By-Laws

The name of this organization shall be the Interschool Council (ISC) of Lower Merion School District (LMSD).

The purposes of the ISC are:

1) To promote:

• the educational development of students in LMSD;
• the gathering, studying and dissemination of information on the concerns and needs of LMSD;
• a cooperative relationship and effective communication between LMSD and the surrounding community as appropriate.

2) To coordinate and support the efforts of the Home & School Associations of LMSD by fostering interschool exchange to promote best practices.

3) To serve as liaison between the HSAs and LMSD administration and Board of School Directors, as appropriate. 

Section 1 -- Members

1. Parents or guardians with children and/or wards enrolled in the LMSD or in placements made by the LMSD.
2. A maximum of two ISC Representative(s) appointed through each HSA.

Section 2 -- Dues

1. Dues shall be set by the Executive Committee of the ISC (defined under Article V below) on an annual basis and shall be paid annually by each school's HSA on behalf of its members.
2. The Executive Committee shall assess the dues on a per student basis, determined by the LMSD administration's tenth day of the new school year's enrollment figures.

Section 1 -- ISC Voting Members Definition

A.    The ISC Voting Membership shall consist of the following:

1.    The Executive Committee members of the ISC;

2.    One representative appointed by the Committee for Special Education ("CSE");

3.    One ISC Representative from each school; and

4.    One co-chair of each of the ISC Art Show, the ISC Luncheon and the ISC Parent-Education.

B.    Each ISC Voting Member shall have one vote.

Section 2 -- Powers

The ISC Voting Members shall:

A.    Elect the members of the Executive Committee, including Member(s)-at-Large, if any; and

B.    Approve changes in the scope and/or orientation and/or direction of the ISC through an amendment and/or restatement of these By-Laws.

Section 3 -- Quorum and Approval

A.    For an action taken in accordance with Section 2 of this Article IV,

2. Roll call will be taken prior to any vote to establish enough voting members are present to satisfy a quorum;
3. One-third of the total votes of the ISC Voting Members shall constitute a quorum, and
4. Approval shall be by a majority of those present (in person or by phone) at a regular or special meeting, so long as there is a quorum for such vote.

Section 4 -- Meetings

1. The Executive Committee shall hold an Annual Meeting of the ISC Voting Members for the election of the members of the Executive Committee. The Annual Meeting shall be held no later than the end of May of each year. Reasonable advance written notice, as set forth on the LMSD calendar or by mail, text, email or personal notice, of such meeting shall be given to each ISC Voting Member.
2. The Executive Committee shall use its best efforts to hold a monthly meeting of the ISC Membership during the school year. Notice of such meetings shall be set forth on the LMSD calendar.
3. The ISC Membership's monthly meeting is referred to as the "ISC General Meeting" or “ISC Hot Topic” for scheduling purposes on the LMSD calendar.
4. Any member of the Executive Committee shall have the power to call a special meeting of the ISC Voting Members. The Vice President - Communications will make the notice of such meeting to all ISC Voting Members. This can be done by telephone, mail, text, email, or personal notice at least two calendar days prior to the meeting.
5. The Co-Presidents may also schedule separate meetings with the HSA presidents as needed, and these meetings will be referred to as HSA Presidents’ Meetings on the LMSD calendar.
6. Any changes in meeting times or location from those scheduled on the LMSD calendar will be disseminated as widely and as timely as possible.

Section 1 -- Members of Executive Committee

1. The Executive Committee members shall include the following Executive Officers: Co-Presidents, Vice-President - Communications, Treasurer and Mini Grants Chair. Individuals filling these roles shall be nominated by any ISC Member and elected by the ISC Voting Members in accordance with Section 5A of this Article V.
2. In addition, the Executive Committee shall include up to six Member(s)-at-Large per Article V, Sections 3A and 3B). Individuals filling these roles shall be nominated by the Executive Committee and elected by the ISC Voting Members in accordance with Section 5B of Article V.
3. A member of the Executive Committee must have a child or ward currently enrolled in a school of the LMSD or in a placement designated by the LMSD.
4. The Executive Committee will determine and make appointments to all Off-Board Positions (non-Executive Committee positions) by a majority vote of those Executive Committee members present at a meeting at which such action is being taken. These Off-Board Positions and their tenure may be modified/changed to best meet the needs of the ISC from time to time.

Section 2 -- Powers of the Executive Committee

1. The Executive Committee shall manage and supervise the affairs of the ISC and shall establish the policies of the ISC to fulfill its duties as stated herein.
2. A majority of the members of the Executive Committee in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Executive Committee.
3. The act of a majority of the Executive Committee members present at any meeting of the Executive Committee, either in person or by telephone, shall be considered an act of the full Executive Committee.
4. The Executive Committee may authorize any member of the Executive Committee to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any document on behalf of the ISC. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
5. No member of the Executive Committee shall use the role as an Executive Committee member to endorse a personal agenda regarding LMSD.

Section 3 -- Term of Position

1. The term for each elected member of the Executive Committee (other than the Member(s)-at-Large) shall be two years.
2. The term of each Member(s)-At-Large shall be one year, unless otherwise designated by the Executive Committee at the time of the election of such member.
3. No person may serve more than two full consecutive years in the same position on the Executive Committee.
4. A person may, however, serve more than two full consecutive years as a member of the Executive Committee so long as that person is serving in a different capacity.
5. A member of the Executive Committee generally may not serve for a period that exceeds four consecutive years.
6. Unless otherwise agreed by a majority of the remaining Executive Committee and only for a period until a successor is identified and elected, a member of the Executive Committee who has served four consecutive years must resign from the Executive Committee for a period of at least two consecutive years before submitting his/her name for consideration to the ISC membership for a position on the Executive Committee.
7. A member of the Executive Committee may not serve simultaneously on an HSA Board in the following positions (whether by title or responsibilities), either individually or with a designated "co": President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary.

Section 5 – Elections

1. Executive Officers

1.    Any member of the ISC may nominate a member of the ISC to be a member of the Executive Committee.

2.    The Executive Committee shall present the nominated candidates to the Voting ISC Members at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the Annual Meeting or such other meeting at which a vote regarding the candidates will be taken, to be voted on at such meeting.

3.    The recommended schedule for the slate of nominees is as follows:

a.    January ISC General Meeting: Call for Nominations.

b.    February 28:  Call for Nomination closes.

c.     March ISC General Meeting: Present nominations slate to ISC Members.

d.    April ISC Annual General Meeting: ISC Voting Members vote on slate.

e.    May: newly elected members of the Executive Committee begin transition into their position with outgoing members.

4.    The Voting ISC Members shall strive to make the Executive Committee geographically diverse, representing all areas of the LMSD.

5.    A nominee must consent to be nominated and must serve if elected.

6.    A nominee does not need to be present at the Annual Meeting to accept an elected position.

B.    Member(s)-At-Large

1.    When determined necessary by a majority of the Executive Committee, the Committee may nominate Members-at-Large to serve on the Executive Committee for a one-year term, unless otherwise established at the time of the nomination.

2.    The Executive Committee shall present the nominated candidate(s) to the ISC Voting Members at any special or regular meeting of the ISC Voting Members to be voted on at such meeting.

3.    A nominee must consent to be nominated and must serve if elected.

Section 6 -- Vacancies

1. Any Executive Committee member may resign at any time by giving at least two weeks’ written notice to the Co-Presidents or the Vice President - Communications.
2. Any such resignation shall take effect as of the date the resigning Executive Committee Member has designated provided it is within guidelines set in Section 6A.
3. In addition, the ISC Voting Members acting according to the procedures set forth in Article IV, may remove with or without cause, a member of the Executive Committee and such removal shall become effective as of the date of the ISC Voting Members' decision.
4. The ISC Voting Members following the recommendation by the Co-Presidents may fill vacancies at any meeting.

Section 7 -- Executive Officers

The Executive Officers shall be the members of the Executive Committee and shall consist of two Co-Presidents (or one President), a Treasurer, a Vice President - Communications and the Mini Grants Chair. The responsibilities of each position are outlined below. These descriptions represent a broad description of duties and are not intended to represent the only responsibilities an Executive Officer may be asked to carry out while serving in his/her position.

1. Co-Presidents

1.    The Co-Presidents shall:

1. 1. 1. Be the Chief Executive Officers of the ISC and the chairpersons of the Executive Committee;
      2. Preside over all meetings of the Executive Committee and the ISC membership;
      3. Convene meetings with the Presidents/Co-Presidents of the HSAs and the CSE on a regular basis to share information, concerns and/or ideas;
      4. Shall be ex officio, non-voting members of all committees and subcommittees of the ISC;
      5. Recognized as the official public spokespersons of the ISC;
      6. Coordinate and attend monthly meetings with the LMSD Superintendent;
      7. Establish the agenda for all ISC meetings; and
      8. Set the calendar for General, HSA Presidents and Executive Committee meetings in conjunction with the LMSD calendar.

2.    A candidate for the Co-Presidency shall have had either at least one year's experience as a member of the Executive Committee; or served in an executive capacity for an HSA; or served on an ISC committee; or served as an ISC Representative.

3.    Any reference in these By-Laws to the Co-Presidents shall also mean President should the ISC Voting Members elect only one member to serve as President.

B.    The Treasurer shall:

1.    Prepare annual budget projections after consultation with the Executive Committee;

2.    Keep full and accurate accounts of income and expenses and report these to the Executive Committee at regular meetings;

3.    Handle banking statements and accounts;

4.    Make all deposits and pay all bills on a timely basis;

5.    Sign, either physically or electronically, all checks in accordance with Executive Committee action as evidenced in meeting minutes;

6.    Send budgetary communication to HSA Presidents including payment of membership dues and donations to ISC initiatives, which include but are not limited to the ISC Luncheon and Mini Grant Program;

7.    Send monthly banking statements for review to Co-Presidents; and

8.    Track and verify grant expenditures in collaboration with the Mini Grant Chair.

C.   The Vice-President – Communications shall:

1.    Act as the clerk at all ISC General meetings by taking attendance, drafting meeting minutes and receiving any electronic presentation or handouts by speakers.

