STAFFORD EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I Name This organization shall be known as the Stafford Education Association (SEA). ARTICLE II Objectives The objectives of this Association shall be the improvement of education at all levels, the advancement of the ideals of professional education to render the highest possible service to students and to promote the social and professional well-being of the teaching staff in the district of Stafford, Connecticut. ARTICLE III Membership Section 1. All certified members of the teaching staff in the district of Stafford are eligible to become members of the Stafford Education Association upon payment of dues. Full and active membership must include membership in Connecticut Education Association [CEA] and the National Education Association [NEA]. Active membership shall be continuous until the member leaves the school system unless they are on an unpaid leave of absence and have requested to be taken off the membership roster. Section 2. Adherence to the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession adopted by the Association shall be a condition of continuance of membership. Section 3. The Association shall not deny membership to individuals on the basis of race, creed, national origin, age, gender, or sexual orientation. Section 4. Certified professional employees may choose to be a supporting member by paying the established Agency Fee. Section 5. The membership year begins on the first scheduled work day of each school year and runs until the first work day of the next school year. ARTICLE IV DUES Section 1. Section 2. Dues shall include the cost of membership in CEA and NEA. Local dues shall be set as part of the annual budget. Section 3. The Association shall enter into a contract with CEA governing the transition of CEA/NEA dues. ARTICLE V Expulsion and Reinstatement of Members Expulsion and reinstatement shall be governed by the procedures outlined in the constitution of CEA. ARTICLE VI Due Process Due process for members shall be provided in accordance with the CEA Board Policy and Appeals Procedure.
ARTICLE VII Officers Section 1. The officers shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, membership chairperson, newsletter editor, and web master. Section 2. If necessary, the duties of the above officers may be co-shared. Section 3. The president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, membership chairperson, newsletter editor, and web master shall be elected for a term of one year. They may be re-elected to offices as long as there is mutual consent of the SEA members. Section 4. The nominating committee will seek out qualified candidates and present a slate of officers to be voted on by Association members at the Annual Executive Board/General Meeting. Nominations for officers may also be made from the floor at any meeting prior to the Annual meeting, or may be submitted in writing prior to the meeting. Section 5. New officers will assume office immediately after being elected at the Annual meeting. Duties will be co-shared with the out-going officers through June. Section 6. Stipends will be paid to all officers. These amounts will be determined each year as part of the budget process to be voted on along with the annual budget. At the discretion of the Executive Board, according to the voting procedures outlined in Article XII, section 5, a portion of an officer's stipend may be utilized to compensate a member appointed to fulfill a duty of any officer. All stipends will be paid by June of each school year to the outgoing officers. ARTICLE VIII Executive Board Section 1. In addition to the officers specified in Article VII, the Executive Board shall consist of one or two faculty representatives from each school, committee chairpersons, and the immediate past president. Section 2. Each committee chairperson shall be appointed by the president for a term of one year. ARTICLE IX Duties of Officers Section 1. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the Association and its policy leader. The president shall: A. Represent the Association as spokesperson on matters of policy to the Board of Education, to the Superintendent of Schools, and to town officials. B. May act unilaterally, in the name of the Association when necessary. Such action must be reported to the next Executive Board meeting. C. Prepare the agenda for and preside over Association meetings. D. Appoint all chairpersons of committees and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. E. Authorize orders and sign checks drawn upon the Association's treasury, along with the treasurer. F. Attend CEA President Advisory Council, Tolland Council Meetings, CEA Meetings, and Stafford Board of Education Meetings as deemed appropriate.
