Approved Jan 2014 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS FOR THE ALAMO TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE Believing there is a need for additional fellowship and free exchange of professional concepts among technology teachers in the geographical region surrounding Bexar County, we have resolved to organize an association to fulfill these needs. ARTICLE I NAME The name of this organization shall be the Alamo Technology Education Association, (ATEA). ARTICLE II - GEOGRAPHIC AREA COVERED All of the counties and school districts served by Texas Education Agency Region Twenty. Personnel in other counties may be affiliated with this organization upon their request and approval by the two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee. The purpose of this organization shall be: ARTICLE III - PURPOSES 1. To define the functions and scope of technology education within our area 2. To improve and advance the quality of technology education in Texas schools 3. To encourage the development of leadership among technology education teachers by providing a means through which an individual's contribution in research, service, and leadership may be recognized and rewarded 4. To cooperate with all agencies and organizations in the promotion of technology education ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP The membership of this association shall be of four types: (1) active, (2) associate, (3) student, and (4) honorary. ARTICLE V OFFICERS The officers of this association shall be of two types: (1) elective, and (2) appointive. The elected officers shall be the president, vice-president / president elect, secretary, treasurer, and the ATTE board member. The appointed officer shall be a reporter, a competition chairperson, and an executive secretary. 1
ARTICLE VI - AFFILIATION This association may be affiliated or become allied with other organizations having similar purposes. Current affiliations are the Association of Texas Technology Educators (ATTE) and the International Technology Education Association, (ITEA), and the Technology Student Association (TSA). ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS There shall not be less than four or more than six regular meetings held during a standard school year, September 1 st August 31 st.. In addition to these meetings other events include the ATTE state convention, the regional and state TSA contests and at least one social event. In general, these meetings may be held as follows: 1. Early September - Membership drive 2. November / December - Industry tour or campus meeting. 3. February - ATTE state conference 4. January - Regional contest planning. 5. Late February/ Early March - Regional contest. 6. State contest card pick-up meeting. 8. April - State contest 9. May End of year meeting / dinner. ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed by: a. A two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee b. A petition signed by two-thirds of the active members c. Any active member may suggest amendments by written proposal to the Executive Committee Amendments to this Constitution may be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the voting members present at any regular meeting, provided that notice of the amendment has been previously published and sent to each active member prior to the regular meeting. 2
BY-LAWS ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP Eligibility of Membership: Eligibility for the various types of membership shall be as follows: a. Active membership shall be available to any educator interested in technology education b. Associate membership shall be available to any industrial or commercial organization or their representative c. Student membership shall be available to any college student showing interest in technology education, industrial technology or engineering d. Honorary membership shall be available to any retired member of this association who has sustained an active interest in the organization before retirement Voting Privileges: Only members of this association possessing active membership or associate membership shall have voting privileges. ARTICLE II - DUES AND FINANCES Annual Dues: The amount of dues for each membership category are as follows: a. Active - $10.00 per year b. Associate - $10.00 per year c. Student - $ 1.00 per year d. Honorary None Time of Payment: Dues shall be paid to the treasurer of the association not later than the second regular meeting of the association. Membership shall run from the time of payment until the following August 31. Active members will be able to have their students compete in Regional TSA competition. Section 3 Associate Certificates: Associate members shall receive a printed and dated certificate of membership suitable for framing upon payment of membership dues. 3
Section 4 Disbursement of Funds: Any member appointed by the Executive Committee to carry out functions for the association, will be paid by the association for automobile travel expenses (US Government rate per mile), food, and lodging (not to exceed $35 per day). Additional expenditures may be approved by a two-thirds vote of active and associate members present at an announced meeting. ARTICLE III - OFFICERS Eligibility of Officers: Only active members of this association who have completed one previous year of membership are eligible for nomination and election as officers of this association. Balloting: Balloting shall be by mail, email, or in person and when there are more than two candidates a second vote shall be taken on the two leading candidates, providing one candidate does not receive a majority of votes. In case of a tied vote the president shall cast the deciding vote. Section 3. Election Time: Non-appointive officers shall be elected at the last regular meeting of the association of each school year by a majority vote of the ballots returned by the members qualified to vote. Section 4 Candidates permission: The chairman of the nomination committee must obtain an affirmative response from each person whose name is placed on the election ballot. Section 5 Tenure: All elected officers shall serve for a period of two years and shall not serve more than two successive terms in the same capacity. The secretary and treasurer shall be on a rotation so that both offices are not replaced on the same year. The vice president shall serve as the president elect for one year followed by a year as president. The ATTE board representative shall serve a three-year term. An appointed officer may hold their office for two or more successive terms. Each year the nominating committee should give consideration to the rotation of officers of this association among the various school districts represented in the association. 4
Section 6 Vacancy of an Office: In case an officer cannot fulfill his term of office, the following procedure shall be employed: a. The president is succeeded by the vice-president / president elect. b. The vice-president and secretary-treasurer shall be succeeded by an appointment made by the Executive Committee. Section 7 The Duties of The President: a. Preside at meetings b. Call special meetings c. Make necessary appointments d. Vote in the case of a tie e. Represent the organization, as the office requires f. Serve as ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee g. Keep the notebook provided for this office orderly and up to date as prescribed Section 8 The Duties of the Vice-President: a. Preside in the absence of the president b. In case of a vacancy fills the office of president c. Act as program chairman d. Render assistance to the president e. Keep the notebook provided for this office orderly and up to date as prescribed Section 9 The Duties of the Treasurer: a. Act as membership chairman b. Be responsible for receiving, disbursing, and depositing all monies of the association. c. Issue membership cards and/or certificates d. Keep all accounts up to date and maintain a current membership roll e. Make payment of association expenses upon receipt of a written report and itemized expense account from authorized personnel f. Keep the notebook provided for this office orderly and up to date as prescribed 5
0 The Duties of the Secretary: a. Be responsible for all correspondence of the association b. Keep all members informed of all association activities c. Be responsible for keeping and making available a record of all meetings of the association d. Keep the notebook provided for this office orderly and up to date as prescribed 1 The Duties of the ATTE Board member: a. Represent the association at all ATTE meetings. b. Report to the membership all of the activities of the ATTE. c. Keep the ATTE informed of the activities and concerns of this association d. Keep the notebook provided for this office orderly and up to date as prescribed Article IV Meetings Character of Meetings: Meeting themes shall be of the following types: a. professional b. business c. social.. Meeting Schedule: The time and date of each meeting shall be determined by the president and program chairman and each member shall be so notified by mail and/or email not later than two weeks prior to the date scheduled. All teachers who plan to have their students compete in the regional competition must attend or have a chapter representative present for at least one regular meeting and the competition planning meeting prior to the regional competition and must also be a paid active ATEA member. Section 3 Location of Meeting: Regular meeting locations shall be decided by the program chairman. 6
ARTICLE V - STANDING COMMITTEES Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall consist of all elected and appointed officers of the association and the immediate past president. This committee shall arrange for all regular and specially called meetings of the association. Nomination Committee: The Nomination Committee, appointed by the president not later than the third regular meeting of the year, shall consist of three voting members of the association not currently holding officer. Section 3 Audit Committee: The Audit Committee, appointed by the president, shall consist of three voting members who shall check the accounts of the association after the last regular meeting of the year, and this committee shall submit a signed report with the secretary and treasurer. Section 4 Outstanding Teacher Selection Committee: This committee shall be appointed at the first regular meeting of the association and shall be composed of three voting members, each from a different school district. They shall assume full responsibility for electing an outstanding teacher from this region working cooperatively with the ATEA committee responsible for coordinating this award. A person receiving this award will automatically become a member of this committee and serve for a period of three years. Section 5 Student Club Advisor: This committee shall consist of three active members appointed by the president. They shall work with sponsors and advisors in promoting the welfare of the student association. Section 6 Competition Committee: This committee shall consist of an appointed chairman, the immediate past president and those members who are appointed for specific tasks by the chairman. Tasks are included but not limited to: Awards, Testing, Photography, Drafting, Projects, Structure testing, Race cars, Rockets, and Judges. 7
ARTICLE VI - PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE Rules Governing Meetings: Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the activities of the assembled body of the association. ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS Amendments to these BY-LAWS may be proposed by: a. A two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee b. A petition signed by two-thirds of the active members c. Amendments suggested by a written proposal to the Executive Committee Amendments to the BY-LAWS may be ratified by a two thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting, provided that notice of said amendment has been previously published and sent to each active member prior to the regular meeting. 8