BY-LAWS
WESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS*

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Wester Middle School Band Boosters, known herein and elsewhere as WMSBB.

ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1. The primary objectives of the Wester Middle School Band Boosters shall be as follows:

a. Encourage the growth and development of a high quality band program that complements and extends the educational options for young people; actively develop and implement creative avenues which encourage young people to excel through the band program both collectively, and individually.

b. Provide financial support for unique projects which promote the band program and fall within University Interscholastic League (U.I.L.), Texas Music Educator’s Association (T.M.E.A.), and FISD policies and guidelines, but which are outside the domain and purpose of school district revenue.

c. Maintain clear communications and cooperation among all band members in Wester Middle School, their parents, the Band Directors, and the school district administration to further all WMSBB objectives.

d. Disseminate information on programs and projects that will attract and involve a large, active group of parents of band students. Cooperate with FISD administration, school officials and Band Directors in the pursuit of these objectives.

SECTION 2. WMS Band Boosters is a Section 501(c)(3) designated organization and as such:

a. Said Booster Organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding Section of any future federal tax code. No part of the net earnings of the Booster Organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the Booster Organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II, hereof. (A small yearly special award to selected band directors is permitted provided no U.I.L. regulation is violated.) No substantial part of the activities of the Booster Organization shall involve carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Booster Organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on: (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding Section of any future federal tax code; or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding Section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE III BASIC POLICIES

SECTION 1. The organization shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan.

SECTION 2. The name of the organization or the names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used to endorse or promote a commercial concern, or in connection with any partisan interest, or for any purpose not appropriately related to promotion of the objectives of this organization.

SECTION 3. The organization shall not, directly or indirectly, participate or intervene (including the publishing or distribution of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. However, information regarding issues that may affect Band Boosters or the band program may be disseminated and/or discussed at meetings.

SECTION 4. No member of this organization may divert any part of its income or assets to any member, donor, officer, employee, individual, corporation or organization, except in accordance with the approved annual budget.

SECTION 5. Wester Middle School Band Boosters will work in partnership with the Wester PTO in equipment purchasing and operations of the concession stand. Each organization will agree upon which equipment is to be purchased for the concession stand and the expense of the equipment will be shared equally.

SECTION 6. All check signing officers shall be bonded.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERS

SECTION 1. Membership in this organization shall consist of all parents or guardians of band students enrolled in the band programs of Wester Middle School, as well as, anyone interested in supporting the band programs. Membership shall be made without regard to race, color, creed or national origin.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

SECTION 1. Each officer shall be a voting member of WMSBB, and an officer must have a band student who is currently enrolled at Wester Middle School.

SECTION 2. Officers and their election

a. The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. Two or more parents or guardians can fill all officer positions, except President. There will be only one vote per officer position. These officers shall perform duties prescribed by these Bylaws and the parliamentary authority adopted by the organization.

b. Officers with the exception of the Parliamentarian shall be elected for a term of one School Year by ballot at the Election Meeting. However, if there is but one nominee for an office, election for that office may be by voice vote. The newly elected President subject to the approval of the newly elected officers shall appoint the Parliamentarian.

c. Officers shall assume their official duties following the close of the School Year and shall serve a term of one year or until their successors are elected.

d. No member or members of a family shall hold more than one office at a time.

e. No officer shall serve in the same office for more than two consecutive terms. One who has served more than one-half of a term shall be credited with having served a full year’s term.

SECTION 3. Nominating Committee

a. The Nominating Committee, consisting of five voting members of WMSBB, is appointed by the Vice-president, subject to the approval of the Executive Board at the February Executive Board meeting and the General Membership meeting in February. The committee shall consist of at least one, but not more than two members of the Executive Board. The President may not serve as a member of this committee.

b. After observing prospective candidates for the bulk of the year, this committee shall nominate a slate as herein provided. The Nominating Committee shall nominate an eligible person for each office to be filled and shall report to the General Membership 30 days prior to the Election Meeting. Such notification may be at a General Membership meeting or by written communication. Additional nominations of eligible candidates may be made from the floor at the Election Meeting.

c. Only those persons who have signified their consent to serve if elected shall be nominated or elected to such office.

SECTION 4. Vacancies

a. In case of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-President shall ascend to the Presidency.

b. A vacancy occurring in any other elected office shall be filled for the unexpired term by a person elected by a majority vote of the Executive Board, notice of such election having been given.

SECTION 5. Reason to Remove

a. By a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board, an officer or chairman may be removed from office the following 1) failure to perform duties 2) misconduct (either word or deed) which is damaging to the stated purposes of the WMSBB or the band program, or 3) missing three (3) consecutive board meetings.

ARTICLE VI: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

SECTION 1. At the beginning of his/her term, each officer shall submit a plan of work to the Executive Board for approval. At the close of their terms, all officers shall deliver to their successors or the President, all official materials within fifteen (15) days following the meeting at which their successors assume their duties.