G. Call emergency Association meetings and/or Executive Board meetings as needed. Section 2. The vice-president shall: A. Act for the president when the president is unable to perform the duties of the office. B. Serve as the president may authorize. C. Serve as chairperson of the grievance committee. D. If the president is unavailable, attend CEA President Advisory Council, Tolland Council Meetings, CEA Meetings, and Stafford Board of Education Meetings as deemed appropriate. Section 3. The secretary shall: A. Keep record of the proceedings of all meetings, including those of the Executive Board. B. Shall forward minutes of all public meetings to the president for distribution to the membership. C. Carry on all correspondence of the Association at the direction of the president. Section 4. The treasurer shall: A. Be the keeper of all Association funds; make all transfers and payments from those funds as authorized; keep an itemized record of receipts and expenditures. B. Report in writing to the Executive Board each month. C. Sign all checks of the Association, along with the president. D. Transfer funds from member dues collected to CEA and NEA. E. Prepare, with assistance of the Executive Board, the annual budget to be voted on at the annual meeting. F. Perform such duties as assigned by the president. G. Submit copies of the association s official bank statement and the treasurer s report to be reviewed by a qualified member who is not a signer of the association s bank account. Section 5. The membership chairperson shall: A. Distribute membership cards and CEA and NEA materials to existing members. B. Request all member status changes to be emailed to membership. This is for the beginning of the year and throughout the year. For example, name, phone, address, building assignment changes, etc. C. Make all status changes on CEA roster. D. Notify CEA of any status changes throughout the year. E. Register all new members. F. Send new member registration information to CEA and Stafford payroll.
G. Distribute membership cards to new members. H. Do bi-monthly cross checks with payroll department to track any changes in a member s dues status. I. Notify CEA of all changes in dues status throughout the year. J. Inform members of dues payment totals for end of year tax purposes. Section 6. The newsletter editor shall: A. Create a digital newsletter to inform the membership of association activities, projects, and promote involvement. B. Forward final draft of newsletter to president for distribution to the membership. C. Forward final draft of newsletter to web designer to be posted on the association web site. Section 7. The web designer shall: A. Maintain web page. B. Update web page. C. Keep up the Frequently Asked Questions section. D. Review and post newsletter. E. Address concerns and suggestions for web page. F. Direct any emails from members to the appropriate officer. G. Maintain a blog. H. Perform such duties as assigned by the president. ARTICLE X Executive Board Duties Section 1. The Executive Board shall: A. Have the authority to speak and act for the Association. It shall formulate policies, and out the objective of the Association. B. Form and advise committees. C. Allocate money, disseminate information. D. Address concerns of Faculty Representatives as pertains to individual schools. E. Raise money for the scholarship fund. F. Assess membership for extraordinary expenses, such as negotiation and arbitration. G. Assist the treasurer in preparation of the annual budget. H. Nominate and elect delegates to CEA and NEA Representative Assemblies according to CEA and NEA guidelines.
ARTICLE XI Faculty Representatives Section 1. Faculty Representatives shall: A. Run building meetings B. Represent teachers as requested C. Communicate building concerns to executive board D. Attend executive board meetings E. Disseminate information to their building members Section 2. Election of Faculty Representatives: A. Faculty representatives shall be elected at a meeting of SEA members working in the building they represent. B. If a faculty representative is running unchallenged, no election need be held. C. Nominations for faculty representative should be sent to the current SEA President. D. In the spirit of increasing association activity, it is desirable that faculty representatives not be currently serving as officers of the executive board. However, if no other candidate is available, any executive board officer may serve as a faculty representative. ARTICLE XII Committees Section 1. The following shall be the standing committees of the Stafford Education Association: Hospitality, Negotiations, Scholarship, Professional Rights and Responsibilities (Grievance), Public Relations, Nominating Committee. Section 2. Other committees shall be created by the president with the approval of the Executive Board as needed. Section 3. Chairpersons of standing committees shall be appointed by the president with the approval of the Executive Board. Section 4. Each chairperson shall be a member of the Executive Board and will report to the Executive Board. Section 5. Membership and responsibility of standing committees: A. Hospitality Committee: Responsibilities New Members Reception, Teacher's Day observance, Retirement Celebrations, other social functions as required with the approval of the Executive board. B. Negotiations Membership The negotiations committee will consist of members from each school, not to exceed 16. Each school shall be represented by no more than four members, with the exception of West Stafford School and Staffordville School, which shall be represented by no more than two members respectively. Responsibilities to represent the Association before the administration and the Board of Education in studies and negotiations concerning salaries and other conditions of employment of professional personnel. This group or a subgroup will research professional concerns and needs. A package of items to be negotiated will be assembled and meetings with the Stafford School
Board will be arranged in accordance with Connecticut State guidelines for contract negotiations. After agreement is reached, the package will be presented to the general membership of the Association for ratification. If arbitration is necessary, the package will be presented to the general membership, however, since arbitration is binding, no ratification will be necessary. The chairperson of the negotiating committee will act as consultant where interpretation of the contract is necessary. Stipends may be paid to the chairperson and secretary of this committee. C. Scholarship Membership between three and six members, including a guidance counselor at the High School. Responsibilities to select the recipient or recipients of the Stafford Education Association scholarship[s] after considering scholarship, character, personality, sincerity, and financial needs of the applicants. Preference will be given to students planning a career in education or a related field. The dollar amount and the number of the scholarship[s] shall be determined by the Executive Board. D. Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee [Grievance] Membership This committee shall be chaired by the vice-president, and will include the building representative(s) representing the aggrieved member(s). Additional members should be experienced in the affairs of the Association and have secure positions and the respect of their colleagues. Responsibilities shall seek to resolve the professional problems in the area of grievances and ethics of individual teachers. E. Public Relations Committee Membership including, but not limited to the president, vice-president, and newsletter coordinator. Membership from each school is encouraged. Responsibilities to promote positive relations within the school system and in the community. May include a Political Action Group and may produce newsletters. F. Nominating Committee Membership two to five members, not currently running for executive office. Responsibilities to select a slate of officers to be presented for a vote. Nominations may also be named from the floor at any executive board meeting prior to the Annual meeting or by written petition prior to the meeting. G. Sick Bank Committee Membership Three members Responsibilities will recommend to the Superintendent the granting of days from the sick bank on the occasion that sick bank days are requested by members in accordance to the current contract language. H. Calendar Committee Membership Three members Responsibilities will represent the association in the development of the School calendar in meeting with the superintendent. I. Insurance Committee - Responsibilities To be aware of the most current information about insurance which impacts Association members. ARTICLE XIII Meetings Section 1. The Executive Board shall meet monthly during the school year. The schedule of these
meetings shall be established at the Annual meeting of the previous year. Special meetings shall be at the call of the president or upon request of at least five other Executive Board members. Section 2. General meetings of the membership shall be at the call of the president and the Executive board or by petition of 20% of the membership. Section 3. The annual meeting of the membership shall be held, in conjunction with the May Executive Board meeting, to be held no later than May 31. As stated above, the Annual meeting shall include the election of new officers and the acceptance of the annual budget. Section 4. The most recent addition of Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, shall be the authority governing all matters of procedure not otherwise provided in the Constitution. Roberts Rules of Order will be applied to any meeting as deemed necessary by the president or a majority of the attending members. Section 5. Motions approved at all meetings must be approved by a majority vote. If 20% of the membership petition the president to reopen the general meeting for a vote on an issue it shall be done. The person wishing to reopen an issue will need to notify the president within one week of the distribution of the minutes and submit signatures from 20% of the membership. ARTICLE XIV Affiliation This organization, as an affiliate of the CEA and NEA, shall comply with the standards and procedures set forth in the Bylaws of the Connecticut Education Association and the National Education Association. ARTICLE XV Waivers Any provision of this constitution found to be in contradiction to CEA and NEA requirements which could result in disaffiliation by the CEA and NEA may be waived and operating procedures established to bring the Association into compliance by two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board. Such waiver and operating procedure shall remain in effect until this constitution has been duly changed. ARTICLE XVI Amendments This Constitution may be amended by a majority of the ballots cast by the active members. Amendments may be proposed, by the Executive Board, or by petition of 20% of the general membership. [Proposed amendments shall be distributed to the general membership at least two weeks prior to their vote.] ARTICLE XVII Ratification This Constitution shall become effective upon ratification by a majority of the ballots cast by active members at a general meeting established for the purposes of said ratification.
