Bylaws of Blue Oak Charter School
Article 1 - Offices
Section 1.1 The principal office of the Blue Oak Charter School (BOCS) for its transaction of business is located at the Blue Oak Charter School, 450 W. East Ave, Chico, County of Butte, State of California.
Section 1.2 The Blue Oak Charter Council (BOCC) is hereby granted full power and authority to change the principal office of the Blue Oak Charter School from one location to another within Butte County. Any such change shall be noted by the Secretary in these Bylaws, but shall not be considered an amendment of the Bylaws.
Article 2 - Purposes
Purposes, Mission and Vision
Section 2.1 The primary objectives and purposes of the organization are to operate a charter school with our focus in the direction of always acting in the best interest of the children.
Section 2.2 The Mission and Educational Program of the school shall provide direction and guiding principles for the BOCC, the Director and the Faculty and other staff, the Parents and the Children. The Mission and Educational Program are defined in the Blue Oak School Charter.
Changes to Mission and Educational Program
Section 2.3 Changes to the Mission and Educational Program during the period of the Charter can only be made if such changes are necessary to meet statutory requirements of the State of California, and do not substantively change the Mission and Educational Program. Such changes may be made only by unanimous vote of all BOCC members.
Section 2.4 Changes to the Mission and Educational Program at the time of Charter renewal may be appropriate but care should be taken that such changes be evolutionary and consistent with the intent of the original Mission and Education Program.
Article 3 - Governance
Operating Bodies
Section 3.1 The Operating Bodies of the School are the BOCC, BOCS staff and the Parent Council.
Section 3.2 The essential work of the school shall be performed by the Director, the Faculty, and the Parent Council. The BOCC shall have ultimate responsibility for the school and its operation.
Article 4 - Blue Oak Charter Council
Composition of the Council
Section 4.1 The BOCC shall have five members.
Section 4.2 All BOCC members shall be voting members.
Section 4.3 Members of the BOCC shall include two parent representatives and three members from the community at large.
Section 4.4 Members shall be elected as described in these Bylaws.
Terms of Office
Section 4.5 Each member shall hold office until their term expires and newly elected members are seated as described in these bylaws.
Section 4.6 The term of office for all members, shall be two years and shall begin on July 1st following the election process. The terms shall be staggered so that at least 2, but not more than 3 seats are elected each year. At the conclusion of their terms, elected members may stand for reelection.
Section 4.7 The parent representatives may be re-elected for not more than 2 consecutive terms. One of the two parent representatives will be appointed by majority of the BOCC as Parent Guild Representative and will report at both Parent Guild and BOCC meetings.
Section 4.8 Members elected to complete the terms of other members shall serve the remainder of that term. At the end of the term the member may stand for reelection.
Election and Appointment of Charter Council Members
Section 4.9 Election of BOCC members shall be held in May, beginning on the first Monday in May of each year, unless in cases where the incumbents have no one challenging their position. Should there be no other interested parties, the incumbents shall be automatically elected for a second term upon BOCC approval. All parents and community members are eligible to be elected to the Charter School Council. All parents, guardians or significant others responsible for a child enrolled in Blue Oak Charter School are eligible to be elected as a parent representatives, with the exception of those parents who are also employed by Blue Oak Charter School. Blue Oak Parents are not eligible to be a Community Members on the BOCC.
Section 4.10 Each BOCS community member is entitled to submit one ballot. Community members include each parent and/or legal guardian of children currently enrolled in BOCS (not to exceed a total of two ballots per family), each BOCS employee, and each BOCC member.
Section 4.11 The BOCS Election Committee shall be responsible for coordinating all elections. The Parent Council Chairperson will oversee the election committee. The Election Committee shall include one BOCC member whose term is not expiring, one BOCS teacher, and one parent. Each election shall: (a) be preceded by public announcements over a two week period prior to the election, (b) those interested shall submit a letter of interest and complete nominating documents, (c) have the nominating documents maintained in a public place for viewing by BOCS community members, (d) include a public forum for the community to meet candidates after the nominating period is closed and prior to the election, and (e) utilize an instant runoff voting system.
Section 4.12 Vacancies on the BOCC shall be filled by a special election held according to Section 4.10 and Section 4.11 of these Bylaws. The BOCC may appoint an interim member for a period not to exceed two months by a majority vote of current members.
Removal from Office
Section 4.13 BOCC members shall be removed from office prior to completion of their term for failure to attend four consecutive regular BOCC meetings.
Section 4.14 BOCC members may be recalled by a 3/5 vote of all current members of the Council or by the BOCS community through a petition signed by 60% of BOCS community members. The petition shall state which member or members shall stand for the recall election.
Section 4.15 A recall election shall be held within 30 days after the vote of the BOCC or the presentation of the petition to the BOCC. The recall election shall be held according to Section 4.10 and Section 4.11 of these Bylaws.
Section 4.16 BOCC members may resign by submitting a written resignation to the BOCC.
Election Process
Section 4.17 Director informs Parent Council of BOCC vacancies and invites Parent Council Chairperson to the March BOCC meeting during the February Parent Guild Meeting.
Section 4.18 At the regular March BOCC meeting the Parent Council Chairperson will be in attendance for reading and review of the CC Bylaws concerning Charter Council elections. If the Parent Council Chairperson is not in attendance, or at BOCC discretion, the BOCC may choose to appoint another person to be the election coordinator.
Section 4.19 At the regular April BOCC meeting the Parent Council Chairperson or Election Chairperson appointed by the BOCC will present their selections for the Election Committee (see Bylaws 4.11). and present the election schedule. The approval of the Election Committee selections will be an action item on the April BOCC agenda.
Section 4.20 Election Committee makeup and schedule will be posted by the Election Committee on school bulletin board and website on the day following the April BOCC meeting and will be included in the April BOCS newsletter. The schedule shall include a public forum for parents to meet the candidates no later than the third week of April.
Section 4.21 Office collects nomination application forms, and develops a ballot.
Section 4.22 A letter of intent and application shall accompany each nomination.
Section 4.23 The first Monday in May, ballots are distributed to each parent in the school by placing numbered ballots into each student’s folder not to exceed two ballots per family. The ballot shall list candidates and include a 50 word or less description about the intent of each candidate. The ballot box shall be placed in a supervised area by 8am each day and locked up by 3:30pm. On Friday of the same week, the ballot box shall be removed at 3:15 pm. And the ballots shall be counted by two or more Election Committee Members selected by the Parent Council chairperson and the Director. Election results are posted the following school day to school bulletin boards and BOCS website, however results are not considered final until they are approved by the BOCC at the regular June meeting.
Section 4.24 At the regular BOCC June meeting the Election Chairperson will present the results of the BOCC election. The results must be approved by a majority vote of the BOCC.
Section 4.25 While the intent of the BOCC is to follow these bylaws in regards to elections, the BOCC does reserve the right to take action when or if any irregularities, anomalies, or violations of these bylaws occur. Such irregularities, anomalies, or violations may be waived by a unanimous vote of BOCC.
Board Chairperson
Section 4.26 The Board Chairperson shall be elected by the Council during its first regular meeting following the seating of newly elected members by a majority vote of current members. If the chair is absent the board will select an alternate chairperson.
Duties
Section 4.27 The BOCC shall have ultimate responsibility for the operation and activities of the Blue Oak Charter School.
Section 4.28 Council members will receive input from, and opinions of, the teachers and parents regarding issues of significance and to weigh the input and opinions carefully before taking action.
Section 4.29 The primary method for executing their responsibility is the adoption of policies that offer guidance and interpretation of these bylaws, and the Mission and Educational Program of the school.
Section 4.30 The BOCC shall supervise and evaluate the Director.
Section 4.31 Committees may be created by the BOCC as necessary and appropriate. At least one BOCC member shall serve as a liaison of each such BOCC committee.
Section 4.32 The BOCC committees shall report directly to the BOCC. The BOCC shall determine the level of involvement he or she will have with these committees, but at a minimum, the Director shall be informed of meeting schedules and agendas, and shall receive meeting minutes and reports that may be developed by the committees.
BOCC Meetings
Section 4.33 Regular meetings of the BOCC shall be held at a time and place to be determined each year by the Council. A minimum of one regular meeting shall be held per month during the school year. The agenda for each regular meeting shall be posted prior to the meeting, the meeting shall be open to the public, and all business except personnel matters and other confidential issues provided for by law, shall be conducted openly and publicly
Section 4.34 Special meetings of the BOCC may be called provided adequate notice is given to all BOCC members, and the legal requirements for public notice and agenda posting are met.
Section 4.35 A quorum shall consist of a majority of the current BOCC members, not to exceed parent majority. No business shall be considered at any regular or special meeting at which a quorum is not present.
Section 4.36 Meetings of the BOCC shall be presided over by the Chairperson, or in his or her absence, the Alternate Chairperson or, in the absence of each of these persons, by a Chairperson chosen by a majority of the BOCC members present at the meeting. The Secretary of the BOCC shall act as secretary of all meetings of the BOCC, provided that, in his or her absence, the presiding officer shall appoint another person to act as Secretary of the meeting.
Section 4.37 Meetings shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, as such rules may be revised from time to time, insofar as such rules are not inconsistent with or in conflict with these Bylaws or with any applicable provision of law. The meeting Chair may choose to suspend Robert's Rules of order to allow a greater range of discussion among those present at a meeting, however, such suspension will not apply to motions or other actions necessary to conduct business.
Article 5 – Director
Description
Section 5.1 The Director shall serve as the primary administrator of the School. The Director shall coordinate the activity of the various operating bodies of the school.
