Groton Dunstable Educators' Association BylawsDate of Revision: May 2017 Article I Name of Association

The name of the association shall be the Groton-Dunstable Educators Association hereinafter referred to the Association" or "the GDEA".

Article II Objectives

We the members of this Association in order to fulfill our responsibilities to society and to our profession hereby adopt the following:

Section 1. General Objectives

A. To maintain and improve the quality of education for all. B. To uphold high professional standards and to advance the socio-economic well being of educators.

Section 2.Specific Objectives

The Representative Assembly (hereinafter referred to as "the RA') is authorized and directed to establish specific objectives within the framework of the general objectives in Section 1 above. These specific objectives shall be reviewed annually, revised if necessary, and published.

Article III Membership Section 1. Membership in the Association shall be classified as Active, Retired or Honorary and shall be available to those

who pay the prescribed dues. A. Active Members are those who are engaged in work of a professional nature in the field of Education; and who, as

new applicants for membership after August 31, 1992 hold a baccalaureate degree or higher and a certificate of eligibility to the same from a proper Certifying authority, where required or are qualified and approved as teachers by the Division of Occupational Education in the Massachusetts Department of Education; or other employees of the school committee but limited to: Instructional Aides, School Nurses, Secretaries, and Clerks (Instructional), Secretaries and Clerks (Office).

The Groton-Dunstable Educators' Association shall continue active membership to those members laid off due to a reduction in force with reduction in dues of fifty (50) per cent. Such eligibility for active membership shall continue as long as such persons are eligible to be recalled or for three (3) years, whichever is longer.

B. Honorary Membership may be conferred by a two-thirds vote of the RA or a general meeting of the membership.

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Section 2. Active membership shall be continuous until the member leaves, resigns from the Association, or fails to pay membership dues.

Active members choosing the cash method of dues payment must complete full payment of dues by November 15 of the current membership year.

Section 3. Adherence to the Code of Ethics (posted annually) of the Education Profession shall be a condition of continuing membership. According to procedures adopted by the membership, the RA may suspend from membership or expel any member who has been found in Violation of the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession.

Section 4. Only active members as defined in Section I of this Article III shall have the privilege of voting and holding office in the Association.

Section 5. A. The membership year for the GDEA shall be from September 1 through August 31. A member joining

the MTA & NEA through the Groton-Dunstable Association may elect to be a continuing member. Membership shall then be continued from year to year until death, retirement, or the member cancels the election with a 60-day notice in writing. The current membership lists will be updated by December 31 of each year.

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B. The Association shall submit annually to the Massachusetts Teachers' Association, prior to July 1, a list of its officers and addresses, as well as a copy of the bylaws with any changes or amendments made in the previous year

. C.The Massachusetts Teachers' Association has set an April 1st cut-off date for membership renewals and new membership enrollment, effective with the 1977-78 year. Any renewals or new member enrollments received after April 1 will be placed on a complimentary mailing list and their requests for membership will be held to be processed for the next coming year.

Section 6. Any member upon retirement shall become a Retired member of the GDEA for life. Retired members shall not be required to pay local dues.

Section 7. A person who has not been a past member of the Association shall acquire the rights and privileges of Active

Membership:

A. upon receipt of his /her signed membership form, requesting the payroll method of payment of dues.

B. upon receipt of his /her signed membership form and complete payment of dues, if the cash payment method of dues is elected.

Section 8. Dues:

A. Payment of the MTA & NEA and Local dues must be accomplished by one of the following three options:

The quoted statements below are from the MTA membership application. Note that a sixty (60) day notice is required for non-membership for the following year - membership and dues responsibility is for a full year. Should a person leave the system before the end of the year the remaining dues owed shall be deducted from their last paycheck. 1. Payroll Deduction

"I hereby authorize the Groton-Dunstable Regional School Committee and the treasurer of said municipality to deduct each year the current dues of my local, county, state and national teachers associations notwithstanding any increases or decreases in such dues in future years.

I understand that the specific amount of the current dues of the association shall be certified to the Committee by my local association treasurer each year.

The deductions shall be made in accordance with the agreement between the Teachers Association and the Groton-Dunstable Regional School Committee as it may be amended or renewed from time to time, including any successor agreement and in the absence of any such agreement such deductions shall be made pursuant to C 180 S. 17C as most recently amended.

I understand that 1 must give at least sixty (60) days notice to the Committee to withdraw this authorization for a subsequent school year. I further understand that by acceptance of MTA membership I am obliged to pay the full annual dues for each year as determined by MTA bylaws."

2. Continuing Cash

"I hereby authorize the treasurer of the local association to bill me annually for the current dues of my local, county, state and national teachers associations notwithstanding any increases or decreases in such dues in future years. I understand that the specific amount of the association shall be certified to the Committee by my local association treasurer each year.

If for any reason the total current dues are not paid by December thirty-first 1 hereby authorize the Groton Dunstable Treasurer and/or Groton-Dunstable Regional School Committee to deduct from my salary the current dues in ten (10) equal payments as provided in Article IX Section 4 of the bylaws of the MTA. The authorization shall be made in accordance with the agreement between

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the Teachers Association and the Groton-Dunstable Regional School Committee as it may be amended or renewed from time to time, including any successor agreements and in the absence of any such agreement such deductions shall be made pursuant to C 180 S. 17C as most recently amended.

I understand that I must give at least sixty (60) days notice to the Committee to withdraw this authorization for a subsequent school year. I further understand that by acceptance of MTA membership I am obliged to pay the full annual dues for each year as determined by MTA bylaws."

3. Cash Membership is one year at a time. If dues are not paid to the local Treasurer by the date set by the Treasurer in order to meet the MTA deadline, the person is automatically dropped from the membership list and must reapply for membership according to the established procedure for new members.

B. Dues Assessment for the following year shall be established by the Association at the Spring General

Meeting and noted on the Compensation Schedule.

C. If no quorum is present, the RA will set the dues. Article IV Affiliation Section 1. No person shall be admitted to or be continued as an active member in the Association who is not also

a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the National Education Association. Section 2. Every local association shall submit annually to the Massachusetts Teachers Association (prior to July I): A. A list of its officers and their addresses.

B. The names and addresses of all members on an official enrollment form furnished by the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

C. A statement setting forth all amendments or changes in its Bylaws during the preceding year.

Article V Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Association shall be the President, the Vice President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, and the Contract Managers.

Section 2. No one person may hold more than one office at any one time.

Section 3. Powers and duties of the officers

A..The President

1. Shall serve a term of three (3) years starting with 2018 elections and may then run for any office.(effective July 2018) (see Section 4 of this article.)

2. Shall call and preside at meetings of the RA, general membership, and Executive Board. 3. Shall appoint or remove the chairpersons, members of standing committees, and a Parliamentarian upon

advice and approval of the RA. 4. Shall be the Executive Officer of the Association. 5. Shall perform all other functions usually charged to this office.

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6. Shall, whenever possible, appoint to each committee a member of the RA to serve as a Liaison member. 7. Shall fill, with the approval of the RA until the next election, vacancies which occur. 8. Will ensure, in conjunction with the RA, that all officers and committee chairs will fulfill their obligations.

(See Article 6, Section 2F) 9. Shall be a member of the RA the following year.

10. Shall countersign all disbursements over $200.00. (See Article 5, Section 3, D3)

11. Shall have the authority to issue checks if the Treasurer is unable to do so.

B. The Vice President

1. Will become President at the end of one (1) year or when the presidency becomes vacant. 2. Must receive training by the state or national affiliate in the role and responsibilities of the President, for

example shall attend the New Presidents Academy at Williamstown.

3. Shall serve as the Vice President of the Association and shall perform the functions usually ascribed to that office.

4. Shall maintain official files and shall assist the President of the Association with the Association

correspondence. 5. Shall provide a copy of the Bylaws to new members. 6. The Vice President shall assume all duties, functions, and powers of the president in his/her absence, upon

his/her request or upon his/her resignation.

7. Shall serve a term of three (3) years starting with 2018 elections.

C. The Secretary:

1. Shall record those in attendance and those absent at each meeting, shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings of the RA, Executive Board, and the general membership meetings, and if any voting takes place, record the results of said vote.

2. The Secretary's detailed original notes containing names shall be placed on file.

3. The Secretary shall make meeting notes available to the general membership by posting approved minutes to the member website.