DATE RATIFIED: CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE Grant Bond, Linda Callahan, Caren Falzarano, Janice Gowdy, Nicholas Morse, Holly Sullivan, and Jillanne Szenda. Nicholas Morse PRESIDENT, SEA Holly Sullivan VICE PRESIDENT, SEA
Code of Ethics of the Education Profession Preamble The National Education Association believes that the education profession consists of one education workforce serving the needs of all students and that the term educator includes education support professionals. The educator, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, recognizes the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, and the nurture of democratic principles. Essential to these goals is the protection of freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal educational opportunity for all. The educator accepts the responsibility to adhere to the highest ethical standards. The educator recognizes the magnitude of the responsibility inherent in the teaching process. The desire for the respect and confidence of one s colleagues, of students, of parents, and of the members of the community provides the incentive to attain and maintain the highest possible degree of ethical conduct. The Code of Ethics of the Education Profession indicates the aspiration of all educators and provides standards by which to judge conduct. The remedies specified by the NEA and/or its affiliates for the violation of any provision of this Code shall be exclusive and no such provision shall be enforceable in any form other than one specifically designated by the NEA or its affiliates. Principle I Commitment to the Student The educator strives to help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society. The educator therefore works to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals. In fulfillment of the obligation to the student, the educator 1. Shall not unreasonably restrain the student from independent action in the pursuit of learning 2. Shall not unreasonably deny the student access to varying points of view. 3. Shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter relevant to the student s progress. 4. Shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety. 5. Shall not intentionally expose the student to embarrassment or disparagement. 6. Shall not on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, marital status, political or religious beliefs, family, social or cultural background, or sexual orientation, unfairly Exclude any student from participation in any program Deny benefits to any student Grant any advantage to any student 7. Shall not use professional relationships with students for private advantage. 8. Shall not disclose information about students obtained in the course of professional service unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law. Principle II Commitment to the Profession The education profession is vested by the public with a trust and responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professional service. In the belief that the quality of the services of the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens, the educator shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the exercise of professional judgment, to achieve conditions that attract persons worthy of the trust to careers in education, and to assist in preventing the practice of the profession by unqualified persons. In fulfillment of the obligation to the profession, the educator 1. Shall not in an application for a professional position deliberately make a false statement or fail to disclose a material fact related to competency and qualifications. 2. Shall not misrepresent his/her professional qualifications. 3. Shall not assist any entry into the profession of a person known to be unqualified in respect to character, education, or other relevant attribute. 4. Shall not knowingly make a false statement concerning the qualifications of a candidate for a professional position. 5. Shall not assist a noneducator in the unauthorized practice of teaching. 6. Shall not disclose information about colleagues obtained in the course of professional service unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law. 7. Shall not knowingly make false or malicious statements about a colleague. 8. Shall not accept any gratuity, gift, or favor that might impair or appear to influence professional decisions or action. Adopted by the 1975 Representative Assembly
Robert s Rules of Order A Quick Reference In order to May the Person Speaking Be Interrupted? You Say Adjourn the NO I move that we Meeting adjourn Recess the NO I move that we Meeting recess until Complain about YES Point of noise, etc privilege Suspend NO I move we Consideration of table it Something End Debate NO Call the question Postpone NO I move we Consideration of postpone this Something matter until Have Something Studied Further Amend a Motion Introduce Business (a main or primary motion) Object to a Procedure or to a Personal Affront Request Information Object to Considering of Some Improper Matter Take up a Matter Previously Tabled Vote on a Ruling by a Chair NO NO I move we refer this matter to a committee I move that this motion be amended by Must There Be a Seconder? Is This Motion Debatable? Is The Motion Amendable? What Vote Is Required? YES NO NO Majority YES NO YES Majority NO NO NO None (chair decides) YES YES YES Majority YES YES YES Two-thirds YES YES YES Two-thirds YES YES YES Majority YES YES YES Majority NO I move that YES YES YES Majority YES Point of order NO NO NO None (chair decides YES (if urgent) YES NO YES Point of information I object to consideration of this question. I move we take from the table I appeal the chair s decision NO NO NO NO NO NO NO Two-thirds YES NO NO Majority YES YES NO Majority