Bylaws

ARTICLE I.   NAME

The name of this organization is the Marquette High School Parent Organization of the Rockwood
School District (hereinafter “MPO” or “Organization”).  It is a local independent unit created by the
parents and staff of Marquette High School, having no affiliation with any other association, be it state
or national in origin.

ARTICLE II.   ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

The Organization exists as an unincorporated association of its members.  The Organization’s Articles
of Organization consist of these Bylaws, as amended from time to time, and its Articles of Association,
if any.  In the absence of separate articles of association, the Bylaws shall be deemed to be the Articles
of Association.  In the event of any conflict between these Bylaws and the Articles of Association, these
Bylaws shall govern. 

ARTICLE III.   PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

This Organization is organized exclusively for the following charitable, educational, or scientific
purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code:
● To promote the welfare and education of youth eligible to attend the Rockwood School District
and the Marquette High School in the home, school, and community.
● To support the school in improving education in ways that will adhere to administrative policy
and the Rockwood School District’s mission, goals, and beliefs.
● To raise funds for programs and equipment to further the education of youth.
● To bring about a closer relationship between the home and the school, that parents and
teachers may work cooperatively in the education of youth.
● To foster communication, cooperation, support, information, and education within the Rockwood
School District, including District staff, parents, and the general community. 

ARTICLE IV.   POLICIES

Section 1.  No substantial part of the activities of the Organization shall be the carrying on of
propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the Organization shall not participate in
or intervene (including the publishing or distribution of statements) in any political campaign on behalf
of any candidate for public office.
Section 2.  This Organization shall be non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan.  No
commercial enterprise or candidate shall be endorsed by it.  The name of the Organization and names
of its officers in their official capacities shall not be used in connection with a commercial concern or
with any partisan interest for any other purpose than the regular work of the Organization.
Section 3.  This Organization shall not seek to direct the administrative activities of the school or to
control its policies, but can serve as a liaison between parents and administration when concerns
arise. 

Section 4.  The Organization shall be supportive of school educational efforts and student needs.  The
policies of the Organization shall be developed cooperatively by parents and teachers.  The
Organization shall conduct all operations in such a way as to reflect positively upon the school and the
Rockwood School District. 
Section 5.  In no way shall one member, officer, or committee chairperson make policy, program, or
expenditure decisions, or bind the Organization in any way, absent the consent of at least the Executive
Board.  When representing the Organization, any member, officer, or committee chairperson shall be
aware of the authority extended by the Organization and shall not exceed such authority. 
Section 6.  This Organization may cooperate with other organizations and agencies active in child
welfare, such as conference groups or coordinating councils, provided they make no commitments that
bind the Organization absent the consent of the executive Board.
Section 7.  The Organization shall act in accordance with all Rockwood School District Board of
Education Policies and Regulations, which are incorporated herein by reference, including but not
limited to Policies 2950 and 3370 and Regulations 2950 and 3370 pertaining to fund-raising
activities.  No fund-raising activity of the Organization shall financially benefit a PTO member, faculty
member, student or parent without prior Executive Board approval. 
Section 8.  No part of the net earnings of this Organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be
distributable to, its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the Organization
shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered.  Services
provided by members and officers are voluntary and will not be compensated, unless specifically
authorized by the Executive Board prior to completion of such services. 
Section 9.  Any notice required or permitted to be given to members may be given by written notice
(including distribution of flyers and posting notices through the school), by telephone, by facsimile, by
electronic mail, or by any combination thereof, or by any other method reasonably designed to reach
the members.
Section 10.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Organization shall not carry on
any other activities not permitted to be carried on: (a) by an Association exempt from Federal Income
Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of
any future United States Internal Revenue Law); or (b) by an Association, contributions to which are
deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding
provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Section 11.  Upon dissolution of the Organization, the Organization shall, after paying or making
provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the Organization, dispose of all the assets of the
Organization by distributing the same to the Principal of Marquette High School.  Said Principal shall,
upon the advice of the Marquette High School teachers and administration, supervise the expenditure
of said assets for essential educational materials and equipment.  In the event that this is not possible, said assets shall be distributed to organizations as shall at the time qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Organization’s Executive Board shall determine, with preference to be given to educational programs of the Rockwood School District.  Any assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court in the county of the principal office of the Organization. 