SECTION 2. The President shall:

a. Coordinate the work of the officers and committees of WMSBB in order that the objectives may be promoted;

b. Confirm that a quorum is present before conducting any business at any meeting of the organization;

c. Preside at all meetings of the organization;

d. Appoint a Parliamentarian, subject to the approval of the newly elected officers;

e. Appoint chairs of special committees, subject to the approval of the Executive Board;

f. Participate as a member of the Budget Committee formed at the end of each school year;

g. Review all new proposed projects with the Band Directors;

h. Be authorized to sign on all bank accounts (as one of two authorized signatures required on all checks exceeding $100);

i. Call a meeting of the officers for the purposes of selecting standing committee chairmen;

j. Appoint an Auditing Committee of three (3) members at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting;

k. Sit as an ex-officio member on all committees except the Nominating Committee; and

l. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws or assigned by the organization.

SECTION 3. The Vice-President shall:

a. Preside in the absence of the President;

b. Act as aide to the President;

c. Act as chairman of the Fundraising Committee;

d. Participate as a member of the Budget Committee formed at the end of each School Year;

e. Appoint the Nominating Committee

f. Perform other duties as assigned by the President or organization; and

g. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws or assigned by the organization.

h. Be authorized to sign on all bank accounts (as one to two authorized signature required on all checks exceeding $100.00

SECTION 4. The Secretary shall

a. Keep an accurate record of minutes of all General Membership meetings of this organization;

b. Keep an accurate record of minutes of all Executive Board meetings;

c. Have a current copy of the Bylaws and a current list of voting members at all meetings;

d. Post meeting notices and perform other public relations functions as directed by the President or organization;

e. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws or assigned by the organization.

f. E-mail a copy of minutes of meeting to all executive board members within one week of last meeting with notification of next board meeting date and time.

g. Shall receive all Band Booster mail, including bank statements.

h. The monthly bank statement shall be reconciled on a timely basis under the secretaries direction.

SECTION 5. The Treasurer shall:

a. Have custody of all the financial instruments of the organization;

b. Keep books of account and records including bank statements, receipts, budgets, invoices, paid receipts and canceled checks for five years;

c. Make disbursements as authorized by the President, Executive Board or organization in accordance with the budget adopted by the organization;

d. Present a financial statement at all meetings and at other times when requested;

e. Submit books to the Auditing Committee as required;

f. Participate as a member of the Budget Committee formed at the end of each School Year;

g. Complete any applicable State and Federal tax forms;

h. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws or assigned by the organization.

SECTION 6. The Parliamentarian shall:

a. Will attend all meetings of the organization and advise on matters of parliamentary procedure when requested;

b. Maintains a position of impartiality, and therefore does not vote on any question except in the case of ballot vote;

c. Use Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised when advising on matters; and

d. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed in these Bylaws or assigned by the organization.

ARTICLE VII: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

SECTION 1. The Executive Board shall set a minimum of four regular meetings of WMSBB which shall be held during the School Year. Meetings may be held as part of a scheduled concert. Other meetings shall be held as required in compliance with the provisions of Article VII, Section 2.

SECTION 2. A quorum to conduct business at a meeting shall be 20 members of the organization.

SECTION 3. The first General Membership meeting of WMSBB of the School Year shall be known as the WMSBB Annual Meeting, and shall be for the purpose of introducing the newly elected officers, planning the year’s activities, receiving reports of officers and committees, approving the annual budget, and for conducting any other business that may arise.

SECTION 4. The last WMSBB General Membership meeting of the School Year will be known as the Election Meeting.

SECTION 5. Special meetings may be called by the President or by the Executive Board, and shall be called upon written request of ten (10) members of the organization. The purpose of the meeting shall be stated in the call and shall be submitted in writing to both the Head Band Director and the WMSBB President. Every effort should be made to ensure at least three (3) days notice to be given.

ARTICLE VIII: THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION 1. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of this organization, the Band Directors of Wester Middle School, the chairs of standing committees, the Immediate Past-President, and one member appointed by the President, if necessary, to provide an uneven number of board members.

SECTION 2. The Immediate Past-President serves in an ex-officio capacity to provide continuity, advice and counsel.

SECTION 3. The Band Directors are ex-officio members of the Executive Board and shall give guidance to the organization so that no school policy, U.I.L., or T.M.E.A. guidelines are violated.

SECTION 4. Duties of the Executive Board shall be to:

a. Transact all necessary business in the intervals between the General Membership meetings and conduct other such business as may be referred to it by the membership;

b. Set the time and place for all meetings for the organization;

c. Create standing and special committees;

d. Approve the plans of work of all officers and committee chairs;

e. Approve the budget for the School Year that is to be submitted to the General Membership for adoption;

f. Report on all WMSBB activities at the General Membership meetings;

g. Fill vacancies of officers and chairs in accordance with Article V, Section 4 of these Bylaws; and

h. Subject itself to the orders of the membership so that none of its acts shall conflict with the action taken by the membership.

SECTION 5. Meetings

a. Regular Meetings of the Executive Board shall be held each month during the School Year. The Executive Board at its first meeting of the School Year shall establish the dates and times of these meetings.

b. Special meetings of the board may be called by the President or by a majority of the members of the Board, five (5) days notice being given. All Executive Board members must be notified of any such Called Meetings.

c. A quorum shall be a majority of the voting members of the Executive Board.

d. There shall be a combined meeting of the outgoing Executive Board and newly elected and appointed Executive Board.

