Constitution

 

 

TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL CONSTITUTION

Revised:09-06-16

 

PREAMBLE

We the member of the Trinity High School Student Council, in order to promote wholesome, cooperative spirit among students – to promote better relationships between our school and other schools – to provide the means for better understanding between teachers and students – to improve the school in general – and to become active in the welfare of the community, the students of Trinity High School do ordain and establish this constitution.  We operate under the Texas Association of Student Councils and the following constitution. 

 

MOTTO: Making changes that students believe in

 

ARTICLE ONE – NAME

This representative body of the students of Trinity High School shall be named the Trinity High School Student Council.

 

ARTICLE TWO – PURPOSES, FUNCTION AND LIMITATIONS

 

Section One – Purposes

  1. To reach out and engage all students in our school
  2. Help identify significant issues that students wish to address through dialogue and problem solving
  3. Leadership initiatives
  4. Establish a process and framework for developing and implementing student-led action to address issues
  5. Assist Principals in identifying issues within our school

 

Section Two- Goals

  1. To increase the voice of our students in our school
  2. To increase student involvement by working on issues that really matter to students
  3. To involve students in the school decision-making process
  4. To make changes in our school and community
  5. To increase student interest and increase involvement

 

Section Three – Functions

  1. The council shall act in an advisory capacity to the faculty and administration as to all matters affecting student life.
  2. The council shall suggest the formation of student activities and word on means by which all student activities can work together in harmony.
  3. The council shall make every reasonable means to ensure and promote democracy and goodwill among students, faculty and members, and in all ties foster the highest type of democratic school citizenship.
  4. The student body shall have the opportunity to voice all concerns to any member of the council.
  5. The council shall diligently try to represent to the faculty the true opinion of the student body on all matters pertaining to the welfare of the school, and shall undertake to communicate to the true picture of the policies of the school.
  6. The council shall serve as a means of promoting cooperative action through the democratic process among the student body.

Section Four – Limitations

  1. The council shall not be considered to be a “police force” and shall have no powers to pass rules and regulations regarding discipline and shall not take disciplinary action against individuals or groups.  Any activist of the council designated to improve the group behavior or individual behavior must be carried out through cooperative action rather than disciplinary actions.
  2. The council can have no jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the expenditure of state and local school funds, except when called upon for an opinion, nor concerning the employed personnel of the school, except with the consent or request of the person involved.
  3. The council must recognize the right of the high school principal, representing the community and the board of education to veto any action of the council.  The high school principal shall appoint a faculty sponsor(s) to be his/her representative on the council.
  4. The constitution, amendments, by-laws, acts or resolutions shall not be contrary to the policies and constitutions of its charter organization, TASC.

 

Section Five- Pledge

  1. All members of the Student Council shall take the following pledge before the discussion of business at the first student council meeting: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the duties of my office as a Student Council member and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and work for the good of Trinity High School.”

 

 

ARTICLE THREE – MEMBERSHIP

 

Section One: Trinity High School Student Council is a member of District 4 and the Texas Association of Student Councils

 

Section Two- The council shall be made up of the following:

  1. Six Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian/Publicist.
  2. Delegates: Elected to be representatives of each respected grade by the Sponsor. There is no limit to the number of delegates per class.  
  3. Anyone who runs for office and looses is automatically a delegate.
  1. Active: An active member must have fulfilled all the work-on requirements during designated time periods, as well as, maintain good standing in the organization.
  2. Non-Active: Student members who do not qualify for membership status or are in the process of becoming an active member.
  3. Each position shall be for a period of one year.
  4. Incoming Freshman shall only serve as Delegates, no higher office.

 

Section Three – Qualifications of Officers

  1. The President and Vice President must have attended at Trinity High School for at least one year, and do not hold another officer position within the school setting.
  2. To run for any of the above listed positions you must have been a member of the Trinity High School Student Council the previous year. 
  3. All members must maintain a passing grade point average and each six weeks course grade may be no lower than a 70.  Grades will be verified each 6 weeks grading period by the sponsor. 
  4. Members will be expected to maintain a minimum point requirement of 20 points per six weeks.
  5. Members will be expected to maintain behavior appropriate for school leaders in all activities in and out of school.  Discipline will be verified by the Assistant Principal each 6 weeks grading period by the sponsor. 

 

Section Three – Qualifications of Delegates

  1. All delegates must maintain a passing grade point average and each six weeks course grade may be no lower than a 70.
  2. All delegates will be expected to maintain behavior appropriate for school leaders in all activities in and out of school.  The Assistant Principal will verify discipline 6 weeks grading period with the sponsor.