D. The Treasurer:

1. Shall receive a list of the members from the Assistant Treasurer, chairman of the Membership Committee. (See Article 13, Section 5, E2)

2. Shall bill the membership for all annual dues and transmit amounts due to the Massachusetts Teachers

Association and the National Education Association. Dues payments shall be made in accordance with an agreed upon schedule and shall be completed not later than sixty days in arrears of the final date in said plan.

If the Association fails to complete payments in accordance with the previously agreed upon schedule it shall be assessed an interest charge on the unpaid balance. Such interest shall be determined by the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

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3. Shall hold the funds of the Association and disburse them promptly in accordance with budgeted authorization.

Vouchers for all reimbursements must be approved by the RA and signed by the President. Vouchers must be retained and properly filed for auditing purposes. All disbursements, other than dues payments, over $200.00 shall be counter signed by the President of the Association.

4. Shall keep the President and the RA informed of the financial condition of the Association and assist the RA in

the drafting of the annual budget. (See Article 6, Section 2D)

5. Shall report in writing monthly to the RA and to each meeting of the general membership The Secretary shall place these reports on file.

6. Shall prepare annually a complete financial statement for publication to members as directed by the RA and to

be place on file by the Secretary. 7. Shall be bonded.

E. Membership and Elections Secretary

1. Shall serve as chairman of the Membership Committee and maintain a current membership list. (See Article 14, Section 5, E2)

2. Shall be responsible for running any and all elections necessary. 3. Shall NOT be responsible for savings and checking accounts. 4. Shall NOT write checks or pay bills.

F. Contract Managers:

One Contract Manager shall be elected to represent each unit of the GDEA, except that a Unit A shall have three (3), one serving the Elementary teachers (Preschool through Grade 4), one serving the Middles School teachers (Grades 5 through 8), and one serving the High School teachers (grades 9 through 12). If there is no representative voted from a unit, that unit shall immediately select one of the other elected Contract Managers to serve in that capacity. That person shall be entitled to the pay that would normally be given for that position. (See Article 13, Section 5, Subsection A 2)

1. Contract managers shall have served on the RA for at least one year prior to assuming the duties of contract managers.

2. They shall have attended MTA contract maintenance training, such as the Contract Manager's College at Williamstown, prior to assuming the duties of a contract manager

3. They shall read and keep all current contracts negotiated by the Groton-Dunstable Educators' Association and

abide by said contracts in exercising their duties. 4. Contract managers shall make themselves available to those covered under the appropriate contracts

negotiated by the GDEA. 5. They shall keep accurate written records of all meetings and grievances that originate at their level

(elementary, middle, and secondary) including final disposition of each grievance and shall pass these on to their successor.

6. They shall prepare a report for each RA meeting and periodically communicate directly to the membership. 7. Contract managers may attend level I grievance meetings if invited by the grievant and shall attend all level II

meetings, level III meetings and arbitrations, pursuant to Article 5 and 6 of the existing contract.

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8. They shall yearly provide a list of grievance issues, which should be considered during the next contract

negotiations. 9. They shall serve on the appropriate unit negotiating team. 10. The Contract Manager (s) of the unit from which the grievance originates shall serve on the Grievance

Committee along with the President and any member of the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee who has been working on the grievance.

11. Contract Managers shall be compensated for each session above level II according to the agreed upon

schedule. 12. The Association shall provide a separate locked file cabinet for contract maintenance issues in order to

provide confidentiality. This cabinet should be kept with the President. Each Contract Manager shall have a separate drawer.

Section 4. Terms, Succession and Compensation

A. 1. The President may run for re-election.2. Should the Presidency become vacant between elections, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the

President and a general election shall be held to elect a new Vice President to finish the term. This election shall be held within thirty (30) days of vacancy.

B 1. The Secretary and Treasurer shall serve for one (1) year and may be re-elected.

2. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Secretary that vacancy shall be filled by an appointment of the President with the approval of the RA until the annual election.

3. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer shall fill the vacancy until the annual election at which time she/he may run for Treasurer. Should the Assistant Treasurer be unable or unwilling to fill the vacated office, the president shall appoint an interim Treasurer with the approval of the RA until the annual election.

C 1. The Contract Managers shall serve for three (3) years, starting with 2018 elections, and may be re-elected. (effective July 2018)

2. In the event of a vacancy in a Contract-Manager position, the President shall call for an election, should there be more than one qualified candidate, or appoint, with the approval of the RA, a person to fill the remainder of the term. This election shall take place within the group which the Contract Manager represents.