Section 5.2 The Director reports directly to the BOCC. The BOCC shall, at least once a year, receive a written self-evaluation from the Director.
Duties
Section 5.3 The Director shall provide assistance and coordination to the Faculty in the development of methods in delivering the curriculum as further described in Section 6.4
Section 5.4 The Director shall supervise, either directly or through subordinates, all employees of the School. The Director will follow BOCC approved guidelines to conduct hiring as necessary. The Director and the Hiring Committee shall make their selection and present written recommendations to the BOCC for final approval.
Section 5.5 The Director is responsible for providing timely evaluation of all School employees. Should employee termination be necessary, the Director shall insure that Council established policies and procedures are carefully followed.
Section 5.6 The Director shall propose, with the assistance of the various committees and the Faculty, policies for discussion and adoption by the BOCC. Policies should be necessary and appropriate to apply the BOCS Charter to the everyday functioning of the school.
Section 5.7 The Director shall establish procedures designed to carry out the policies adopted by the BOCC.
Section 5.8 The Director appointed committees shall report to the Director. The Director may from time to time request that the Parent Guild committees report their activities to the BOCC. The Director shall be informed by the parent liaison of meeting schedules and agendas, and shall receive meeting minutes and reports that may be developed by the Parent Guild committees.
Section 5.9 The Director shall establish a Communication Model to facilitate communication among all the groups within the School, between the School and BCOE, and between the School and the community at large.
Article 6 - Faculty
Description
Section 6.1 The Faculty, as provider of the day to day teaching and guidance to the children, is the primary resource of the school.
Section 6.2 The Faculty consists of the class teachers.
Section 6.3 All Faculty, mentors, specialty teachers and aides report to the Director. The Director shall provide ongoing feedback during the course of the year to foster continuous improvement along with periodic evaluations as appropriate.
Duties
Section 6.4 The Faculty, working together with the Director, is responsible for the delivery of the curriculum. The Director and Faculty will work together to insure that the delivery of the curriculum reflects the Mission and Educational Program of the school.
Section 6.5 The Faculty shall, over time, develop a body of knowledge and expertise in the methods of teaching and instruction consistent with the Mission and Education Program of the school and shall share that body of knowledge with new Faculty members.
Section 6.6 The Faculty, mentors, specialty teachers and aides shall offer assistance and guidance to the parents in the creation and development of various special activities of the school.
Article 7 - Parent Guild, Parent Council & Committees
Sections 7.1 All parents shall be members of the Parent Guild that shall present a forum for facilitating communication among parents and participation in school operations.
Section 7.2 The Parent Council is the facilitating body of the Parent Guild. The Parent Council shall consist of a parent representative from each class. Parent Representatives are chosen for a one year term by appointment of the lead teacher of the class in which their child is enrolled. The Parent Council may appoint up to three additional members by majority vote of the parent representatives. The Parent Council shall vote for a Chair, who shall conduct Parent Council meetings and coordinate activities with the Director. The Council shall also appoint a Secretary who will record minutes, an Assistant Parent Council Chair and Treasurer by majority vote.
Section 7.3 Parent Council meetings shall be held on a monthly basis throughout the year. An agenda must be posted to the main school bulletin board and sent or given to all Parent Representatives at least 24 hours prior to the time of the meeting. A Charter Council representative, an administrative representative, a Faculty liaison, and the appointed Committee Chairs as appropriate shall attend the meetings.
Section 7.4 Committees may be created by the Director and/or Parent Council upon Director approval. The Committees are a means by which parents contribute time and skills toward the betterment of the children and the school. They also are a structure within which parents fulfill their volunteers' obligation. The Director shall maintain a list of active Parent Council Committees.
Section 7.5 The Committee Chairs shall submit Committee activities to the Director for approval and also report to the Parent Council. By their nature, the Committees will work with various bodies within the school, providing support activities as appropriate.
Section 7.6 All Parent Council decisions shall be made by majority vote with a quorum present. Meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 7.7 Requests for Funds: Either a Parent Representative or School Administration may make requests for funds. Funding requests must be made in writing to the Parent Council Chair. The Parent Council Chair ensures that funding request be added to the next agenda. Funding requests are presented to Parent Council. Parent Council votes on funding request.
Section 7.8 Parent Representatives will attend all class meetings and will present a Parent Council report at such meetings and answer parent questions.
Section 7.9 Parent representatives and Parent Council appointees shall be removed from their position prior to completion of their term for failure to attend three consecutive regular Parent Council Meetings.
Article 8 - Amendment of Bylaws
Section 8.1 Proposals to amend these bylaws may be made by members of the BOCS community.
Section 8.2 Amendments proposed under Section 8.1 shall have at least two readings at regularly scheduled BOCC meetings. Following such readings and public discussion, at least a majority of all members of the Council must vote in favor for the amendment to be adopted.
Last revised and adopted October 6, 2009