 

Section Four – Qualifications of Voting Members

  1. All representatives must be members in good standing of their class.
  2. All members must be an active member of the Council.
  3. Exception: All members of the student body may vote in officer

 

 

Section Five- Violations of Membership Requirements

  1. Grades
    1. Members that receive failing averages on his/her report card for any class will be ineligible for student council activities that occur during the school day or those of special privilege (trips, etc.) for the six week period following the failing average.
    2. Any student that receives 2 or more failing averages on his/her report card during the school year will not be eligible for membership the following year.
    3. Excessive failing averages could result in dismissal from the council.
  2. Points and Projects
    1. The point system shall be used for maintaining membership and eligibility on the council.  The sponsor, with the assistant of the President has the authority to determine if a project deserves more or less points.  Points, in conjunction with sponsor approval, will be used for eligibility, selection for activities, and any other use deemed necessary by the officers and/or sponsor. 
    2. Members who do not maintain the minimum required points at the time of petitioning will not be eligible for membership the following year.  Minimum point value is an average of 20 points per six weeks.
    3. Cumulative point totals will be turned in every 6 weeks to the sponsor for verification.
    4. Rollover points will be accepted.  Rollover points are the number of points earned over the 20 in a 6 weeks grading period.  
  3. Behavior
    1. Members are expected to adhere to all school rules and policies.
    2. Members are expected to maintain appropriate social medial accounts.
    3. Members are expected to maintain satisfactory conduct at school and outside of the school.
    4. Any documented behavioral incident (including but not exclusive to- AEP, Suspension, corporal punishment, etc.) in or out of school will be penalized.
    5. Behavior that is immoral or illegal (including by not exclusive to drinking, smoking, use of drugs, MIP, theft, etc.) will be penalized.
    6. Members are expected to adhere to all TASC rules and policies on student council trips.
    7. THS Student Council will also be held to the rules and regulations of the TISD drug testing policy. For a copy of this policy please refer to www.trinityisd.net
  4. Penalties for inappropriate behavior
    1. The use or possession of illegal substances (drugs, alcohol, tobacco products) will result in removal from office and suspension from student council.   The student will not be eligible for membership again.
    2. Suspension will result in removal from office and suspension for student council for the remainder of the year.  The student will not be eligible to run for office the following year. 
    3. AEP placement will result in removal from office and suspension from the student council for one full semester.  The student will not be allowed to go on any trips for the remainder of the year.  The student will not be eligible to run for office the following year. 
    4. ISS placement
  1. 1st offense- The student will receive a warning
  2. 2nd offense- The student will be placed on probations for 6 weeks
  • 3rd offense- The student will be placed on suspension for a 2 six week period. The student will be removed from office and may not run for an officer position for the following year. 
    1. Definitions:
  1. Suspension from Student Council- members may not participate in student council events and State or District TASC sponsored events
  2. Probation for Student Council- members may participate in student council events but may not participate in State or District TASC events

Section Six – Duties of the Officers

            The President shall:

  1. Prepare the agenda for and preside at all meetings.
  2. Coordinate all activities of the council.
  3. Be an ex-officio member to all committees.
  4. Serve as chairman of the Executive Board.
  5. Have a thorough knowledge of the Student Council Constitution.
  6. Vote in case of a tie.
  7. Coordinate the submission of Texas Association of Student Councils report forms by the appointed state deadline with the assistance of the sponsor.
  8. Call special meetings of the council.
  9. Serve as the official Student Council representative at all school/district functions.
  10. Assist all members in fulfilling the requirements of their appointed committee.
  11. Assume any and all duties as requested by the principal or sponsor.
  12. Set the example for all students to follow.

            The Vice President shall:

  1. Preside over all meetings and activities in the absence of the President.
  2. Serve in all capacities assigned to him/her by the President
  3. Maintain all committee and project reports.
  4. Maintain the council calendar of events.
  5. Assist all members in fulfilling the requirements of their appointed committee
  6. Have a thorough knowledge of the Student Council Constitution.
  7. Assume any and all duties as requested by the principal or sponsor.
  8. Set the example for all students to follow

The Secretary shall:

  1. Keep accurate minutes of all council meetings
  2. Record attendance at all meetings
  3. Maintain an up-to-date member directory
  4. Maintain a record for all council members’ participation
  5. Oversee the publication of minutes.
  6. Assist all members in fulfilling the requirements of their appointed committee
  7. Have a thorough knowledge of the Student Council Constitution.
  8. Assume any and all duties as requested by the principal or sponsor.
  9. Set the example for all students to follow.