D. 1. Compensation of the officers of the Association and members of the Negotiating Team shall be according to

the schedule agreed upon annually by the general membership at the Spring General Meeting, if no quorum is present the schedule will be set by the RA. An officer who serves for part of a year shall receive pro-rated compensation.

2. The Compensation Schedule shall be published to the membership annually as soon as it has been set.

Section 5. New Officers shall assume their responsibilities on July 1 of each calendar year. Article VI Representative Assembly Section 1. The Representative Assembly, herein referred to as "the RA" or "the Assembly", shall consist of the officers and members elected from each building. It shall be the legislative and policymaking authority of the Association and shall have representation from all units of the Association, and include one retired Unit A member appointed by the Executive Committee. He or she will be a nonvoting member and will not be eligible to hold any office. The immediate Past President shall be a member of the RA.

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A member anticipating impending personal commitments necessitating three or more consecutive absences from RA meetings may not be a candidate for the positions of Officers or Building Representatives. Should such a situation occur after election, the office holder shall notify the resident of his /her resignation in order that the position may be filled promptly. Section 2. Powers and Duties of the Representative Assembly

A. Within the Bylaws accepted by the general membership, the RA shall be responsible for the management of the Association and shall carry out the policies of the Association.

B. The RA shall serve as a body to hear and investigate any issue or topic referred to it by the membership. C. The RA shall report its transactions to the general membership and suggest policies for consideration by them. D. The RA shall draft and adopt an annual budget for the operation of the Association at the regularly scheduled RA

meeting prior to the annual Spring General Meeting. It shall have the accounts of the Association audited every four (4) years or whenever there is a new Treasurer.

E. The RA shall establish committees and create policies governing them. F. Whenever a majority of the RA shall agree that an officer is incapacitated or has been grossly negligent in his duties as defined in these Bylaws, it shall recommend immediately to the general membership that the office is declared vacant. If the general membership votes by two thirds (2/3) majority to uphold the recommendation of the RA, the RA shall immediately elect a replacement to fill the unexpired term. G. The RA shall compile a year-end report to be distributed to the members and placed on file.

Section 3. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Retired Member and Contract Managers. A majority shall be empowered to act for the Association in an emergency where time constraints prohibit convening a meeting of the RA. This committee shall immediately report in writing its actions to the RA.

Article VII Building Representatives

Section 1. In each school building in Groton and Dunstable, active GDEA members who are members in good standing of the Association shall elect, for a term of one (1) year, one building representative for each seven (7) members or majority portion thereof.

A. There shall be at least one (1) Representative from each building. The elected officers shall not be counted as one of the Representatives from a building.

B. A single position of Building Representative may not be shared by two or more people. C. Elections shall be held within the time of October 15 to October 31.

Section 2. A. Building Representatives shall attend the regular meetings of RA including the general membership meetings unless they have given prior notification to the President.

B. After three (3) consecutive absences, the Representative shall be brought before the RA to account for his/her absences. Should the absences be deemed unacceptable or should the absences continue, the President will declare the seat vacant and call for an election, should there be more than one candidate, or appoint with the approval of the RA, a person to fill the remainder of the term. (See Article 6, Section 1, Paragraph 2)

C. The President shall designate the Elections Committee to conduct such a special election.

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Section 3. The Building Representatives shall be responsible for distributing association communications to the members in their buildings, for keeping their members informed, and shall further act as liaisons from the members in their buildings to the RA and conduct all elections in their buildings)

Article VIII Duties of Retired Member of the RA

Section 1. The Retired member shall serve in an advisory capacity to the RA with regard to past practices and all other matters. Section 2. The Retired member shall work to include contract wording reflecting input from retired members on matters of interest to them, such as insurance coverage. Section 3. The Retired member will attend meetings and workshops offered by MTA / NEA dealing with issues of retired members. Section 4. The Retired member must be a member of MTA / NEA retired. Section 5. The Retired member will assist active members with questions about retirement issues. Section 6. The Retired member will perform other duties as requested by the Executive Board.

Section 7. The Retired member is a member of the Executive Board.

Article IX Reports and Reimbursements

Section 1.Upon request of the Association, delegates shall make a report, in writing, after attending conferences, conventions, or Association meetings.

Section 2. All delegates and all other members representing the Association at any conferences, conventions,

TASC meetings, cluster meetings, etc. shall be entitled to reimbursement for their expenses, subject to approval of the RA.

Section 3. Reimbursement must be requested via the use of the form provided by the Treasurer, and according to the

annually approved Compensation Schedule. Article X Elections Notes

Section 1. Election of Officers

A. All elections of officers shall be conducted during the last week of April.

B. Anyone who is an active member of the Association may be a candidate for any office unless otherwise stipulated under the specific descriptions of the individual office.

C. Candidates for office shall submit a petition to the Elections Committee signed by at least ten (10) active

members of the GDEA by April 15. Signatures must represent at least two (2) schools. Candidates may include biographical information, credentials and/or statement of why they are running.

D. The names of the candidates for elective office together with information about each candidate shall be

published no later than seven (7) school days preceding the date of the election. May 2017

E. Every ballot for elected positions must provide spaces for write-ins. The number of spaces provided must be equal to the number of persons to be elected to that position.

F. All elections shall be conducted by secret ballot.

G. To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast.

H. In the event any candidate does not win a majority of the vote on the first ballot, a run-off between the top

two (2) vote-getting candidates shall be held within seven (7) school days.

Section 2. Election of Building Representatives.

A. The Representatives to the Assembly from each building will be elected by secret ballot of the active members of the GDEA from the building they are to represent.

B. Names may be placed in nomination by declaration or petition.

C. Elections shall be held within the time of October 15 to October 31. Section 3. Election of Negotiating Team members

A. Members of the Negotiating Team will be elected by secret ballot of the active members which they are to

represent.

B. Candidates shall submit a petition to the Elections Committee signed by at least ten percent (10%) of the active members of the units involved and representing at least two (2) different schools.

C. Elections shall be held the last week of May of the year prior to when negotiations open.

D. Term of service shall be until a new Negotiating Team is elected.

Section 4. Voting Procedures for All Elections / Votes

A. Normally, two weeks prior to any election/vote, the Membership and Elections Secretary will, through a system-wide memo, establish the place, date, and time of the election / vote. At this time, a list of the members and each member's voting place will be posted.

B. Voting will take place in all schools during the 30 minutes prior to the time teachers are required to be in school and one hour after the dismissal of students.

C. Within each school there will be a designated place for voting.

D. The election / vote will be supervised by two (2) tellers (staff members from each school (who are GDEA

members)] selected by the Elections Committee. The tellers should not be on the ballot, nor should they have a direct personal involvement in the question or in the result.

E. The tellers will keep a close record of the voters and deliver all records (list of voters, ballots, etc.) to the

Membership and Elections Secretary within twenty-four (24) hours.

F. The Membership and Elections Secretary will, through a system-wide memorandum certify the election /vote and publish the results of the election/vote within forty-eight (48) hours.

G. Special elections / votes such as a ratification votes will follow the above procedure.

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H. Every ballot for elected positions must provide spaces for write-ins. The number of spaces provided must be equal to the number of persons to be elected to that position.

Article XI Nominations and Elections of Delegates to the MTA Annual Meeting

Section 1. The Massachusetts Teachers Association Annual Meeting shall be the 2nd Saturday of May unless ordered otherwise by a two-thirds vote of the MTA Board of Directors.

A. Any active member is eligible to be a candidate for office or delegate to the Annual Meeting.

B. Each candidate must be nominated and elected according to regulations set by the Massachusetts Teachers

Association.

C. Each local affiliated association shall be entitled to a representation of two delegates and one additional delegate for every member over fifty or major fraction thereof based on official members established by the Executive Committee as of March 1.

D. A minimum of two (2) delegates shall be elected by the RA to represent the Association at meetings of the MT

A.

E. The Association shall submit to the Massachusetts Teachers Association a list of names and addresses of such delegates.

Section 2.The GDEA shall send representatives to the annual MTA Summer Leadership Conference in Williamstown. The

President shall have priority.

Section 3. See Article, Section 2: Reports & Reimbursements Article XII Initiative, Referendum and Recall Section 1. An initiative petition signed by twenty (20) percent of the members shall be necessary to bring to the attention of

the membership any issue to be voted upon by the membership in referendum. Section 2. A referendum shall be voted upon in a special election. Approval of cash issues must be 2/3rds of the votes cast,

all others by simple majority. Section 3. Members have the right of initiative and referendum on any action of this Association. Section 4. A recall petition signed by twenty (20) percent of the group who elected the officer or representative shall be

necessary to bring a recall action to the attention of that electorate. Section 5. A recall petition shall be voted upon in a special election of the affected electorate. A two thirds vote of the total

membership of the affected electorate is necessary to effect a recall. Article XIII Meetings Section1. Representative Assembly

A. The Representative Assembly shall meet once a month during the school year. The President or three (3) members of the RA may request additional meetings.

B. The Executive Committee (as defined in Article 6, Section 3) shall meet once a month separate of the

Representative Assembly.

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C. These meetings are open meetings and the RA shall publish a schedule of these meetings. Section 2.General Membership Meetings

A. There shall be at least two (2) general membership meetings each year, which shall be determined by the RA. One of these meetings shall be held in the Fall, the other in the Spring. The RA shall prepare a tentative agenda for each meeting and shall circulate it to all members so that the members will have time to discuss it prior to meeting

B. Dues and the Compensation Schedule for officers and Negotiating teams as proposed by the RA shall be voted at

the Annual Spring General Meeting. Section 3.Special Meetings

Special meetings of the general membership may be held at the call of the President or upon written request to the RA from ten percent (10%) of the membership. A written agenda of the business to come before special meetings must be sent to a designated Representative from each building for distribution to every member.

Section 4. Quorum

A. The majority of the members shall be a quorum for the RA, Executive Board and Committee.

B. A quorum for the General Membership meetings shall be 10% of the members. Article XIV Committees

In order to make this Association work for all of us, members are expected to participate on committees. Section 1. Organization There shall be the following standing committees having the specific functions outlined below:

A. 1. Negotiating Team 2. Bylaws Committee 3. Committee on Professional Rights and Responsibilities 4. Grievance Committee 5. Membership Committee 6. Social Affairs Committee 7. Fund Raising Committee 8. Committee on Public Relations 9. Sunshine Committee 10. Elections Committee 11. Committee on Governmental Relations and Citizenship 12. School Committee Observers

B. They shall have members selected to represent different groups in the Association and appointed for staggered terms of three (3) years.

C. Each committee, with the approval of the RA, may organize from the membership of the Association special

subcommittees and task forces for specific activities.

D. Membership on standing committees is by appointment (see Section 4 of this article) except for the Negotiating Team which is elected (see Section 5 A).

Section 2.Meetings

Each standing committee shall meet regularly according to a calendar developed with the RA. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman.

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Section 3. Reports

Each committee shall choose a secretary who shall record the activities of the committee. The Chairman shall communicate with the RA whenever necessary as determined by either the Chairman or the RA. The Chairman shall also report to the general membership meetings on any action items. He/she shall prepare an annual written report which the RA shall file as part of the records of the Association.

Section 4. Membership

Whenever possible the committee membership should represent all buildings in the District. All non-elected committee members shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the RA.

Section 5.Titles and Duties

A. Negotiating Team 1. Members shall have tenure before becoming members of the Negotiating Team, with the exception of members serving on Unit C and Unit D Negotiating Teams.

2. The Negotiating Team for Unit A shall consist of a maximum of seven (7) voting members including the Contract Managers. Non -voting members shall be the President, the immediate past president and the Vice President. The retired member of the RA will serve in an advisory capacity.

a. If a team member fills more than one position, one of which is a voting position, (for example: Past

President/Contract Manager) that person will be a voting member.

b. If a team member fills more than one position, neither of which is a voting position, (for example: President Elect/Past President) the overall team membership will be reduced by one (1).

c. The Past President and the Vice President may run for voting member at-large. d. The Negotiating Team for Unit C shall consist of three (3) elected members (representing full-time

employees/part-time employees) plus the Contract Manager. e. The Negotiating Team for Unit D shall consist of four (4) elected members (representing full-time)

employees and regular part-time building aides, library and computer specialists and audio visual technicians) plus the Contract Manager.

f. Elected team members shall represent all levels (elementary, middle and high school and will be elected at large from the active membership of the bargaining units they represent.

In case of a tie in any unit’s negotiator’s election, the President will cast the deciding vote. Units may elect or appoint an alternate who will become a voting member in the case of a long term vacancy. This alternate may or may not attend meetings but will be kept informed. Contract Managers for a unit other than their own shall serve on the negotiating team

3. The makeup of the Negotiating Team shall not be changed during the period of contract negotiations. If there is no alternate and two or more voting members are unable to continue there shall be an election to choose their successors.

4. All members of the Negotiating teams will attend all meetings except in the case of dire emergency. 5. The Negotiating Team shall, with the approval of the RA, present to the Groton-Dunstable Regional School

Committee any material that will improve the welfare of and well being of the profession and the children of Groton and Dunstable.

6. With the aid of the RA it shall prepare proposals to be approved by the general membership prior to being

placed before the School Committee.

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7. It shall be empowered to negotiate a fair and equitable tentative agreement. 8. Upon reaching tentative agreement on all matters under negotiation, the team shall prepare and submit its

report and recommendations to the members at a general meeting. Ratification of the agreement will be by secret ballot within each building 4 to 7 school days after the informational meeting. Ratification will be by simple majority vote of the ballots cast.

B. Bylaws Committee

The Bylaws Committee shall consider and submit in writing necessary revisions or Amendments to the

Bylaws of the Association.

C. Committee on Professional Rights and Responsibilities

1. Shall develop Association positions on all matters pertaining to rights of the Association members especially academic freedom, professional and personal leaves, administrative discipline and dismissal, and grievance procedures; and shall compile data for the support of such positions in negotiations.

2. Shall develop a program of orientation to the Code of Ethics for Association members.

3. It shall advise the general membership on implementation procedures for the Code of Ethics.

4. It shall make recommendations to the RA in cases of censure, suspension, or expulsion of members.

5. Shall conduct evaluations for all administration in GDRSD using input from all members and all schools.a. The process shall be transparent and professional.b. Evaluations will be shared with each administrator, their supervisor, the School Committee, and the RA.

D. Grievance Committee

1. Composition

a. The Contract Manager( s) of the unit from which the grievance originates,

b. The President of the GDEA,

c. Any member(s) of the Professional Rights and Responsibilities Committee who has been working on the

grievance.

2. Responsibilities

a. To maintain confidentiality for the grievant,

b. To, upon request, act as an advisory committee in the processing of the grievance,

c. After the appropriate level for each contract is responsible for investigating the grievance and recommending a course of action to the RA,

d. To make sure the members of the RA have the information they need to make a decision on whether to

go to arbitration at least 48 hours before the vote.

3. Limitations

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a. No individual member of the Grievance Committee or the Committee as a whole is authorized to bargain or reach an agreement with the School Committee or its representatives on matters that alter the Contract.

b. Level 4 settlement reached prior to the arbitrator's award provided that it does not alter the Contract.

c. Settlements or parts of settlements that alter the Contract must be voted on by the members at large.

E. Membership Committee

1. The Membership Committee shall consist of one (1) person : 1 from each school.

2. Shall be chaired by the Assistant Treasurer.

3. It shall organize, keep and conduct membership enrollment among non-members and inform members of

the policies, program, services and accomplishments of the Association. It further shall develop and conduct year-long programs for the orientation of new teachers to the community, the school system and the Association. (See Article 3, Section 8A for dues payment options.)

4. It shall assist the Assistant Treasurer in keeping the membership rolls current.

F. Social Affairs Committee

Shall organize such social activities as may serve the needs of members and promote fellowship within the Association.

G. Fund Raising Committee

1. The Fund Raising Committee shall coordinate all the fund raising activities of the Association. 2. It shall actively seek out, develop, and conduct fund raising activities each year.

H. Committee on Public Relations

The RA shall serve as the Committee on Public Relations and shall develop public understanding for the purposes and programs of the Association, and values of public education and in cooperation with the administration, the educational philosophy and programs of the schools. It shall develop procedures by which the Association can work cooperatively with parents in public, fraternal and social organizations through all available channels of communication.

I. Sunshine Committee

1. Shall send flowers, cards, or other appropriate acknowledgements to mark significant events in the lives of the school staff. 2. It shall develop guidelines to be followed in carrying out this duty. These guidelines will be approved by the RA.

J. Elections Committee

1. The Elections Committee shall consist of at least one representative from the Early Childhood Center, one from each of the Elementary Schools, one from the Middle School and one from the High School.

