Constitution

Constitution and By-Laws

GALION EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I—NAME AND PURPOSE

Section A        The name of this organization shall be the Galion Education Association.

Section B         The purpose of the Galion Education Association shall be to:

  1. Promote the interests of public education of the local school system, the state of Ohio, and the nation.
  2. Advance the standards of the education profession.
  3. Establish and maintain helpful, friendly relationships within the membership and school community.

Section C         In carrying out the above purposes, the Galion Education Association shall:

  1. Maintain affiliation with the North Central Ohio Education Association, the Ohio Education Association, and the National Education Association.

ARTICLE II—VISION, MISSION, AND CORE VALUES

Section A        Vision Statement

  1. Our vision is great public schools for every student, while promoting professionalism, and protecting the rights of our members.

Section B         Mission Statement

  1. The mission of the Galion Education Association is to promote the interest of public education, advance the standards of the education profession, and to secure the conditions necessary for quality public education for all students.

Section C         These Principles guide the work of the Galion Education Association and define our mission.

  1. Professionalism:  We support and promote the professional growth of our members.
  2. Representation:  We support and promote fair, equal, and engaged representation for all of our members.
  3. Equality:  We support and promote every learners right to a quality, equitable, and free public education.
  4. Community:  We support and promote the belief that a quality public education achieves a positive difference in the lives of everyone.
  5. Collective Action:  We support and promote working collectively to protect members’ rights.

ARTICLE III—MEMBERSHIP

Section A        All certified personnel employed by the Galion Board of Education,  except those specifically excluded by ORC 4117 and/or the collective bargaining agreement between the Association and the Board, shall be eligible for active membership.

Section B         Active members shall be members of the Galion Education Association,  the North Central Ohio Education Association, the Ohio Education Association, and the National Education Association.

Section C         All members shall abide by the Code of Ethics of the Teaching Profession

ARTICLE IV—OFFICERS

Section A        The officers of the Association shall be:

  1. Option 1:  President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President
  2. Option 2:  Co-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President
  3. Option 3:  President, Co-Vice Presidents, Secretary Treasurer, Past President

Section B         All officers shall hold office for a one-year term.

Section C         Whenever the office of President becomes vacant due to death, incapacity, termination, resignation, retirement, or recall, the Vice President (or one of the Co-Vice Presidents) shall automatically assume the presidency for the remaining part of the term.  If the Vice President (Co-Vice Presidents) is unable to fill the term of the President the Past President will fill that term.  If there is no Vice President (Co-Vice President) a vacancy in the office of President will be filled by the Past President

A vacancy in the office of Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer shall be filled for the remainder of the term by majority vote of the Board of  Directors/Executive Committee.

ARTICLE V—EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section A        The Executive Committee shall be composed of the officers of the  Association and the Association Representatives.

Section B         The Executive Committee shall:

  1. Act as advisers to the officers, assign duties, be responsible for all committees of the Association, and have such policy making authority as provided in this Constitution and Bylaws;
  2. Act as the authoritative voice of the Association on positions affecting the Association during the interim periods between regular meetings;
  3. Prepare recommendations for consideration and action of the Association;
  4. Carry out policies established at general membership meetings;
  5. Report its transactions and those of the general membership to all members;
  6. Direct an independent audit of the Association’s financial records at regular intervals not to exceed two years.

Section C         There shall be one representative in each building for every 15 members  for a term of one year.

Section D        It is the policy of the Association and it shall take all legally permissible steps to achieve governance and delegate representation of ethnic minority at least proportionate to the ethnic minority membership in the  Association.

ARTICLE VI—ELECTIONS

Section A        The President/Co-Presidents shall appoint a Nominating Committee whose duty it shall be to present candidates for each office.  Candidates for office may also be submitted by petition signed by at least fifteen (15) active members or by nomination from the floor.

Section B         No member shall be nominated for office without the knowledge and consent of the individual.

Section C         The President/Co-Presidents shall appoint an Elections Committee whose duty it shall be to conduct elections in accordance with the OEA Elections Manual and to resolve all challenges or protests to an election.  No nominee for office shall serve concurrently on the Elections Committee.

