meetings shall be conducted as the CTC President and CTC Coordinator see f C. The CTC Advisor or another COSA must be present for every meeting. 1. Virtual meetings can be conducted without an advisor but the advisor is to be given notice. VI. Quorum A. The minimum quorum must be ⅔ of the general members for general meetings. B. For executive meetings, the CTC Coordinator and President have a vote. VII. Legislation and SGO A. The CTC Coordinator conveys minutes and concerns to SGO during every SGO Executive Meeting. B. If the CTC Coordinator is unable to do so, he/she can give his/her report to another SGO Executive member, or the CTC President or CTC Vice President can give his/her report. C. New ideas for the general CTC must be discussed with a COSA, the SGO President, and the AP of Parent and Student Engagement. ARTICLE VII: STUDENT LEADERSHIP I. Structure and Function A. Consists of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors B. Shall be led by the Student Leadership Coordinator under the guidance of the leadership advisor, COSA, and President C. Shall meet on a weekly basis D. Teaches leadership skills as provided by the NASC Leadership Packet or any leadership curriculum ARTICLE VIII: COMMA I. Meetings A. Meetings will occur biweekly B. Under the advisement of the COSA II. Club Budgeting A. All clubs must be informed of their budget for the Fall term 1. Two weeks after the club application closes OR 1 week after we receive our budget total a. Whichever happens later b. All clubs are notified at the same time B. A club that does not apply before the deadline will not be considered for funding unless there is an appeal process C. Clubs will be graded on 3 separate platforms to fully determine budget allocation 1. An Interview a. Conducted within one week upon approval of the club b. Conducted after school, club representatives must be notified

at least 5 days before their interview c. Clubs will receive a copy of their completed rubric so that they know why they received the budgeting they did. i. Includes Rubric and Reason for grading on interview. d. Budget request form on club application i. If blank then the club will be sent an email and receive one week to reply ii. If no reply then the club receives no funding 2. Rubric a. The rubric will contain i. Questions for the interview ii. Grading of budget request form iii. How to determine what % of budget requested club will receive iv. New club Rubric: v. Returning club Rubric: III. Team Budgeting A. Teams will be given funding on a need basis until budgeting can be done for them completely. B. Will work in collaboration with Athletic Coordinators IV. Line of Succession A. Determines the temporary passing of power until the position of SGO Treasurer is refilled. B. Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and then Freshman treasurers V. Appeals A. Clubs may appeal their funding if there is enough in the SGO and SAF funds 1. Applying a. Allow 2 weeks after budget has been sent out for clubs to apply 2. Process a. The same process that is used to determine initial budget will be used for appeals b. All clubs are notified at the same time ARTICLE IX: CLUBS, TEAMS, AND ORGANIZATIONS I. All clubs, teams, and organizations must: A. Submit an application and bylaws at the start of each school year 1. Club applications must include: a. A statement of purpose b. Long and short range goals c. A list of members and officers d. Time and place of meetings e. The signature and name of the advisor/coach 2. Clubs, teams, and organizations that are ongoing must have a charter on file each year and submit a new list of membership each year B. Receive permission from the COSA or Assistant Principal if they wish to fundraise for a specific purpose 1. All funds must be deposited in their school club, team, or organization s account 2. If a balance is left in the account at the end of the school year, it shall be added to the central fund for relocation the following school year a. This includes funds allocated to the club, team, or organization

by the SGO b. This does not include funds the club, team, or organization raised on its own during the school year. 3. Ten percent of funds raised by a club, team, or organization, will go to the SGO. C. Receive permission from the appropriate constituency for the use of school facilities 1. The club, team, or organization must fill out the appropriate form(s) and pay the related expenses for the use of school facilities 2. A special form must be completed if a special facility is to be used (i.e. the auditorium, library, gyms) D. Be open to all members of the student body regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religious affiliation, political views, disabilities, etc. ARTICLE X: COMMITTEES: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND PURPOSE I. Committees shall be created as deemed necessary by the Executive Council II. Committee types: A. Standing committees 1. Active for an indefinite amount of time 2. Work towards a specific, continuous purpose B. Temporary committees 1. Created for a specific purpose that ends after a certain time III. Committees shall consist of members of the Council it was formed in IV. One member of the committee shall be designated as chairperson, who shall: A. Attend every meeting for his/her respective committee B. Serve as the secretary or designate a secretary 1. Takes minutes within committee meetings C. Serve as the treasurer, or designate a treasurer D. Records all financial transactions within the committee E. Be responsible for weekly updates when the committee is active F. Keep committee members on point G. Create a typed list of all names and contact information of the committee members H. Suggest members to be removed from the committee if they are not performing their respective duties, as designated by the chairperson and President I. Keep an updated notebook or portfolio solely pertaining to their committee with the above information included and dated ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENT AND RATIFICATION I. The constitution must be submitted for review to the Executive Council annually II. Amendments to the constitution are approved when a motion is passed by the majority (50% + 1) of the Executive Council III. A new constitution is ratified when the entire Executive Council votes the conscience of their respective constituency We, the members of the SGO Executive Council, do hereby ratify this constitution.