Article I: Name:
This body shall be known as the Syracuse Hebrew Day School Student Council.
Article II: Purpose:
The purpose of this body shall be to represent the views of the student body, to provide service and activities for the school and community and to provide leadership training and experience for the students. The Student Council has the right to express student opinion and to function as the governing body of the students.
Article III: Veto:
The Syracuse Hebrew Day School Principal is hereby given the power to veto any Student Council decision that s/he feels is not in the interest of the school and community.
Article IV: Membership:
The Student Council shall consist of:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
2 Representatives from each classroom, grades 2-6
Monthly non-voting Observers from grade 1
Student Council officers and members shall be elected in November of each school year and remain in office until the next election, with the exception of graduating 6th grade students whose terms end at graduation. Student Council officers are elected by a majority of votes cast by students in Grades 2-6. Class Representatives are elected by vote of their classmates.
Article VI: Eligibility:
Candidates for Council Officers must submit a signed permission form from their General and Judaic Studies teachers indicating that they have a B average and are in good academic standing.
All candidates for office must have been enrolled at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School for at least one year prior to their candidacy. No student may serve as class representative for two years in a row.
The Student Council President must be a member of the 6th grade.
The Vice President must be a member of the 5th or 6th grade.
Secretary and Treasurer must be members of the 4th, 5th or 6th grades.
Article VII: Meetings
The Student Council will meet a minimum of once a month and may call additional meetings as deemed necessary by the majority of the Council.
Article VIII: Duties of Members
The duties of Student Council members are outlined in Appendix A.
Article IX: Ratification
This constitution has been ratified by a 2/3 vote of grades 4, 5 and 6.
Article X: Amendments
Amendments to this document require a 2/3 vote of grades 4, 5 and 6.
Article XI: Removal from Office
Any member of the Student Council may be removed from office for failure to maintain a B average. By 2/3 vote of the Student Council, members may be removed from office for failing to perform the duties of their office.
By-Laws
Article I: The number of voting members needed to constitute a quorum is one over half.
Article II: Standing and special committees of the council will be established by a majority vote of the council.
Article III: The rules for conducting Student Council elections are outlined in Article V of the Constitution.
Article IV: Ballots will be tallied by a minimum of two students and one adult. In the case of a tie, a run off election will be held within two weeks.
Article V: Any vacated school-wide office with the exception of President may be filled by appointment. Approval of appointments requires a majority vote of the Student Council. If the office of School President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall assume the office of President. In the case of class representatives, a special class election will be held.
Article VI: Amendments to this document require a 2/3 vote of the Student Council.
Article VII: The Student Council shall conduct its business according to Roberts Rules of Order.
APPENDIX A: DUTIES OF STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS:
President:
Prepares agendas for meetings
Presides over Student Council meetings
Gives tasks to committees and individuals
Represents Student Council in the community
Makes sure works gets done on time
Vice President:
Acts on behalf of the President when the President is not available
Keeps a record of the work of each committee
Works with class representatives
Attends committee meetings when ever possible
Keeps the President informed about the progress of each committee
Secretary
Keeps a record of who is at meetings and what happens
Makes a calendar of meetings and events
Send reminders to members about the meetings
Distributes minutes of meetings to principal and teachers
Treasurer
Keeps a record of all income and expenses
Is responsible for developing the budget
Gives clear and simple reports at each meeting
Class Representatives
Attend and participate in all Student Council meetings
Ask for the ideas and opinions of others in their room
Report to the class about what is discussed at meetings
Works to get others involved in Student Council activities
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