ARTICLE V.   MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1.  Any parent or guardian of a student of Marquette High School interested in the objectives of the Organization and willing to uphold its policies and subscribe to its Bylaws may become a
member.  Membership in the Organization shall be available without regard to race, color, creed, or
national origin.   
Section 2.  The Executive Board shall determine the amount, time, and manner of payment of the
membership dues, if any, from time to time.  If assessed, each member shall pay the annual
membership dues; however, no household shall be assessed for more than one annual payment of
membership dues.
Section 3.  The Organization shall conduct an annual enrollment of its members, but persons may be
admitted to membership at any time during the year as defined above.
Section 4.  The privileges of membership shall be the right to hold office or appointed position, make
motions, chair a committee, and vote.  Only those members current in payment of membership dues, if
any, are eligible to vote or to serve as an officer or representative of the Organization.  Non-members
are welcome to attend meetings and may ask questions and participate in discussions as recognized
by the President. 

ARTICLE VI.   EXECUTIVE BOARD 

Section 1.  The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the Organization, the Principal of the
school or his or her designated representative, and a member or members of the faculty. The faculty
representative shall be selected annually by the Principal or by the faculty in whatever manner the
faculty deems appropriate.] . Chairpersons of the standing committees and of then active special
committees may be invited to attend Executive Board Meetings that pertain to their committee.   
Section 2.  The Executive Board shall have general charge and control of the affairs, funds, and
properties of the Organization and shall maintain records of such in a central location, including current and prior budgets, check registers, governmental forms, committee reports, contracts and
correspondence. Records should be maintained for a minimum of five years.
Section 3.  The duties of the Executive Board shall be as follows: to transact necessary business in the
intervals between Organization meetings; to approve chairpersons of standing committees and approve the plans of the standing committees; to interpret the bylaws, policies, and standing rules of the Organization; to present a report at the general membership (open) meetings of the Organization; to prepare a budget for the upcoming fiscal year; to approve routine bills within the limits of the budget; to appoint the nominating committee; to appoint a committee to review Bylaws as needed; to appoint a committee of not less than two members, or an independent auditor or CPA, at least two weeks before the Annual Meeting to audit the treasurer’s accounts; and to make budget adjustments as necessary, provided they do not individually exceed $750.00.  Any individual budget adjustment over $750.00 requires the approval of the general membership. 
Section 4.  Every member of the Executive Board shall be entitled to one vote.
Section 5.  Each standing committee chairperson shall present the committee’s plans to the Executive
Board prior to execution of the same.  Any expenditure for such plans should be presented to the
Executive Board for advance approval. 

Section 6.  Regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be held during the school year, as stated in
the Standing Rules.  The time, place and regularity of such meetings are to be fixed by the Executive
Board at its first meeting of the year. 
Section 7.  Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President, the Principal, or by
a majority of the members of the Executive Board upon at least two days notice.
Section 8.  All officers are required to attend all scheduled Organization meetings and a majority of
Organization-sponsored events.
Section 9.  On or before the first board meeting of the year, each officer shall be assigned to serve as a liaison and shall provide assistance to the identified standing or special committee chairs.
Section 10.  A majority of the members of the Executive Board must be present at the Executive Board
meeting in order to conduct business.  Unless otherwise provided herein, a simple majority of those
present and voting shall be required for the passage of any motion, resolution, or other vote. 

ARTICLE VII.   OFFICERS AND THEIR ELECTION

Section 1.  The officers of this Organization shall include, at a minimum, a President, a Vice-President,
a Secretary, and a Treasurer.  Any office may be held by two persons so designated by the prefix “co-
“.  These officers shall be elected annually by ballot at the regularly scheduled Spring general
membership meeting by a majority vote of the membership present at that meeting.  If the Executive
Board includes a President-Elect, the office of President shall be filled by the prior President-
Elect.  Ballots should be counted by the Principal of the school or his or her designated representative. If there is but one candidate for any office, the election for such office(s) may be by voice, show of hands or slate approval. Officer elections may be conducted electronically.
Section 2.  Officers shall assume their official duties at the close of the final meeting of the school year
and shall serve for a term of one year or until their successors are elected and installed.  No person
shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office, or three consecutive years unless
determined by vote and majority approval of the Executive Board and General PTO
population.  Additional officers will be chosen according to the needs of the Organization and upon the approval of the Executive Board. 
Section 3. Nomination of officers shall be made by any MPO member or a nominating committee
comprised of three members of the executive board and the principal. The committee shall select its
own chairperson. The nominating committee shall place in nomination at least one name for each office and present this slate via publication issued to the entire general membership at least four weeks prior to the spring election meeting. Independent nominations, with the consent of the nominee, may be made in writing by at least five voting members, and must be received by the nominating committee at least two weeks prior to the spring election meeting. The membership must be notified of the amended slate at least one week prior to the spring election meeting. There shall be no nominations from the floor.
Section 4.  Spouses may be elected and hold any of the offices as a couple provided that such spouses
were nominated and elected as a couple.
Section 5.  A vacancy occurring in an office shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board at
their next regular meeting. 