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2. The Committee shall be responsible for securing candidates for each of the elective offices 3. The Elections Committee shall be responsible for preparing ballots, conducting annual elections and for

meeting the requirements of special elections following the voting procedure detailed in Article 9, Section 4.

K. Committee on Governmental Relations and Citizenship

1. Shall have broad concern for local, state, and national legislation, affecting the interests of schools, teachers and the Association. 2. It shall encourage members to exercise their civic and political rights and keep them informed about new

legislation. 3. Shall study and analyze the GDRSD budgetary process, from year to year and advise the GDEA.

1. School Committee Observers

Members of the RA shall rotate as Observers to the School Committee meetings and report back to the RA. They are NOT authorized to speak on behalf of the RA or the Association.

Section 5. Special Committees

Each year the President may appoint such other special committees as may be necessary and shall discharge them upon completion of their duties.

Section 6. The President shall sit on all committees as an ex-officio member.

Article XV Rules and Procedures Section 1. Roberts Rules shall be the authority of parliamentary procedure of the Association. Section 2. The President shall appoint a parliamentarian and an alternate at least one of whom shall attend all general

membership meetings of the Association and meetings of the RA. Section 3. The membership year and the business year shall be September 1 through August 31 each year.

Article XVI The Amendment Process Section 1. These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed as follows:

A. Initiation

1. Recommendation of the Bylaws Committee, or

2. Recommendation of the Representative Assembly, or 3. Written petition of at least 10% of the membership, said petitioners will represent at least two schools.

B. Publication

1. No Bylaws changes may be initiated after May 1 of the current membership year. ie: Any of the above initiatives must be in the hands of the Association President by May 1.

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2. The President shall submit the proposed change to the chairman of the Elections Committee within five (5) school days.

3. Upon receipt of the initiative by the Elections Committee Chairman, copies of the proposed revision or

amendments must be sent to all members of the Association within two (2) calendar weeks. 4. A hearing will be held within the following two (2) calendar weeks. 5. The voting date shall be set and the voting process conducted by the Elections Committee within 4-7 days of

the hearing. No amendment votes may be conducted later than May 31 of the current membership year.

C. Ratification

1. Ratification of the recommended / petitioned change(s) shall be by secret ballot in each building.

2. Ratification will be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the ballots cast.

3. A ratified Bylaws change will take effect immediately, with the exception of issues regarding compensation. SEE Article 5, Section 4 D.

4. After ratification the By-laws will be updated on the website and sent electronically to the members via the email folder.

ADDENDA

A. Required by NEA Bylaws as of September, 1975 1. Standards for Local Affiliates

A. "Each affiliate shall apply the one-person-one-vote principle for representation on its governing bodies except

that the affiliate shall guarantee ethnic-minority representation at least proportionate to its ethnic minority membership. Where an all-inclusive affiliate exists, it shall provide proportionate representation between its classroom teacher members and its administrator members."

B. "The affiliate shall conduct all selections with open nominations and a secret ballot."

II. Allocation of delegates to NEA Representative Assembly "Delegates shall be elected for a term not to exceed three (3) years.

III. Dues Transmittal and Enforcement Procedures - passed by Representative Assembly in Los Angeles, 1975.

A. "...Local Affiliates shall have the full responsibility for transmitting State and Association dues to state affiliates on a contractual basis."

B. "A local shall transmit to a State Affiliate and a State Affiliate shall transmit to the Association at least 40% of

the Association dues receivable for the year by March 15 and at least 66% of the Association dues receivable for

the year by June 1; the percentage to be based upon the last membership count prior to January 15, and upon a membership year beginning September 1, UNLESS THE CONTRACTED TRANSMITTAL SCHEDULE STIPULATES OTHERWISE. C. If a State Affiliate informs the NEA in writing that a Local Affiliate has failed to transmit to the

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Association dues in accordance with the dates set forth and such information is verified by the Executive Director, the delegates of that local shall not be seated in the NEA Representative Assembly at the Annual Meeting. In this event, the delegates of the State Affiliate shall be entitled to be seated in the NEA Representative Assembly at the Annual Meeting."

IV. Definitions

A. NEA Definition of the Ethnic Minority member: Ethnic minority shall mean those persons designated as ethnic minority by statistics published by the United States Bureau of the Census. This designation shall specifically include Black, Mexican-American (Chicano), other Spanish speaking groups, Asian-American, and Indian.

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