The name of the organization shall be the Mary, Queen of Heaven School Parents-Teachers Organization.  Hereafter, it will be referred to as the MQH PTO in this document.

Article II – Purpose and Functions

The purpose of the MQH PTO is to support Mary, Queen of Heaven School students through cooperation with the pastor, school administration, and faculty to provide the best possible education.

The objectives and responsibilities of the MQH PTO shall be:

1. Education - providing informational programs for parents and teachers at scheduled meetings and events.
2. Fund-raising – organizing and conducting activities with all proceeds being used to purchase programs, materials, and equipment for the school and its students.
3. Community building – providing programs and activities that foster relationships among school parents, faculty and administration and bolster morale.

Article III – Membership

Membership in the MQH PTO shall be limited to any individual who subscribes to the stated purpose of the MQH PTO and meets the following qualifications:

Parent or guardian of a student currently attending Mary, Queen of Heaven School

1. Faculty member currently employed by Mary, Queen of Heaven School
2. Payment of the established annual MQH PTO dues/family.

Article IV – Officers and Elections

Section 1. Officers

The MQH PTO Officers shall consist of a President, Vice President of Programming, Vice President of Fundraising, Treasurer and Secretary.  All Officers will attend all meetings of the organization and executive board.  They shall have the following specific responsibilities:

1. President – The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization and executive board, serve as the primary contact for the principal, obtain principal and pastor approval for the annual schedule of events, represent the organization at meetings outside the organization, serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, and coordinate activities of officers and committees so that the purpose of the MQH PTO is served. 
2. Vice President of Programming – The Vice President of Programming shall assist the President and shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence.  The Vice President of Programming shall oversee development and execution of all educational programming, as well as community building programs.  The Vice President of Programming will coordinate activities of appropriate chairpersons in delivery of successful programs.
3. Vice President of Fundraising – The Vice President of Fundraising shall assist the President and assume the duties of the President in his/her absence and the absence of the Vice President of Programming.  The Vice President of Fundraising shall oversee development and execution of all fundraising activities.  The Vice President of Fundraising will coordinate activities of appropriate chairpersons in delivery of successful activities. 
4. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall develop an annual budget for approval of the executive board, receive all funds for the organization, keep an accurate record of collections and payments, and follow the parish guidelines for centralized purchasing, deposits and payments.  The Treasurer shall prepare financial reports for each scheduled executive board meeting and the organization. The Treasurer shall work with the Vice President of Fundraising to ensure fundraising activities are conducted in accordance with parish policies. 
5. Secretary – The Secretary shall keep all records of the organization, take and prepare minutes of the general and executive board meetings, handle correspondence and manage communications and the website for the membership.  The Secretary shall also keep a book of the bylaws, minutes, and membership list.  

Nominations and elections for the MQH PTO shall be as follows:

1. Nominations will be solicited through the MQH School weekly email to all parents, for 3 consecutive weeks beginning 5 weeks prior to the scheduled vote.  The PTO Board will assist in this process by identifying and contacting potential candidates based on qualities displayed in PTO or school-related volunteer work. 
2. Any member of the MQH PTO may run for any elected office, with the exception of the President.  This office will require a member who has previously or is currently serving as a Standing Committee Chair or Executive Board member.  If no such candidate is available, the Board may accept the nomination of any member by unanimous vote. 
3. Elections will be held at the final general membership meeting of the year, but no later than April 15, and will be by written ballot.
4. The Secretary and President will have responsibility for counting the ballots and announcing results immediately following the vote. Candidates receiving the largest number of votes will fill the relevant offices. 
5. New Board members and Standing Committee Chairs will be introduced no later than the May executive board meeting, and shall be installed in August.  The outgoing and incoming Board members will work cooperatively to transition their work during May-August.
6. All volunteers who are nominated for Board offices or Chairmanships may be elected and may continue to serve only with the agreement of the school and parish administration. 

All officers will be elected for and serve a two year term, with 50% being elected in 1 year and 50% in the next.  The President, Vice President of Fund Raising, and Secretary shall be elected in the first year; the Vice President of Programming and Treasurer in the next year. 

No officer may serve in the same capacity for more than two full terms (4 years).  Each person elected shall hold only one office.

Section 4. Vacancies

In the event  an executive board officer becomes unable or unwillingto fulfill his/her term, a special election will be held and the results communicated in a reasonable period of time, except for the office of President.  In that case, the Vice President of Programming shall assume the role of President and a special election shall be held to fill the subsequent vacancy in that office.   

Section 5. Removal

Any officer can be removed with or without cause by a 2/3 vote of the MQH PTO membership at a regularly scheduled meeting where notice has been given (2 calendar weeks notice).