Section 6.  Any officer absent from three consecutive meetings, i.e. Executive Board and Organization
meetings shall be deemed inactive unless absences are due to extenuating circumstances and the
Executive Board receives notification of such.  Any office having an inactive officer shall be declared
vacant and shall be filled as provided herein.  In addition, an officer failing to adequately participate or
fulfill duties of the office may be subject to removal from office by decision of vote of a majority of the
Executive Board. Such officer is entitled to a written notification from the President or the Principal at
least two weeks prior to the vote regarding removal. 

ARTICLE VIII.   DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1.  The President (or Co-Presidents) shall:
● must be currently serving on the MPO Board for one school year
● preside at all meetings of the Organization and of the Executive Board;
● be a member ex officio of all committees except the Nominating Committee
● be authorized to appoint any special committee necessary to conduct the work required for the
annual report;
● maintain the right to table discussions or voting, at his/her discretion, for such reasons as new
agenda items, time constraints, or items that require additional information;
● work with the Secretary to prepare the agenda for each meeting;
● work with designated committee chairs;
● be an authorized cosignatory for all accounts of the Organization;
● work with the principal on designated duties and tasks;
● attend District-wide meetings, such as the Presidents’ Forum;
● attend Rockwood Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference;
● delegate the duties of any position that remains vacant; and
● perform all other duties usually pertaining to the office.
Section 2.  President Elect shall:
aide the President(s);
● attend District-wide meetings, such as the Presidents' Forum
● be an authorized cosignatory for all accounts of the Organization
● attend Rockwood Presidents' Forum Leadership Conference
● perform other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Organization or Executive Board\
● assist the President and perform such duties that the President may delegate
● perform the duties of the President in the President's absence
● work with designated committee chairs
● oversee and serve as a resource for specific committees (to be determined at the Executive
Board meeting immediately preceding the beginning of the school year)
● perform the duties of the Secretary or Secretaries in their absence.
Section 3. The Vice-President(s) shall:
● aide the President(s) and President-Elect
● perform the duties of the President and President-Elect in the absence of both officers
● oversee and serve as a resource for specific committees (to be determined at the Executive
Board meeting immediately preceding the beginning of the school year)
● perform the duties of the Secretary or Secretaries in their absence
● work with designated committee chairs

Section 4.  The Secretary (or Secretaries) shall:
● record the minutes of all meetings of the Organization and of the Executive Board;
● be responsible for all incoming and outgoing correspondence for the Organization;
● report on all relevant correspondence at each Executive Board meeting;
● aid the President(s) in preparing the agenda for all meetings
● make the minutes of the prior meeting available to all members of the Executive Board before
each meeting;
● make the minutes of the prior meeting available to all members of the MPO before each
meeting;
● maintain a current copy of the Bylaws and Standing Rules, if any, as well as the records of all
meeting minutes, written records of all voting results, a list of all committees and their
members, and a list of the current members of the Organization.
● attend Rockwood Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference;
● work with designated committee chairs
Section 5.  The Treasurer(s) shall: 
● receive all monies of the Organization
● keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures and disburse funds as budgeted or
approved by the Executive Board
● be responsible for the maintenance of the bank account and records of the Organization
● be responsible for the filing of any necessary financial and tax forms with the appropriate
governmental authorities
● be responsible for the maintenance of all financial records of the Organization
● comply with the statutory requirements and Rockwood School District Board of Education
Policies and Regulations, including those provided in the Student Activity Funds Procedures
Manual established by the Rockwood School District Board of Education
● turn the financial books of the Organization over to an Audit Committee of not less than two
members or an independent auditor appointed by the Executive Board at the end of the school
year for examination
● present a statement of account at every meeting of the Organization and any other times as
requested by the Executive Board
● maintain a record of the budget reports presented at Organization meetings
● work with designated committee chairs;
● supply a copy of 990 to MPO President & Presidents Forum President;
● attend Rockwood Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference;
Section 6. The School Store Manager(s) shall:
● oversee the functions of the School Store;
● recruit Core leadership;
● organize volunteer schedules;
● coordinate the purchase of merchandise;
● turn in proper receipts and/or records to the Treasurer;
● attend Rockwood Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference;
Section 7. The Volunteer Coordinator shall: 
● recruit and maintain a list of parent volunteers;
● fill volunteer needs as requested from school administration, staff and MPO committee
chairpersons;

● organizes schedules for volunteer needs;
● communicate with all volunteers;
● attend Rockwood Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference;
Section 8. The Communications Manager shall:
● publish the Organization newsletter (if any) and social media (if applicable);
● maintain Communication Standards and support (communication guidelines, Code of Conduct,
style guide, graphics and templates for class use)
● attend Rockwood Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference;
● work with designated committee chairs
Section 9.  The Treasurer’s accounts shall be examined annually by an Audit Committee of not less
than two members or an independent auditor appointed by the Executive Board no later than July 10 of every year.  When the Audit Committee or auditor is satisfied that the Treasurer’s final report is correct, they shall sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report. 
Section 10. A check will be considered valid with one authorized signature if that signature is not the
individual charged with receiving the bank statements and reconciling the accounts.
Section 11.  The President, Vice President(s), Treasurer(s), Secretary, and School Store Manager shall
be bonded annually.
Section 12.  All officers shall perform the duties outlined in these Bylaws and those assigned from time to time.  Failure to assume these responsibilities may result in removal as provided herein.
Section 13.  Upon the removal or resignation of any officer, such officer shall turn over to the President or Executive Board, without delay, all records, books, and other materials pertaining to the office, and shall return to the Treasurer or the Executive Board, without delay, all funds pertaining to the office.  Furthermore, upon expiration of their terms, all officers shall deliver all official materials related to their office to their successors.

ARTICLE IX.   STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1.  Standing committees are committees with on-going functions that continue throughout the
year.  The chairperson of each committee shall serve for a one year term.  The incoming President,
with the approval of the incoming Executive Board, shall appoint chairpersons of the standing
committees after the spring election.
Section 2.  The chairpersons of all standing committees shall mutually plan activities with the Executive
Board, and no committee work shall be undertaken without the approval of the Executive Board. 
Section 3.  The Executive Board may create special committees as needed to promote the purposes
and interests of the Organization.  Special committees are directly responsible to the Executive
Board.  The President, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall appoint chairpersons of the
special committees.  Special committees shall be automatically dissolved upon completion of its
assignment or upon decision by the Executive Board.
Section 4.  An individual may serve unlimited terms as a committee chairperson, if appointed year to
year.

ARTICLE X.   FISCAL POLICY

Section 1.  The Executive Board shall see that a budget shall be presented for approval at the first
general membership (open) meeting of the academic year. At this time additional funds from the
previous year are also allocated.  The Board has authority to make budget adjustments during the year; provided they do not individually exceed $750.00 the Board shall have no power to make the
Organization liable for any debt(s) in an amount exceeding the cash assets of the Organization which
have not been otherwise appropriated.
Section 2.  Each committee chairperson has access to the budgeted funds for his/her committee during the current school year only.  These funds will be disbursed by the Treasurer provided the expense falls within the committee’s budget and is substantiated by a purchase order or receipt. 
Section 3: The proposed budget may be presented and voted upon electronically
Section 4.  Any expenditures that requires carry-over or any anticipated expenditure occurring before
the next year’s budget is approved may be approved at the last meeting of the year.

ARTICLE XI.   MEETINGS/VOTING

Section 1.  There shall be regular general membership (open) meetings of the Organization, scheduled
prior to the beginning of the school year. A regular meeting schedule may be established in the
Standing Rules of the Organization. Special meetings of the general membership may be called by the
President, Principal or by a majority vote of the Executive Board, five days' notice having been given.
Members shall be notified no later than five days in advance of the date of any rescheduled general
membership meeting. If meeting in person is not possible, meetings may be held electronically.
Section 2.  Voting shall be determined by a simple majority of members present, except when changing
or amending the Organization’s Bylaws, when a two-thirds majority vote of members present must
prevail. Voting may be conducted electronically.

ARTICLE XII.   PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Section 1.  Robert’s Rules of Order (current edition) shall govern this Organization in all cases to which
they are applicable and not in conflict with these Bylaws. 

ARTICLE XIII.   AMENDMENTS

Section 1.  These Bylaws may be amended at any membership meeting of the Organization by two-
thirds vote of the members present and voting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment shall
be given at the previous general membership meeting. 
Section 2.  A committee may be appointed to review the Bylaws, as revised and amended, every two
year(s).  The committee shall draft any proposed amendments for presentation to the membership as
provided for in Section 1 of this Article.