            The Treasurer shall:

  1. Oversee council expenses and revenues
  2. Keep an accurate record of all financial transactions between student council members and the council
  1. Assist in maintaining all financial records
  2. Understand the policies the school has in regard to the use of student finances
  3. Review purchase orders and approve all transactions of the council
  4. Prepare and submit monthly financial reports to the council
  5. Maintain the inventory of the Student Council storage and equipment
  6. Assist all members in fulfilling the requirements of their appointed committee
  7. Have a thorough knowledge of the Student Council Constitution.
  8. Assume any and all duties as requested by the principal or sponsor.
  9. Set the example for all students to follow.

            The Historian shall:

  1. Prepare a photographic/video record of all council events.
  2. Prepare and complete the annual scrapbook for district and state conventions as well as recruiting events
  1. Maintain the files and pictures of the Student Council
  2. Prepare and present a slide show or video at the end of the year banquet
  3. Prepare regular slide shows of council events for meeting
  4. Assist all members in fulfilling the requirements of their appointed committee
  5. Have a thorough knowledge of the Student Council Constitution.
  6. Assume any and all duties as requested by the principal or sponsor.
  7. Set the example for all students to follow.

    

The Publicist shall:

  1. Coordinate the maintenance of the Student Council section of the District website
  2. Serve as a liaison between the school and local publications regarding publicity of events by preparing press releases.
  3. Compile lists of addresses of the news media and their requirements for announcing school events.
  4. 4.Keep the student body informed of events through bulletins, posters, announcements, fliers, etc.
  1. Inform members of important upcoming events and information.
  2. Assist the Secretary in maintaining an up-to-date member directory.
  3. Have a thorough knowledge of the Student Council Constitution.
  4. Assume any and all duties as requested by the principal or sponsor.
  5. Set the example for all students to follow.

 

 

Section Seven- Duties of Delegates

            A Delegate shall:

  1. Plan and coordinate all activities of their respective committee(s)
  2. Submit all necessary paperwork regarding events
  3. Assist in maintaining project and state report forms for submission
  4. Assist the Secretary in validating the sign-in/sign-out sheets for respective committee events
  5. Create subcommittees and appoint chairpersons when necessary
  6. Work with an appointed officer to insure the efficient function of the committee
  7. Have a thorough knowledge of the Student Council Constitution.
  8. Assume any and all duties as requested by the principal or sponsor.
  9. Set the example for all students to follow.
  10. Freshman may only serve as Delegates.

 

Section Eight- Points

  1. Points are to encourage school spirit, Student Council involvement and to encourage our fellow classmates to follow our example.
  2. Each member will be responsible for obtaining and documenting 50 points per six-week period to remain a    member of the student council.  If point requirements are not obtained, the elected representative must make up the remaining points during the next 6-week period in addition to the 50 already required.  If the total number of points is not obtained, the member will be removed from Student Council.

Section Nine- Replacement

  1. Any vacancy for a class officer shall be filled by an election from within the council.  Exception will be the President’s position, which shall be filled by the Vice President.
  2. In the event the President and Vice President are removed, the council will select a President and Vice President from within the council.

ARTICLE FOUR – GOVERNING BODIES

 

Section One – The Executive Board

  1. Membership: The Executive Board shall be made up of the six officers and the sponsor(s).
  2. Duties
    1. Has the power to make emergency and routine decisions subject to the approval of the council.
    2. Shall aid the President in preparing for council meetings.
    3. Shall preside over and cover election results.
    4. Will maintain the council calendar.
    5. Has the power to create executive rules that pertain to that year’s situations (effective for one year only)

Section Two – Voting Members

  1. Each representative, delegate and officer (excluding the president) has one vote.
  2. The council may pass a motion by a simple majority of a quorum.
  3. The council may override actions taken by the Officers by 2/3 majority vote.
  4. These elected delegates shall carry out the voice of their peers.
  5. In case of a tie, the president will act as the tie breaker.

 

ARTICLE FIVE –MEETINGS

 

 The council shall meet as needed and at the discretion of the council officers and committees at a designated time and place in the school. Meetings shall be open to any student or teacher who has business to transact before the council and will be notified about time and place.  The President may call special meetings with the approval of the sponsor.  Executive meetings shall be held as needed by the Executive Council.