ARTICLE IX: STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. Only voting members of WMSBB shall be eligible to serve in any elective or appointive position.

SECTION 2. The Executive Board may create such standing committees, as it may deem necessary to promote the objectives and carry on the work of the organization.

SECTION 3. The newly elected President shall call a meeting of the officers for the purpose of selecting and/or approving standing committee chairs.

SECTION 4. No chair shall serve in the same office for more than two consecutive terms. One who has served more than one-half term shall be credited with having served that term.

SECTION 5. The chair of each standing committee shall present a plan of work to the Executive Board for approval. No committee work shall be undertaken without the consent of the Executive Board.

SECTION 6. The President shall have the power to appoint special committees subject to the approval of the Executive Board.

SECTION 7. The President shall serve as ex-officio member of all committees, except the organization’s Nominating Committee.

SECTION 8. The Band Directors may serve as ex-officio members of all committees.

ARTICLE X: FISCAL YEAR

SECTION 1. The fiscal year of this association shall begin July 1 and end June 30.

SECTION 2. An auditing committee consisting of not less than three (3) members, who are not authorized signers, shall be appointed by the Executive Board at least thirty (30) days before the last meeting of the year.

SECTION 3. The audit committee report shall be adopted by majority vote of the association at the first General Meeting following the close of the year.

SECTION 4. The President, the treasurer, or anyone authorized to make withdrawals from the association’s bank account(s) shall not be a member of the auditing committee.

SECTION 5. An Audit of the Treasurer’s accounts is for the protection of the treasurer. It is the only means of assuring everyone that the accounts are accurate, and it relieves the treasurer of responsibility except in the case of fraud.

ARTICLE XI: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITIES

SECTION 1. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order the organization may adopt.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS

These Bylaws may be amended by first presenting the proposed amendment(s) to the Executive Board. The proposed amendment(s) must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Executive Board before it can be forwarded to the General Membership. Having received the approval of the Executive Board, a copy of the proposed amendment(s) may then be introduced at a General Membership meeting or distributed to the voting membership thirty (30) days prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment(s) is to be voted upon. The Bylaws may be amended, provided a quorum is present, by a two-thirds vote of voting members present.

ARTICLE XIII: DISSOLUTION

SECTION 1. Upon dissolution, all the assets of the Wester Middle School Band Boosters Organization or its Organization members shall be liquidated and funds held and expended by the Frisco Independent School District in accordance with the purpose of the organization until all such funds shall be entirely expended.

SECTION 2. If the Frisco Independent School District is not in existence or is unwilling to accept the assets of the organization, upon dissolution of the organization, WMSBB assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding Section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the State District Court of the County in which the Principal office of the Organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

STANDING RULES

Rule 1. Duties of Committee Chairman:

Section 1. Hospitality Coordinator

a. Responsible for refreshments at Band Concerts, as needed.

Section 2. Volunteer Coordinator

a. Send out parent volunteer forms at the beginning of the school year and compiles the results.

b. Coordinate the list of volunteers for committees.

c. Update the list of volunteers throughout the year.

d. Organize the volunteer workers to staff the concessions stand.

Section 3. Concessions Coordinator

a. Oversee all concessions operations.

b. Expend funds and incur debt on behalf of WMSBB for inventory and supplies used in the concession stand function.

c. Keep documentation of expenditures, including receipts and invoices.

d. Submit documentation to the Treasurer

Section 4. Fundraising Coordinator

a. Oversee Fundraising project.

b. Organize the volunteer workers for the Fundraising project.

c. Report to the Vice-President

Section 5. School Dance Coordinator

a. Oversee the coordination of the Band sponsored school dance.

b. Organize the volunteer workers for the Dance.

c. Report to the Vice-President.

Section 6. Contest Support Coordinator (Symphonic, Concert, Beginning, and any future bands)

a. Work with the Band Directors to coordinate outside activities of the respective band (Homecoming, Holiday tour, UIL, Sandy Lake, etc.).

b. Coordinate volunteers for the outside activities of the respective band.

c. Work with the awards coordinator to provide awards as needed for the individual bands throughout the year.

Section 7. Awards Coordinator

a. Work with the Band Directors to provide end of the year awards.

Section 8. Scholarship Coordinator

a. Work with the Band Director and scholarship committee to select recipients of scholarships.

b. As the budget allows, determine the number of Private Lesson students that will receive scholarships.

c. As the budget allows, determine the number of Summer Band Camp students that will receive scholarships.

d. As the budget allows, determine the dollar amount of each scholarship.

Section 9. Historian

a. Coordinate the documentation of activities of the WMS Wildcat Bands.

b. Compile a historical scrapbook or power point presentation.

Section 10. Newsletter/Internet Coordinator

a. Update the WMSBB web page as necessary

b. Work with the Band Directors as necessary to update the Westerband.org website.

c. Publish and distribute on the website a Band Newsletter to all Wildcat Band Parents as determined /needed by Band Director.

BY-LAWS WESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS*