Union County Education Association Constitution

ARTICLE I: NAME & INCORPORATION
ARTICLE II: AFFILIATION
ARTICLE III: PURPOSE
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
ARTICLE VI: RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS
ARTICLE VII: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ARTICLE VIII: REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES
ARTICLE X: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS

ARTICLE I: NAME AND INCORPORATION

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Union County Education Association, Incorporated, hereinafter referred to as the Association.

Section 2. The Association shall be incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the Title 15A:2-8 New Jersey Domestic Nonprofit Corporation Act.

Section 3. The Association shall apply for tax exempt status under Internal Revenue Code 501 c (5) and govern itself in a manner that will not jeopardize its tax exempt status. The Association may apply to NJEA to be included in a group exemption letter.
NOTE: “Tax exempt status” only applies to income tax and covers money collected by an association, i.e., dues. NJEA and its affiliate associations are labor organizations, and, as such, CANNOT be sales tax exempt.

ARTICLE II: AFFILIATION

The Association shall be affiliated with the New Jersey Education Association and the National Education Association.

ARTICLE III: PURPOSES

Section 1: To provide an opportunity for the representatives of the local associations to confer on issues affecting education in Union County.

Section 2: To facilitate concerted action by the educators of Union County in furthering the goals of the education profession.

Section 3: To promote the highest professional standards, practices, and ethics among educators.

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ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1—Active Membership: Membership in the Association shall be open to all persons employed in the school districts and public educational institutions of Union County.

Section 2—Retired Membership: Upon retirement, active Union County members may continue to receive the services of the Association upon payment of the dues, as specified in this document. Retired members, however, shall have neither the right to vote nor the right to be elected to office.

Section 3—Rights of Membership: Active members shall have the right to vote at annual elections and to hold office, as provided hereinafter. They shall have the right to serve on the Representative Council and/or committees and to receive the services of the Association. Active members shall have the right to attend regular meetings of the Representative Council, but will be seated separately. Furthermore, they may have the privilege of the floor, upon the request of the delegates representing their districts, or upon approval of a majority of the representatives present. However, active members who are not official Representatives may not vote at the Representative Council meetings.

Section 4—Dues: Annual dues of all active members shall be set by the Representative Council, upon adoption of the budget at each May meeting. Retired members shall make a one-time dues payment of $10 and receive lifetime membership.

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ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

Section 1: The officers of this Association shall be President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 2—Terms of Office: Officers shall be elected for a term of three years and may succeed themselves in office, not to exceed two consecutive terms in the same office.

Section 3—Qualifications: All candidates for office must have been Association members for at least two years. Officers shall assume the duties of office on September 1, following their election, and shall hold their terms as long as they perform the duties of office and until their successors take office.

Section 4—Vacancies: A position shall be considered vacant upon a 2/3 vote of the members present and voting at a meeting of the Representative Council. Notice of said vacancy shall be sent to each district. Each district shall be given the opportunity to submit nominations. A replacement shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term upon approval by a majority vote of the Representative Council within 60 days of said appointment. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the First Vice President shall assume said office. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Treasurer, the President shall be empowered to fill said vacancy, upon approval by a majority vote of the Representative Council.

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ARTICLE VI: RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1: The President shall:

  • call and preside over all meetings of the Executive Committee, Representative Council, and general membership;
  • appoint chairs and members of all standing and special committees, not otherwise provided for in this document, subject to the approval of the Representative Council;
  • be, ex-officio, a member of all committees;
  • co-sign all checks and approve all vouchers;
  • represent the Association before the public;
  • appoint a Parliamentarian;
  • sign contracts and other legal documents pertinent to the Association;
  • rescind appointments of chairs and members of committees, subject to the approval of the Representative Council;
  • prepare agendas for all meetings;
  • propose the annual Association calendar;
  • schedule daily coverage for the Association office each week;
  • present an annual report;
  • represent the Association at NJEA/NEA-sponsored activities; and
  • perform all other duties associated with the office.

    Section 2: The First Vice President shall:

  • assume the duties of President in the absence of the President;
  • attend all Association meetings;
  • serve as co-chair of the Legislators’ Banquet Committee;
  • coordinate with the chairs of the Government Relations Committee on political and legislative activities;
  • act as liaison for all political action activities in the county;
  • attend Association activities, as assigned by the President;
  • represent the Association at NJEA/NEA-sponsored activities, as assigned by the President;
  • attend meetings of the County Presidents’ Council;
  • present an annual report to the Representative Council at the May meeting; and
  • perform such duties as deemed necessary by the President.

    Section 3: The Second Vice President shall:

  • assume the duties of President in the absence of the President and First Vice President;
  • serve as chairperson of the House Committee;
  • serve as a member of the Budget Committee;
  • coordinate with the chair of the Professional Development and Instructional Issues Committee to design an annual professional development program for members;
  • monitor and support activities at the Association office, as assigned by the President;
  • coordinate Association activities at the NJEA convention;
  • attend Association activities, as assigned by the President;
  • represent the Association at NJEA/NEA-sponsored activities, as assigned by the President;
  • present an annual report to the Representative Council at the May meeting; and
  • perform such duties as deemed necessary by the President.

    Section 4: The Secretary shall:

  • record attendance and take accurate minutes at Executive Committee, Representative Council, and all Association meetings, as requested by the President;
  • assist the President with Association correspondence;
  • maintain official files of the Association at the Association office;
  • work with one or more standing committees, as assigned by the President;
  • monitor and support activities at the Association office, as assigned by the President;
  • attend Association activities, as assigned by the President;
  • represent the Association at NJEA/NEA-sponsored activities, as assigned by the President; and
  • perform such duties as deemed necessary by the President.

    Section 5: The Treasurer shall:

  • deposit monies as directed, in the name of the Association;
  • co-sign, with the President, all checks, upon submission of approved vouchers;
  • submit a written report of the Association’s financial condition at each Executive Committee and Representative Council meeting;
  • distribute an annual financial statement, no later than the January meeting of the Representative Council;
  • file appropriate state and federal forms;
  • maintain payroll accounts for salaried individuals;
  • obtain reimbursements due the Association;
  • maintain files at the Association office;
  • attend all meetings of the Association;
  • serve as chair of the Budget Committee;
  • co-chair the Membership Committee;
  • serve as a member of the House Committee;
  • monitor and support activities at the Association office, as assigned by the President;
  • attend Association activities, as assigned by the President;
  • represent the Association at NJEA/NEA-sponsored activities, as assigned by the President; and
  • perform such duties as deemed necessary by the President.

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    ARTICLE VII: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

    Section 1—Membership: The Executive Committee shall consist of:

  • the elected officers,
  • the immediate past president (for one year)
  • Union County NJEA Executive Committee member(s),
  • Union County NJEA Delegate Assembly members, and
  • Union County NEA state director(s).

    Section 2—Meetings: The Executive Committee shall meet monthly except for July. Special meetings may be held at the request of the President, or upon written recommendation to the President by two members of the Executive Committee. Such a meeting shall be strictly limited to the subject for which the meeting was called.

    Section 3—Duties: The Executive Committee shall:

  • be responsible for the management of the Association;
  • authorize all expenditures within the limits of the budget;
  • by a two-thirds vote authorize the spending of money for non-budgeted items;
  • propose policies for consideration by the Representative Council;
  • execute policies established by the Representative Council;
  • provide minutes to the members of the Representative Council; and
  • recommend to the President agenda items for the Representative Council meeting.

    Section 4—Quorum: A quorum for all meetings of the Executive Committee shall consist of one more than half of the total number of members of the Executive Committee.

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    ARTICLE VIII: REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

    Section 1—Membership: The Representative Council shall consist of the members of the Executive Committee, presidents of Union County local associations, the chairpersons of each standing committee, and the elected representatives of the districts within the county. In addition, there shall be a retired representative, appointed by the President of the Union County Retired Educators Association. Each district shall be entitled to one representative or alternate for each 100 members or major fraction thereof. Districts with less than 100 members shall be entitled to one representative.

    Section 2— Meetings: The Representative Council shall meet at least five times a year. Notification of meetings, a tentative agenda, and minutes of the previous meeting shall be mailed to each Council member prior to each meeting of the Council. Special meetings shall be held at the request of the President, or upon the written request to the President by the representatives of five districts. Such a meeting shall be strictly limited to the subject for which the meeting was called.

    Section 3—Duties: The Representative Council shall:

  • determine the policies of the Association;
  • approve a budget for the Association;
  • set dues;
  • approve presidential appointments;
  • approve the selection of paid staff members;
  • fill vacancies on the Executive Committee;
  • receive and act upon reports of the officers, standing committee members, and members of special committees where appropriate;
  • approve a transfer of funds within the budget by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting; and
  • relieve from duty, with cause, any member of the Executive Committee or Representative Council after due notice and hearing, with disciplinary action, following adopted NJEA procedures.

    Section 4—Quorum: A quorum for all meetings of the Representative Council shall consist of 20 members, representing eight districts.

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    ARTICLE IX: COMMITTEES

    Section 1—Standing Committees: The standing committees listed below shall function throughout the year. Committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the President as long as they perform the duties of that committee and until their successors take office. These committees shall function within the guidelines of this Constitution.
    (a) Government Relations:
    (1) Members: The chairperson(s) shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Representative Council. The committee members shall consist of the Union County representative(s) to the NJEA Government Relations Committee, the representative(s) to the NJEA Congressional Contact Committee, and at least one representative of each local association.

    (2) Duties: It shall be the duty of the chairperson to keep the members of the committee sufficiently informed to carry out their duties. It shall be the duty of this committee to keep Association members informed of legislative and political action. It shall aid members in carrying out the legislative and political action programs of NJEA and NEA.