  1. A quorum shall be ¾ of the membership of the council.
  2. Each member shall have one vote on all issues.  The President shall vote in order to break a tie.
  3. A meeting may be carried on only when ¾ of the membership is present unless otherwise approved by the sponsor.
  4. Each member shall attend all regular meetings of the council.  If unable to attend, the member shall contact the class president or sponsor prior to the meeting.  If two meetings are missed without notifying the sponsor or an officer of the reason you will be removed from office.
  5. The meetings shall be conducted according to the constitution and Robert’s Rule or Order Revised.

 

ARTICLE SIX – ELECTIONS

  1. In order to qualify for membership in the student council, the student must meet student council eligibility requirements (behavior, grades, etc.) for the entire school year prior to membership.  Academic, discipline and attendance records will be screened prior to elections.
  2. Student Body Office Requirements
    1. The applicant must have served on the Trinity High School Student Council the prior year to run for officer.
    2. The applicant must have not received any failing averages in any class during the school year.
    3. All applicants must submit a completed application with petition by the deadline as designated by the sponsor.  25 members of the student body and 5 teachers must sign the petition.
    4. All applicants will also receive a copy of the Student Council Constitution with petition.  The student and a parent must sign the form indicating that they have read and understand the constitution.  The signed notice must be turned in by the designated deadline.
    5. Any applicant that loses an election will be appointed to a delegate position.
  3. Delegates
    1. Receive no failing averages in any class during the school year
    2. All applicants must submit a completed petition by the deadline as designated by the sponsor.  10 members of their class and 5 teachers must sign the petition.
    3. All candidates will also receive a copy of the Student Council Constitution with petition.  The student and a parent must sign the form indicating that they have read and understand the constitution.  The form must be submitted by the designated deadline.  Petition and constitution acceptance form must be received by the designated deadline.

 

ARITCLE SEVEN- COMMITTEES

Section One- The standing committees shall be as follows:

  1. Outstanding Student Council
  2. DASH- Drug, Alcohol, Safety, and Health
  3. Pride and Patriotism (P&P)
  4. Energy and Environment (E&E)
  5. Community Service and Fundraising
  6. Teacher Appreciation

Section Two-.  Each committee will have one officer who serves as chairman.  A co-chairman will be elected to each committee.  Each member will be appointed to one or more committees upon the discretion of the sponsor.

Section Three- Each member shall attend all meetings of the committee to which he/she is assigned.  If unable to attend, the member shall contact the committee chairperson or sponsor prior to the meeting.

Section Four- Each committee will be responsible for the progress of the projects pertaining to the elected committee.  The council will review the work of the committees at the end of the project and/or end of the year.

 

 

ARTICLE EIGHT – REMOVAL OF OFFICE

Section One

An officer, delegate or representative can be removed from office for actions which are detrimental to the welfare and best interest of the school, for failure to meet the academic or conduct requirements stated in Article 3, Section 5.

Section Two

An officer, delegate or representative can be removed from office for missing two or more meetings and/or          events without proper notification and/or reason.

 

ARTICLE NINE – VETO POWER

Section One

The President of the council may veto any act, by-law, amendment, or resolution that has been passed by the council or Executive Board provided that he or she shall immediately give his/her reason for taking such action in writing (within one week).

Section Two

The council may override a veto of the President by a 2/3 vote.

Section Three

A veto by the high school principal or his representative may not be overridden and is not subject to appeal.

 

ARTICLE TEN- AMMENDMENTS

Section One

This constitution may be amended at any time provided the proposed amendment, submitted by a 2/3 vote of the council and appears on display for at least one week prior to voting.

Section Two

An amendment may originate upon petition of 20% of the student body or majority of the council.  The same amendment cannot be submitted more than once in any semester.

Section Three

This constitution shall be ratified by a majority vote of the council.

Section Four

Present elected officers and delegates will be accepted under this constitution.

Section Five

All Executive members have the power to choose chairperson positions.

Section Six

      All amendments go into effect immediately after ratification unless otherwise noted.

 

 

ARTICLE ELEVEN – FINANCIAL

Section One -BANKING

       All funds shall be kept in a student activity account in the name of Trinity High School Student Council and in compliance with the Trinity Independent School District guidelines for student activity funds.

 

Section Two -REPORTING

      The Treasurer shall reconcile the account(s) monthly and report all financial activity monthly.

 

ARTICLE TWELVE - DISSOLUTION

      In the event of dissolution of the Group, any funds remaining shall be donated to the District.

 

 

These bylaws were adopted on September 09, 2016

 

_____On File__________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Principal                                                                            Date

 

 

__     On File__________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Superintendent                                                                   Date