2.    Post to the ISC webpage the minutes of all ISC General Meetings and maintain files of all past and current meetings;

3.    Provide the Executive Committee, ISC Membership and LMSD administration with an ISC Directory in a paper and/or electronic format with  decisions on the content of the ISC Directory to be made in collaboration with the Executive Committee;

4.    Prepare the Co-Presidents’ emails, memos, flyers or any other type of correspondence requested for distribution by the Co-Presidents to the ISC membership;

5.    Work in collaboration the LMSD Webmaster to maintain the accuracy of the ISC website; make suggestions to change, enhance or improve the website; and in collaboration with the Executive Committee, add new content to the website.

D.   The Mini Grant Chair shall:

1.    Coordinate mini grant review and award process for current and upcoming school year, including:

1. 1. 1. Setting meeting dates for the mini grant committee and Assistant Superintendent to review grant applications and awards;
      2. Answering questions from teachers/staff regarding grant application process;
      3. Emailing grantees, school principals and HSA Presidents with award information; and
      4. Notifying all applicants of the final determination of grant awards.

2.    Maintain contact with current awardees regarding implementation of grants/expenditure of funds;

3.    In collaboration with ISC Treasurer, track and verify grant expenditures;

4.    Report on annual grant awards to ISC and LMSD board of school directors;

5.    Review and modify grant application process for distribution to LMSD staff; and

6.    Provide information to Vice President - Communications for the website.

 

E.    Member(s)-at-Large shall:

1.    Coordinate and/or assist with ISC events or special projects;

2.    Attend subcommittee meetings of the LMSD board of school directors and report back to the Executive Committee;

3.    Promote ISC to individual HSAs; and

4.    Take meeting minutes when the ISC Vice President - Communications is unavailable.

Section 8 -- Off-Board Positions

Off-Board positions include, but are not limited to, the following:

A.    The ISC Luncheon Chair(s) shall:

1.    Act as the event manager for the ISC's Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon in collaboration with the Executive Committee;

2.      Coordinate and plan the ISC's Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon to enhance ISC presence among LMSD staff and administrators;

3.      Plan, organize, coordinate, promote and facilitate the ISC's Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon including monitoring the event's timeline, budget and program;

4.      Oversee and direct the volunteer luncheon committee of ISC members; and

5.      Coordinate with appropriate LMSD staff members to ensure a creative and memorable experience for LSMD staff members.

2. The Art Show Chair(s) shall:

1.    Act as the event manager for the ISC's Annual Art Show, in collaboration with the Executive Committee;

2.    Coordinate and plan the event with the showing facility, and the art teachers and parent/guardian volunteers from LMSD's ten schools; and

3.    Plan, organize, coordinate, promote and facilitate the art show including monitoring the event's timeline, budget and program.

C.   The Parent-Education Chair(s) shall:

1.    Act as the event manager for all parent-education events, in collaboration with LMSD Student Services;

2.    Coordinate and plan the event with the host school and its HSA; and

3.    Plan, organize, coordinate, promote and facilitate each parent-education event, including monitoring the event's timeline, budget and program.

Section 9 -- Meetings

1. The Executive Committee shall meet at least seven times per school year.
2. The Co-Presidents shall call such meetings and give at least thirty calendar days' notice of each meeting to each member of the Executive Committee.
3. The Co-Presidents or two-thirds of the members of the Executive Committee may call a special meeting of the Executive Committee upon reasonable written or electronic notice to the other members to be held at a reasonable time and place. Notice of such meeting shall be made by mail or email at least seven calendar days prior to the meeting. The subject(s) of the special meeting shall be included in the written notice.
4. A majority of the members of the Executive Committee in office (present in person or by telephone) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Executive Committee.
5. Voting by proxy shall not be accepted.
6. The act of a majority of the Executive Committee present at any meeting of the Executive Committee shall be considered an act of the Executive Committee.

1.    The Executive Committee may designate and appoint the members of one or more committee.

2.    The Executive Committee may nominate, at any time, a Member-at-Large to be the chair of any committee provided that any such individual shall only have one vote.

3.    The Executive Committee may also determine the term of a committee at the time of its appointment, or it may terminate any committee at any time by resolution adopted by a majority of the Executive Committee Members in office.

1.    The ISC By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed.

2.    New ISC By-Laws may be adopted by a majority vote of the Executive Committee present (in person or by telephone) at any regular or special meeting of the Executive Committee provided that the number present represent a quorum of the Executive Committee and provided further that at least two weeks’ advance written notice of any and all changes has been sent by mail or email to the Executive Committee.

1.    The members of the Executive Committee shall review the ISC By-Laws every five years.

2.    After review and/or revision, in order to confirm the accuracy of the By-Laws and their consistency with current practices of the ISC, the Co-Presidents and Vice President - Communications shall date and set forth their name below.