Section D        Elections of officers and Executive Committee members shall be conducted by secret ballot in each building during one school day designated by the Elections Committee.

Section E         The Elections Committee shall report the results of the election to the total membership within five (5) calendar days following the election.

Section F         Newly elected officers shall be installed at the annual GEA banquet and will assume their office the day following the election.

Section G        All ballots, marked, unmarked, and voided, and all other records pertaining to the election of officers of this Association and OEA and NEA delegates and alternates, shall be preserved for one year from the date the election was held and such ballots and other records shall be made available to OEA officers upon request for inspection and examination.

Section H        Non-members of the Association, including fee-payers, shall not have the right to vote, hold office, or otherwise have privilege of Association membership.

ARTICLE VII—IMPEACHMENT OF OFFICERS

Section A        Officers of the Association for violation of the Code of Ethics of the Education Association Profession, or misfeasance, malfeasance, or  nonfeasance of duty in office.

Section B         Impeachment proceedings against an officer may be initiated by written petition submitted to the Executive Committee by at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the members.

Section C         If, after a due process hearing, a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee shall sustain the charge, the office shall become vacant.

Section D        The officer may appeal the decision to a special meeting of the general membership.  The decision of the majority shall prevail.

ARTICLE VIII—COMMITTEES

Section A        The Association shall have such standing committees as are necessary to carry out the responsibilities and program of the Association.

Section B         Ad hoc (temporary) committees may be formed as necessary to achieve the Association program.

Section C         All committees shall be appointed by the President/Co-Presidents with the approval of the Executive Committee.

Section D        Local Professional Development Committee

  1. A screening committee comprised of current members of the Galion Local Professional Development Committee (GLPDC) and the Association President/Co-Presidents will screen applicants and appoint members for the vacant position(s) allocated to the Association’s bargaining unit, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee which shall be by a majority vote.
  2. In-term vacancies will be filled by appointment of the President/Co-Presidents, subject to approval of the Executive Committee.  Approval shall be by majority vote.
  3. The GLPDC standards, operating procedures, forms, etc., shall be submitted to the President/Co-Presidents/Vice President(s) of the Association for comment prior to adoption.
  4. Removal of members for missing three (3) consecutive meetings of the Committee shall be done using the procedure outlined in Article IX of the   Association Bylaws.

ARTICLE IX—DUES

Section A        The Galion Education Association shall have a dues structure adequate to fund an active program.  The dues rate shall be established according to Bylaw VI.

            ARTICLE X—AMENDMENTS

Section A        Amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed by a  majority vote at a general membership meeting or by a majority vote of  the Executive Committee during its meeting.

Section B         The proposed amendment or change shall then be presented to the voting  membership in writing at least ten (10) days, but not more than thirty (30)  days before voting.  Amendments or changes to the Constitution and Bylaws require a two-thirds (2/3) favorable majority of the votes cast for passage.

GALION EDUCATION ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

BYLAW 1—MEETINGS

Section 1-1      The Executive Committee shall meet monthly September through May or at the call of the President/Co-President.

Section 1-2      There shall be at least two (2) general membership meetings during the  official school year.  One meeting shall be held each semester.   Additional meetings may be called by the President/Co-Presidents, a majority both of the Executive Committee, or a petition to the President/Co-Presidents signed by at least ten percent (10%) of the active membership.  Such petitions shall state the purpose of the desired meeting and the business of that meeting shall be limited to the consideration of the  stated purpose.

BYLAW 2—QUORUM

Section 2-1      The quorum for the Executive Committee meetings shall be one more than fifty percent (50%) of seated Executive Committee members.

Section 2-2      The quorum for the general meeting of the Association shall be the membership present.

BYLAW 3—DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

Section 3-1      President

  1. Preside over all Association meetings and prepare their agendas.
  2. Represent the Association on matter of Association policy.
  3. Serve as ex-officio member of all Association committees.

Section 3-2      Vice-President/Co-Vice Presidents

  1. Preside over Association meetings in the absence of the President.
  2. Perform other such duties as delegated by the President.