    (b) Membership:
    (1) Members: The chairperson shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Representative Council. There shall be a minimum of two persons on this committee, including the Union County members of the NJEA Membership and Member Benefits Committees.

    (2) Duties: It shall be the duty of the committee to carry out any NJEA policies on membership and to solicit benefits for members.

    (c) Public Relations/Pride:
    (1) Members: The chairperson shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Representative Council. There shall be as many members as necessary to carry out the duties of this committee.

    (2) Duties: It shall keep the public informed of pertinent information concerning activities of the Association. The committee will cooperate with the NJEA and NEA Public Relations Committees.

    (d) Professional Development and Instructional Issues:
    (1) Members: The chairperson shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Representative Council. Union County members of the NJEA CET and PDII Committees shall serve on this committee. There shall be as many members as needed to carry out the work of the committee.

    (2) Duties: It shall be the duty of this committee to carry out the work of the NEA and NJEA Committees and keep the membership informed.

    (e) Human Rights:
    (1) Members: The chairperson shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Representative Council. There shall be at least seven members on the committee, including the Union County representatives to the NJEA Human Rights, Minority Leadership and Recruitment, and Women in Education Committees.

    (2) Duties: The committee shall identify relevant issues and recommend workshops to the Professional Development and Instructional Issues Committee. This committee shall carry out the work of the NJEA and NEA Human Rights Committees and keep the membership informed.

    (f) House:
    (1) Members: The Chairperson shall be the Second Vice President. The Secretary and Treasurer shall serve as members with at least two other members appointed by the President.

    (2) Duties: This committee shall see that the office is maintained in an efficient, attractive, and comfortable manner; supervise office personnel, custodial services, office machinery, and supplies; and recruit and screen all paid staff members.

    (g) Social:
    (1) Members: The chairperson shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Representative Council. There shall be as many members as necessary to carry out the duties of this committee.

    (2) Duties: It shall be the duty of this committee to provide Association members with social activities.

    (h) Elections:
    (1) Members: The Chairperson shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Representative Council. The Union County member of the NJEA Elections Committee shall serve on this committee. There shall be at least seven members, with no more than one member from any one district.

    (2) Duties: The committee shall set up procedures for all elections under this Constitution. The Elections Committee shall verify candidates’ qualifications, according to the Constitution. The chairperson shall present the slate to the Representative Council at the regular January meeting. The slate shall be sent to NJEA for inclusion in the county and state election ballots for all contested elections.

    (3) Nominations for Officers: Nominations for the offices of President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be made by petition on forms prescribed by the Elections Committee. Petitions shall contain at least 40 signatures of active members of the Association, with at least five of the signatures being from each of five districts within Union County. Petitions shall be submitted to the chairperson of the Elections Committee no later than December 31 preceding the Representative Council meeting at which the slate is to be announced.

    (i) ESP:
    (1) Members: The Chairperson shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Representative Council. There shall be as many members as necessary to carry out the duties of this committee, including the Union County member of the NJEA ESP Committee.

    (2) Duties: The committee will encourage support staff participation in Association functions and will provide workshops for support staff members on issues relevant to their needs and concerns.

    Section 2—Special Committees: The special committees of the Association shall be: Budget, Audit, and such others as the President may deem necessary to appoint.

    The members of each special committee shall be appointed by the President with the consent of the Representative Council. Committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the President, as long as they perform the duties of that committee and until its work is completed. These committees shall function within the guidelines of this Constitution.
    (a) Budget:
    (1) Members: The chairperson shall be the Treasurer. The other members shall be the Second Vice President and two members of the Representative Council who are not on the Executive Committee.

    (2) Duties: This committee shall prepare a balanced budget, based on income and anticipated program. This budget shall be sent to the members of the Representative Council prior to the May meeting.

    (b) Audit:
    (1) Members: The President shall appoint two persons to serve on this committee. The Treasurer shall not serve on this committee.

    (2) Duties: At the end of the fiscal year, this committee shall submit the Treasurer’s financial records for an audit to an outside, independent Certified Public Accountant who has been approved by the Executive Board. A copy of this audit will be distributed to each member of the Representative Council.

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    ARTICLE X: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

    Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be recognized as the parliamentary authority, except where other provisions are made in this Constitution.

    ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS

    Section 1
    (a) A proposed amendment to the Constitution must be filed in writing and introduced at a regularly scheduled meeting by a member of the Representative Council.
    (b) If the amendment receives a majority vote, it shall be moved to the next regularly scheduled meeting, at which time the proposal shall again be considered with no new amendments. If the amendment receives a two-thirds vote, it shall be adopted.

    Section 2
    (a) If an amendment is defeated either on its first or second consideration, it cannot be reintroduced until the second regular Representative Council meeting following its defeat.
    (b) An amendment defeated on its second consideration and reintroduced will be dealt with as a new amendment.

    AMENDED: April 6th , 2011

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