ARTICLE XIV.   STANDING RULES

The Executive Board may maintain a list of Standing Rules to serve as a further operating guide for the
Organization.  These Standing Rules should be revised yearly to reflect the procedures of the current
Executive Board.
MPO  BYLAW  REVISIONS 
§  March 2008   
§  September 2011
§ November 2024

ARTICLE XIV. STANDING RULES

The Executive Board may maintain a list of Standing Rules to serve as a further operating guide
for the Organization. These Standing Rules should be revised yearly to reflect the procedures of
the current Executive Board.

ORGANIZATIONAL

There is no dollar amount charged to belong, and every parent or legal guardian of a
Marquette High School student is automatically a member.
Officers for this school year will be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer,
Volunteer Coordinator, School Store Manager, and Communications Manager.
Committees will be: Class Level Committees, Staff Appreciation Committee, Remembrance
committee, Scholarship Committee, MHS Community Award Committee, and Nominating
Committee. Committee Chairs should cc their Executive Board Liaison on all committee
communications.
Executive board members serve as representatives of Marquette High School and Rockwood
School District and are to represent the school and district in a positive light, including on
social media.
All informational flyers and sign-up sheets should be submitted to the President for
approval prior to distribution.
Executive board members and committee chairs are encouraged to use a Google Drive/email
account set up specifically for their positions and to share events, activities, timelines, contacts,
expectations, and exit summaries via Google Drive. At the end of their terms, they are to
surrender all binders and login/password information to the president or incoming board
member taking over their role.
The president will attend regular Presidents’ Forum meetings and report any updates/information
to the executive board. Incoming and continuing board members are encouraged to attend the
annual Presidents’ Forum Leadership Conference in the spring.

MEETINGS

Regular (general) meetings will be held monthly, the second Monday of the month, alternating
every other month, morning at 9am and evening at 6:30pm. Dates for regular meetings should
be posted on the district-provided PTO website at least 2 weeks before the meeting.
The minutes and budget report from each meeting will be posted within 3 weeks on the

Marquette High School PTO website.
The order of business for the meetings will be: call to order, Principal’s report, Activities
Director report, announcements, new business, officers’ reports, committee reports,
adjournment.
If a vote creates a conflict of interest with a PTO executive board member, the president reserves
the right to ask that member to abstain from voting on that specific issue.
Outside speakers (i.e., speakers not representing Rockwood) are not allowed to present at PTO
meetings.

FINANCIAL

The fiscal year will run from July 1st to June 30th.

Two signatures is required on all checks, or one signature, provided that an email confirmation
of check sent is emailed to second authorized signer. The account shall have at least three
authorized signers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and School Store Manager.
Two (2) people must be present any time money is counted. Money should be immediately
deposited or stored in the PTO safe until such deposit can be made.
We are a tax-exempt organization, and our tax-exempt number is 1536477. All purchases
should be made using this number; we will not reimburse for sales tax (except at stores like
Costco, which does not accept tax exempt purchases). Volunteers can obtain a copy of our
tax-exempt form from Google Drive. A list of stores at which we currently have a tax-exempt
account can be found in Google Drive.
The President, Treasurer, and Vice President can sign event contracts, outside vendor
rental agreements, and RSD facility rental agreements after receiving board approval.
Committee chairs and others may not sign contracts.
All receipts submitted to the treasurer should be clear and legible originals or copies. An email
with a copy of the receipt and reimbursement request will be accepted. The Treasurer will not
accept digital copies of receipts via text.
All event receipts and reimbursement requests should be submitted to the Treasurer within 60
days of the event date.
All reimbursement checks should be cashed within 90 days of the check date.
The treasurer will arrange for general liability, officers’ liability, and bonding insurance
coverage. The President, Vice President, Secretary. Treasurer, and School Store
Manager are to be bonded.

GIFTS OF APPRECIATION AND GOODWILL

The PTO may make a donation of up to $500 to a charitable organization or memorial fund in
the event of the death of a current staff member, a student, or an immediate family member
with school administration approval. Funds for a bereavement donation will be taken from the
MPO general operating budget.
In the case of illness, cards may be sent.
A gift, not to exceed up to $100 in value, will be given to staff or teachers who are retiring
or resigning, regardless of their length of service. These gifts will come from the staff
appreciation budget, and amounts will be determined annually based on the general budget.

OTHER

PTO items are stored in the MPO closet and the MPO storage unit.

STANDING RULES AND BYLAWS

These standing rules will be posted along with the bylaws on the Marquette High School PTO
website. They may be amended by a two-thirds simple majority vote of the members present
at any general meeting.
If there is a conflict between the bylaws and standing rules, the bylaws take precedence.