Section 3-3      Co-Presidents

  1. Co-Presidents shall preside on an alternating basis at all Executive Committee meetings.  Presiding Co-President shall be responsible for the meeting agenda in cooperation with the other Co-President.
  2. Both Co-Presidents shall preside at all general membership meetings and be ex-officio members of all Association committees.
  3. One Co-President shall be reported to OEA for local association identification purposes.
  4. The Co-Presidents shall have the primary responsibility for grievances.
  5. Co-Presidents shall jointly attend regular meetings with the district superintendent and sign all agreements with the Board of Education.
  6. Co-Presidents will divide duties of communications, attending Board of Education meetings, and legislative updates.  One Co-President must chair the Negotiations Committee and at least one Co-President shall serve on the bargaining team.
  7. Co-Presidents shall share decision making responsibilities and attend meetings of the C.A.R. Service Council and other OEA meetings and functions as necessary.

Section 3-4      Past President

  1. Will help mentor President/Co-Presidents throughout the Association year.
  2. Presides over Association meetings in the absence of the President/Co-Presidents/Vice President.
  3. Responsible for the swearing in of officers at the annual GEA banquet.
  4. Chair the FCPE Committee.
  5. Will oversee the composition and structure of all Association committees.
  6. Must have served at least one term as President/Co-President of the Association to be eligible to hold this office.

Section 3-5      Secretary

  1. Keep accurate minutes of all official meetings of the Association and handle all correspondence.
  2. Maintain official files of the Association.
  3. Notify Executive Committee members and bargaining unit members of upcoming Executive Committee meetings, general membership meetings, and any other events pertinent to the business of the Association.
  4. Send copies of the minutes to building representatives within one (1) week of the Executive Committee meetings.
  5. Perform other such duties as delegated by the President/Co-Presidents.

Section 3-6      Treasurer

  1. Hold funds of the Association and disburse them upon authorization of the Executive Committee.
  2. Maintain records and receipts of disbursements.
  3. Maintain membership rolls.
  4. Prepare financial reports for meetings of the Executive Committee and an annual financial statement to be distributed to the membership.
  5. Prepare for an independent audit as authorized by the Executive Committee.
  6. Shall be bonded.
  7. Chair the Budget Committee.

Section 3-7      Association Representative

  1. Report recommended policies and other actions of the Executive Committee to the members in his/her building or unit of representations (i.e., hold building meetings after each Executive Committee meeting and/or distribute Executive Committee meeting minutes/notes to members).
  2. Transmit proposals and recommendations from members in his/her building or unit of representation to the Executive Committee for consideration.
  3. Assist the Membership Committee in collection of dues.
  4. Assist the Elections Committee in collection of ballots.
  5. Attend all official meetings of the Association or provide an alternate in his/her absence.
  6. Act as consultant to the individual member who has a professional problem and seek needed assistance from the Association President/Co-Presidents.

Section 3-8      If any officer or committee member is unable to complete his/her term of office, the Executive Committee shall appoint a replacement, unless otherwise provided in this Constitution and Bylaws.

BYLAW 4—COMMITTEES

Section 4-1      There may be the following standing committees:

  • Negotiations Committee:  Assess membership concerns prior to bargaining, develop initial proposals of the Association, and provide additional advice and input upon the request of the bargaining team during active negotiations.  Negotiation team shall be comprised of members from the negotiation committee.
  • Negotiations Team:  has the authority to bargain in good faith, make proposals, counterproposals, make concessions, and make a tentative agreement on a contract with the representatives of the Board of Education.  Seven representatives will be on the committee appointed by the President/Co-Presidents.
  • Grievance:  maintenance of and membership advocacy in grievance procedure.
  • Communications:  membership newsletter, press releases, public relations, and GEA website.
  • Legislative:  candidate endorsement and campaigning, levy/bond campaigning, seek membership involvement in relevant local, state, and national political affairs.
  • Budget:  prepares budget giving estimates of income and expenditures for each fiscal year.
  • Membership:  maintains membership rolls, conducts and/or assists with membership drives, works in conjunction with the treasurer.
  • Sunshine:  send cards, flowers, etc., in the event of a serious illness or death of a family member.
  • FCPE:  will be responsible for conducting the Fund for Children and Public Education drive as well as applying for FCPE grants as necessary.
  • Health & Safety:  will meet on the building level to discuss health and safety concerns/issues.  One representative from each building along with the President/Co-Presidents will serve on the district level committee which meets quarterly.
  • Insurance:  will meet on the building level to discuss insurance concerns/issues.  One representative from each building along with the President/Co-Presidents will serve on the district level committee which meets quarterly.
  • Discipline:  study discipline practices and make recommendations regarding the development of a consistent discipline philosophy for the building.  Will meet in April of each year or at any other time as needed.  Three members from the High School, two members from Middle School, two members form Intermediate, two members from Primary School, appointed by the GEA President/Co-Presidents.
  • Labor Management:  address issues and interest which develop during the course of the day to day operations of the school district.  Will meet on a monthly basis.  Six GEA members appointed by GEA President/Co-Presidents.
  • Scholarship:  will be responsible for working closely with the treasurer to set scholarship guidelines and requirements.  Shall be in charge of any fundraising that takes place for the scholarship fund.
  • Banquet:  will work closely with the Treasurer and will be responsible for planning the annual GEA banquet within the constraints of the budgeted amount.  (See Committee Rotation)
  • Education Week:  will work closely with the Treasurer and will be responsible for planning activities surrounding NEA/OEA education week(s) within the constraints of the budgeted amount.  (See Committee Rotation)
  • Nominations:  recruit candidates for Association Offices/Executive Committee Members on a rotating basis.  (See Committee Rotation)
  • Elections:  one building representative from each building shall help the committee with preparation of ballots and with supervision of the election process by representatives from one building on a rotating basis.  (See Committee Rotation).

Committee Rotation

2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013
2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017
Primary Education Week Elections Nominations Banquet

Intermediate

Elections Nominations Banquet Education Week
Middle Nominations Banquet Education Week Elections
High Banquet Education Week Elections Nominations

 

Section 4-2      Necessary subcommittees may be appointed, as needed, by the committee chairperson.

BYLAW 5—BARGAINING AND CONTRACT RATIFICATION PROCEDURES

Section 5-1      The Association shall be represented in collective bargaining by an authorized team of Association Representatives appointed by the President/Co-Presidents and approved by the Executive Committee.

  1. If the President or Co-President is not an active member of the bargaining team, the President or one of the Co-Presidents will be an ex-officio member of the Association bargaining team
  2. Necessary subcommittees may be appointed, as needed, by the committee chairperson.
  3. The bargaining team shall have the authority to bargain in faith, make proposals, counterproposals, make concessions, and make a tentative agreement on a contract with representatives of the Board of Education.
  4. While negotiations are in progress, periodic reports to members may be made by the bargaining team.

Section 5-2      The Negotiations Committee shall:

  1. Be charged with the responsibility to assess membership concerns prior to bargaining.
  2. Develop initial proposals of the Association.
  3. Make reports and recommendations to the Executive Committee as requested by the President/Co-President.
  4. Provide additional input and advise upon request of the bargaining team during active negotiations.

Section 5-3      The Ohio Education Association represents the Association on all matters concerning the Association before the State Employment Relations Board (SERB).

Section 5-4      The OEA/NEA UniServ Consultant shall be a member of the bargaining team.

Section 5-5      Written copies of the tentative agreement summary should be given to the general membership prior to ratification.

Section 5-6      Conduct all ratifications of collective bargaining agreements in accordance with the guidelines for ratification of collective bargaining agreements and fact finder reports as set forth in the OEA Elections Manuel.

Section 5-7      A vote on a tentative agreement or on a fact-finding report shall be made  by written ballot.

  1. No absentee or proxy votes will be allowed on contract votes or fact-finding reports.
  2. The first vote on contract ratification or a fact-finding report will be to accept or reject the contract/report as presented.
  3. All ballots used in a vote regarding contract ratification or a fact-finding report will be sealed and retained by the Association for three (3) years.
  4. The President/Co-President will communicate required details of the ratification vote to the Board of Education’s designated representative.

