GTAB ByLaws
Article I - Name
This organization shall be a non-profit organization and shall be called the GIFTED AND TALENTED ACADEMY BOOSTER Club, (herein referred to as “GTAB” or as the “Association”).
Article II - Mission and Purpose
Section 2.1 - mission
The mission of the Gifted and Talented Academy Booster (GTAB) Club is to support and enhance the educational experience of students in the GTA.
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We will accomplish our mission by providing financial resources, volunteer support, and community engagement. We are committed to fostering a positive school culture, promoting academics, and creating opportunities for students to thrive in all areas of their education.
section 2.2 - PURPOSE
GTAB is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization’s primary purpose is to provide resources, including financial, volunteer, and community support, for programs and activities that enrich the educational experience of students enrolled in the Pearland ISD Gifted
& Talented Academy (“GT Academy”). These programs and enrichment opportunities promote high-level academics, creative and critical thinking, and meaningful engagement in learning for gifted students.
Article III - Membership
Section 3.1 - Membership Eligibility
Membership in this non-profit organization is open to all individuals who are interested in the purposes of the GTAB, as set forth in Article II, and who have paid the current year’s dues. For the remainder of this document, “Membership” refers to the collective body of members.
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Section 3.2 - Membership Duration
The duration of membership shall be one GTAB year, beginning on July 1st and ending on June 30th. Members shall be required to renew their membership annually in accordance with this cycle.
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Section 3.3 - Membership Voting​
For purposes of voting at regular meetings, each member shall have one (1) vote, so long as their membership is in good standing. Members must be present physically or virtually in order to cast a vote. GTAB does not allow votes by proxy. Membership will vote on elected officers, dues increases, and the budget for the upcoming GTAB year after it has been set by the Budgeting Committee.
Article IV - Dues
Section 4.1 – Annual Membership Dues
The amount of annual membership dues shall be determined by the Executive Board.
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Section 4.2 – Approval of Dues Changes
Any proposed change to the dues must be approved by a majority vote of the Executive Board before being presented to the membership for approval at a Membership meeting. The change must be approved by a simple majority of the Membership, with the change taking effect at the beginning of the next GTAB year.
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Section 4.3 – Non-Approval of Dues Changes
In the event that the proposed dues change is not approved by the membership, the dues for the following year will remain the same.
Article V - Officers
Section 1.1 - Number.
The officers of the GTAB shall be: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, and Communications Officer.
Section 1.2 - Term.
The term of office shall be one (1) GTAB Year, beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the following calendar year.
Section 1.3 - Limitations.
No officer shall serve in the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms. No individual may hold two (2) elected offices simultaneously. Exception - Unfilled Vacancy. If, after reasonable efforts, a vacancy in that office cannot be filled due to the inability to secure a qualified candidate, the Executive Board may recommend a one-time, one-year extension allowing the incumbent officer to serve a third (3rd) consecutive term in the same office. Such a recommendation requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the filled Executive Board positions at a duly called meeting where a quorum is established. The Executive Board’s recommendation must be provided to the membership in writing prior to the membership vote. The extension is effective only upon ratification by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members attending a general membership meeting for which notice of the proposed extension has been provided in advance. Any extension approved under this provision shall be limited to one (1) additional year, shall apply only to the specific office and circumstances described, and shall not establish precedent for future extensions.
Section 1.4 - Officer Removal and Resignations
An officer may be removed from office for failure to fulfill their duties, misconduct, or actions contrary to the mission and values of GTAB, upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the current Executive Board. Officers may resign at any time by submitting a written resignation to the President or Secretary.
Section 1.5- Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice President shall automatically assume the office of President for the remainder of the unexpired term. Vacancies in all other elected offices shall be filled by a majority vote of the Executive Board. The appointment must then be presented to the membership for ratification at the next general membership meeting. Service for any portion of a term resulting from a vacancy shall be considered a partial term and shall not be counted as a full term for term-limit purposes.
Section 1.6 - Records
Each officer shall be responsible for maintaining records of that office and shall convey these records to the successor, written or electronic. Electronic records shall be kept in an electronic database that all officers can access. Upon completion of their term, each
officer shall ensure that all records are properly transferred to their successor.
Section 1.7 – Student Relationship.
It is required that each Executive Board Member is a parent or legal guardian of one or more student(s) currently attending the GT Academy in Pearland Independent School District.
Article VI - Duties Of Offices
Section 1.1 - President
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Preside as chairperson of all membership meetings and Executive Board meetings;
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Be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee;
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Act at the official representative of GTAB as required or requested and may delegate any willing member to represent GTAB.
section 1.2 - vice president
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Assume the duties of the President in the absence or at the request of the President;
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Take minutes of GTAB meetings when the Secretary is not present;
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Responsible for all procurement that occurs in GTAB in accordance with the budget.
section 1.3 - Secretary
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Keep accurate minutes of all membership meetings and Executive Board meetings, including all results of votes, resolutions, and dissent;
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Ensure all agendas and minutes from meetings are delivered in a timely manner to the Communications Officer to disseminate.
Section 1.4 - treasurer
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Receive and deposit all monies of GTAB;
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Disburse such sums as approved by the Executive Board of the membership;
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Keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures;
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Present a brief financial statement at every regular Executive Board meeting and at every regular meeting of the membership; ensure the financial statements are delivered to the Communications Officer in a timely manner to disseminate ahead of meetings;
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Submit financial records for review within thirty (30) days of the end of the GTAB year, June 30.
section 1.5 - communications officer
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Provide chain of communication to all members and school officials;
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Chair Communications Committee to edit, publish, and provide a newsletter, fliers, and other media directed by the Executive board;
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Responsible for disseminating all the pertinent information and documentation to Executive Board Members and Membership as relating to all meetings.
Article VII - Executive Board
Section 1.1 - Membership and Authority.
The Executive Board shall consist of the five (5) elected officers, and all chairs of the standing committees. The Executive Board shall have the authority to transact the business of GTAB between meetings of the membership.
The voting members of the Executive Board shall be the (5) elected officers and the chairs of the standing committees.
Section 1.2 - Meetings/Quorum.
Meetings of the Executive Board shall be held as needed. The date of such meetings
shall be set by the President or by a majority of the voting members of the Executive
Board.
Meetings of the Executive Board may be held in person, by means of remote
communications technology, or by a combination of both (“hybrid”), as permitted by
Texas law. A voting member of the Executive Board participating in a meeting by
means of remote communications technology shall be deemed present at the meeting
for purposes of quorum and voting, provided the communications system used
permits the member to hear the deliberations and, when recognized, to be heard by
others at the meeting.
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the filled voting Executive Board positions.
Section 1.3 - Special Meetings.
Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President or by written or electronic notice to the President by three (3) voting members of the Executive Board.
Section 1.4 - Immediate Past President.
The Executive Board may invite the Immediate Past President, if available, to be a non-voting and advisory member of the Executive Board. A 2/3 majority vote of the Executive Board is required. The Immediate Past President does not have the authority, duties, liabilities of a governing person of the GTAB. The Immediate Past President is exempt from Article V Section 1.7.
Article VIII - Elections
Section 1.1 - Eligibility.
Only members in good standing, who pass a PISD background check and are the legal guardian of a current GTA student may be nominated for office in the GTAB. Nominations background checks must be verified by Pearland Independent School District.
Section 1.2 - Nominating Committee.
At a general membership meeting at least two months prior to the election meeting to be designated by the executive board, a nominating committee consisting of three (3) committee members plus one alternate shall be constituted. These individuals shall be elected by the membership, need not be Board Members, and must be Members in good standing. No individual shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms on the Nominating Committee. The President shall not serve on this committee and no person automatically serves as a committee member or alternate because of their position or title. The nominating committee shall select its own chairperson immediately following the meeting, and shall present a written slate of nominees for the five (5) elected offices. The slate shall be posted publicly fourteen (14) days prior to the election meeting. Only Nominating Committee members may be present at a Nominating Committee meeting where nomination decisions are made. All discussions shall be kept strictly confidential until the committee report is released according to the established procedures.
Section 1.3 - Voting.
Election shall be by ballot at the April membership meeting at which the slate of officers is presented; at which time additional nominees may be nominated from the floor providing consent of the nominee has been obtained at that time and they meet the eligibility requirements. The candidates receiving a simple majority (50% plus 1 vote) of the votes cast shall be declared elected.
Section 1.4 - Term.
Officers shall be elected to serve for one (1) GTAB year.
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Article IX - Standing Committees
Section 1.1 - Establishment and Purpose.
The Executive Board shall establish standing and special committees as needed to carry out the work of the Gifted and Talented Academy Booster Club (GTAB). Committees exist to support the mission of GTAB. Committee chairpersons shall be appointed by the elected officers. Each committee chair may appoint additional members as needed to complete the committee's work.
Section 1.2 - Review, Authority, and Oversight.
All committee actions will be subject to review by the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall review committee plans, budgets, and actions prior to implementation when such activities involve the use of GTAB resources or representation of the organization.
Committee chairs shall provide regular updates to the Executive Board. Each committee shall maintain a record of its activities, contacts, and recommendations for future reference. Such documentation shall be stored according to procedures outlined in the Standing Rules.
Section 1.3 - Standing Committees.
The current list of active standing committees, along with their specific responsibilities, event assignments, and reporting expectations, shall be maintained in the GTAB Standing Rules. The Standing Rules may be updated as needed by majority vote of the Executive Board without requiring amendment of these Bylaws.
Article X - Meetings
Section 1.1 - Membership Meetings/Quorum.
Membership meetings shall be held at places and times designated by the Executive Board. At least one (1) Membership meeting shall be held each GTAB year. Notice of the date, time, and place of each Membership meeting, and if applicable the means of remote access, shall be given to the members entitled to vote not fewer that ten (10) days and not more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting. Quorum for Membership meetings is a majority of the filled Executive Board positions plus one (1) additional member in good standing.
Section 1.2 - Special Meetings.
Special meetings may be called by the President or the Executive Board. Notice of a special meeting shall state the date, time, place, and if applicable, the means of remote access, and shall also state the purpose(s) for which the meeting is called. Only the business stated in the notice may be transacted at a special meeting. Notice must be given providing three (3) calendar days' notice to the members.
Section 1.3 - Open Meetings.
All meetings and programs will be open to the public unless otherwise specified by the Executive Board; however, voting is limited to the paid membership in good standing. Membership meetings may be held in person, by means of remote communications technology, or by a combination of both ("hybrid"), as permitted by Texas law. A member participating in a meeting by means of remote communications technology shall be deemed present at the meeting for purposes of quorum and voting, provided the communications system used permits the member to hear the proceedings and, when recognized, to be heard by the other participants. Meetings are recorded.
Section 1.4 - Memberships.
For purposes of voting at regular meetings, each family membership shall have one (1) vote each, so long as their membership is in good standing.
Section 1.5 - Action of the Membership.
Unless otherwise provided by these Bylaws or required by law, the act of a simple majority of the members present and voting at a meeting at which quorum is established shall be the act of the Membership.
Section 1.6 - Absence of Quorum.
If a quorum is not present at a Membership meeting, no business requiring a vote may be conducted. Reports, discussion, and announcements may still be presented for informational purposes.
​Article XI - Financial Administration
Article XII - Amendments
Section 1.1 - Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of GTAB shall coincide with the GTAB Year established in these Bylaws and shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30.
Section 1.2 - Budget.
A proposed annual budget shall be prepared for each fiscal year. the Treasurer shall chair the Budget Committee, which shall prepare and recommend the proposed budget to the Executive Board. The budget shall be approved by simple majority vote of the filled Executive Board positions (50% plus 1). Upon approval by the Executive Board, the proposed budget shall be presented to the Membership of approval at a Membership meeting. Unless otherwise provided by these Bylaws or required by law, the act of a simple majority of the members present and voting at at meeting at which quorum is established shall be the act of the Membership.
The adopted budget may be amended during the fiscal year. Any proposed budget amendment shall first be presented to the executive Board for review and approval. Any budget amendment that increases the total approved budget or materially changes the purpose of funds previously approved by the Membership shall also be presented to the Membership for approval at a Membership meeting. Any other budget amendment approved by the Executive Board shall be reported to the Membership at the next regular Membership meeting.
Section 1.3 - Financial Reports.
The Treasurer shall present a financial report at each regular Executive Board meeting and at each regular meeting of the Membership.
Section 1. - Deposits and Disbursements.
All funds of GTAB shall be deposited promptly in financial institutions or accounts approved by the Executive Board and held in the name of GTAB. Disbursements shall be made only for purposes authorized by the approved budget, these Bylaws, the Standing Rules, or specific action of the Executive Board.
Section 1.5 - Authorized Signers and Check Controls.
The authorized signers on GTAB bank accounts shall be the President, Vice President, and Treasurer. All checks shall require two authorized signatures. No signer shall sign a check payable to that signer. All signers on the GTAB accounts shall have a debit card that is linked to the online access to the accounts. Purchases made via the debit card should be communicated to the Treasurer in written form.
Section 1.6 - Required Financial Reviews.
GTAB shall maintain the financial review controls required for its bond coverage. At the close of each fiscal year, the books and records of GTAB shall be reviewed by a Review Committee or a qualified accountant. No person serving on the Review Committee shall be an authorized signer on any GTAB bank account or have primary responsibility for maintaining the books and records under review. In addition, each monthly bank statement for every GTAB bank account shall be reviewed by a person who is not authorized to sign checks on that account. The reviewer shall evidence completion of the review by initialing and dating the statement,
whether maintained in paper or electronic form.
As required by GTAB’s insurer: COVERAGE IS VOID IF THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE
NOT FOLLOWED.
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Section 1.1 By-Laws.
The GTAB Charter and/or these Bylaws can be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the filled Executive Board positions for presentation in writing to the general membership prior to the vote, and then by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members attending the said meeting where by-laws modifications is on the agenda.
Section 1. 2 Standing Rules:
Standing Rules and amendments to existing Standing Rules may be adopted at any Executive Board meeting with a 2/3 majority vote in the affirmative. Standing Rules shall be reviewed by the Executive Board and amended yearly or more frequently as deemed necessary.
Article XIII - Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by Texas law, GTAB shall indemnify its Executive Board against reasonable expenses and liabilities incurred while acting in good faith on behalf of GTAB. GTAB is responsible for maintaining up to date insurance coverage including general liability and directors/officer coverage.
Article XIV - Affiliations
GTAB may affiliate with other organizations having purposes consistent with those of GTAB, upon recommendation of the Executive Board and approval of the membership. Any such affiliation must comply with GTAB's governing documents and applicable law.
Article XV - Dissolution
Upon dissolution of GTAB, and after payment of or provision for all liabilities of GTAB, the remaining assets shall be distributed to Pearland Independent school District for the public purpose of supporting the Gifted and Talented Academy program. If such distribution cannot then be made, the remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations qualifying under the Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and having purposes consistent with those of GTAB.
Article XVI - Words you need to know/definitions
GTAB year: July 1 - June 30