Edmonds Elementary

STARS FOUNDATION

Edmonds Elementary S.T.A.R.S. Foundation Bylaws

(Supporting the Teaching of the Arts, Reading and Science)

Revised June 20, 2010

The STARS Foundation was formed on June 29, 1998. The purpose and mission of the Edmonds Elementary STARS Foundation (hereinafter: “the Foundation”) is to provide support for enrichment programs to enhance the educational experience of the students of Edmonds Elementary School. Enrichment programs must fall under the categories of Reading, Science and the Arts.

This Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

No substantial part of the activities of the Foundation shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempt to influence legislation, except as provided in Section h of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, and the Foundation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign (including the publishing or distribution of statements) on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office, except as provided in Section 501 h of the Internal Revenue Service.

The property of the Foundation is irrevocably dedicated to the Section 501c3 exempt purposes and no part of the net assets of this Foundation shall ever inure the benefit of any director, officer or member thereof or to the benefit of any private person.

Upon dissolution and winding-up of the organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, association, or corporation organized and operated exclusively for the purposes specified in Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code and which has established its tax exempt status under that section.

ID Numbers: The Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on 12-14-2004. The Incorporation Number is: 3-75173-9. The Unified Business Identifier Number is: 602-454-921.The Federal Employer Identification number is: 91-1923312.

Record Keeping: The Foundation shall keep at least two copies of each of its legal documents in separate locations. One copy will be kept with the President and one copy with the Treasurer, both off campus. Reports to be filed annually are:

1. Annual Corporation Report by the Treasurer at the beginning of the school year.

2. Federal tax return by the Treasurer by May.

Board Meetings: The STARS Board will meet at least two times during the academic year. Two of the meetings, one in the Fall and one in the Spring, will be held to vote on grant requests submitted by Teachers, Staff, and Parents of Edmonds Elementary.

Grants: Any teacher, staff member, parent or community member of Edmonds Elementary School may request funding for a grant. Grants must first be submitted to the Principal of Edmonds Elementary for preliminary approval to ensure adequate time available on the school calendar and relevance to the students’ education. Grant applications will be reviewed for a determined time period in the Fall and in the Spring of each year. At the close of the review period, Board members will vote on and select grants for full or partial funding. The Board will consider grant applications outside of the two established grant review periods but only when exceptional opportunities present themselves and funds are available. Board members may submit grant requests to the Foundation, but are not eligible to vote on such requests. All reimbursement monies must be requested by submitting a current reimbursement form along with original receipts.

Fundraiser: An annual auction may be held to raise money to support the grant awards funded by the Foundation. The date and location of the auction will be determined by an auction committee formed in the fall of each academic year. A budget fund will be drafted by the auction committee and submitted to the Board for approval prior to the event.

Membership: The membership of the Foundation shall consist of a Board of Directors with the following representation:

1. President

2. Secretary

3. Treasurer

4. Intermediate Staff Representative

5. Primary Staff Representative

6. Reading Representative

7. Science Representative

8. Community Representative

9. Arts Representative

10. PTA Representative

The Principal of Edmonds Elementary will serve in an advisory capacity.

Term Length: Board members shall serve a two-year term and not more than two consecutive terms. The Treasurer shall serve a three-year term and not more than two consecutive terms. Members who have served the maximum consecutive terms may reapply after one year’s absence from the Board. Teaching staff representative positions, however, have no such term limitations. Teachers who wish to serve on the Board shall apply in writing. All Board elections and votes of approval shall be held by secret ballot tabulated by the existing President.

A President and Treasurer for the Board will be selected each year from the Board membership. Citizens wishing to become members of the Board will apply in writing for selection and the Board will make appointments. All members of the Board are volunteer positions.

Board Member Responsibilities:

President: Encourage participation by all Foundation members by providing clear communication concerning the Foundation. Speak on behalf of the Foundation at school functions and other events. Ensure timely distribution of Foundation news through the Principal and PTA Newsletter online publications.

Secretary: Take all minutes and notes at all Board Meetings. Keep typed minutes in a Foundation records binder or a digital file for reference, turn in at the end of the year to the President for archiving.

Treasurer: Responsible for filing financial reports and tax returns and has the authority to sign Foundation checks. Maintain letters of recognition, and all Foundation legal documents and financial records. Communicate with the President all requests for funds and ensure procedures are followed for each. Set up, facilitate, and oversee all financial business transactions and accounting during and after the annual auction.

Staff Representatives: Advise and provide insight to Board members about Teacher and Staff grant requests. Guide Board members with respect to making decisions that meet school and district policy. Assist in researching any educational programs that are unfamiliar to the Board. Offer a history and perspective of the Foundations role at school.

Reading/Science/Arts Representative: Promote the equal sharing of grant awards in each of these areas. Lobby teachers, staff and parents for requests that promote your respective area of funding. Assist in researching any educational programs that are unfamiliar to the Board. Continually review and monitor programs looking for areas to improve.

PTA Representative: Facilitate open communication between the Foundation and Edmonds Elementary PTA. Offer ways both the Foundation and PTA can work together to promote the educational experience of Edmonds Elementary students.

Community Representative: Participate as an active member offering ideas and suggestions for improving the Foundation. Assist in finding resources within the community that may benefit and or support the management of the Foundation.

Miscellaneous:

Each school year, depending on funds available, the Board may grant each classroom $500 in field trip funds. To secure funding, teachers must submit a grant request.

A total of three (3) scholarships may be available per year to use towards any tuition for enrichment programs funded by STARS grants. Scholarships will be awarded at the discretion of the Board.

The $500 Elizabeth Hodge Scholarship is available to any former Edmonds Elementary student. Applications shall be submitted and considered by the Board. This scholarship is for tuition expenses for any visual arts camp, class or academic coursework.

Each classroom may be reimbursed up to $100 for expenses to create a class project for the STARS auction. A grant request is not needed to secure funding for class projects. Original receipts must accompany a STARS Foundation reimbursement form.

All assembly or event grants must first be approved by the teaching staff of Edmonds Elementary.