Section 5-8     The designated representative for the Association is authorized to give  timely notice of intent to strike to the Board of Education and SERB, upon approval of the membership and in keeping with the provisions of the ORC 4117.15 (D) (2).

Section 5-9      Non-members of the Association are not eligible to vote on a fact-finding report or contract ratification.

Section 5-10    Memorandums of Understanding shall be handled as follows:

  1. Memorandums of Understanding shall be bargained by the President/Co-Presidents, and approved by the Executive Committee
  2. Memorandums shall be voted on by the Association membership with the exception of the following circumstances:
    1. Any memorandum affecting less than ten percent (10%) of the Association membership shall be agreed to or not agreed to by those members affected.
    2. Any memorandum affecting the Association membership of a specific building shall be agreed to or not agreed to by those members affected.

BYLAW 6—DUES

Section 6-1      The dues for the succeeding year shall be determined at the April meeting of the Executive Committee.

Section 6-2      Every member shall also pay the dues required by the district, state, and national association with which this local is affiliated.

Section 6-3      The Association shall annually enter into a Dues Transmittal Contract with the Ohio Education Association.

BYLAW 7—MEMBERSHIP YEAR

Section 7-1      The membership year of the Association shall be September 1 to August 31.

BYLAW 8—EXPULSION OF MEMBERS

Section 8-1      According to procedure adopted by the Association, the Executive Committee may censure, suspend from membership, or expel any member for one or more of the following reasons:

  1. Violation of the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession.
  2. Conviction of a felony.
  3. Actively engaging in, or actively supporting activities directed against the constitutional purposes of the Association to bring about changes in the Association by means other than those that are consistent with the Association’s Constitution.

Section 8-2      The Executive Committee may reinstate members previously suspended or expelled.

BYLAW 9—DUE PROCESS

Section 9-1      The Association guarantees that no member may be censured, suspended, or expelled without a due process hearing, which shall include the right to appeal the decision of the Executive Committee.

Section 9-2      A duly appointed subcommittee will conduct an investigation and make a written report to the Executive Committee.  Based upon the evidence presented, the Executive Committee shall make a decision.  A member shall be notified in written form at least ten (10) days in advance of a final decision that an investigation is being made.   A member shall have the opportunity to appear before the Executive Committee prior to final action to present evidence on his/her behalf, to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and to examine and refute all evidence considered by the Executive Committee.  He/she may be represented at the hearing by legal counsel.

BYLAW 10—AUTHORITY-PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Section 10-1    Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the authority governing all matters of procedure not otherwise provided in this constitution.

BYLAW 11—AMENDMENTS

Section 11-1    Amendments, alterations, additions, or deletions to these Bylaws shall be made by a majority vote of the total active membership of the Association.

Section 11-2    Changes shall be proposed upon the initiative of the Constitution Committee or upon presentation to the Executive Committee of a petition signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the current active membership.  All proposed changes have to be submitted in writing to all active members at least (10) days prior to action.

BYLAW 12—DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 12-1    A petition for dissolution of the Association may be presented in writing to a meeting of the general membership by any member in good standing and must contain the signatures of three-fourths (3/4) of the total membership of the Association.

Section 12-2    Upon receipt of the petition for dissolution by the total membership, the Association shall act upon the petition at the next general meeting.

Section 12-3    The Association shall be considered dissolved if three-fourths (3/4) of the total membership vote by secret ballot in favor of dissolution.

Section 12-4    The effective date of dissolution shall be thirty (30) days from the date of the vote, thus allowing for the disposal of assets and liabilities.

Section 12-5    In the event of dissolution of this Association, all assets of the organization remaining after payment of all obligations shall be distributed to the North Central Ohio Education Association provided that it is an entity recognized as exempt from federal taxation.  In the event the North Central Ohio Education Association is not then recognized as exempt, such assets shall pass to the Ohio Education Association, provided that it is recognized as exempt from federal taxation.

BYLAW 13—ENABLING PROVISION

Section 13-1    This Constitution and these Bylaws shall become effective March 26, 2010, following their adoption and shall remain in effect until amended according to the regulation herein provided.