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STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

OF PALMETTO CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF GREENWOOD

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Student Government Association (SGA) of Palmetto Christian Academy of Greenwood.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to facilitate good relations between the administration, faculty and the student body, to improve and maintain school spirit, to provide orderly direction of student activities and a forum for student expression, to promote student participation in school activities and student government, and to improve the welfare of the school and student body.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: The SGA is made up of 6th-12th grade students.

Section 2: Membership is open to all rising 6th-12th grade students at the time of the election.

Section 3: Maintaining membership in the SGA of Palmetto Christian Academy of Greenwood requires members to maintain a semester grade point average of 2.0 or above, and to attend all meetings. Three non-excused absences will result in removal from the SGA. Additionally SGA members are to behave in a Christ-like manner, in school and in the community.

Section 4: Removal from membership may occur for any of the following reasons: (1) having more than three unexcused absences from meetings; (2) failing to perform membership duties as assigned; (3) failing to adhere to rules placed in the PCAG Family Handbook; (4) failing to maintain a 2.0 grade point average or above with zero “F” grades and not more than one “D” grade.

Section 5: A member removed from the Student Government by the sponsor for any of the offenses stated in Article III Section 4 may appeal the decision within one week of removal. The appeal will be decided on by a 2/3 vote.

Section 6: All Class Representatives are required to attend SGA meetings.

ARTICLE IV: ORGANIZATION

Section 1: Membership will consist of a minimum of one representative and a maximum of two representatives for each grade, with a minimum of three representatives from Middle School and four representatives from High School. The Executive Committee will be formed from the High School members.

Section 2: The work of the SGA will be accomplished by committees appointed by the President upon the advice of the Executive Committee. The President will appoint the chairperson of each committee.

ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS

Section1: Rising 6th-12th grade students may submit nomination forms to become a part of the SGA.

Section 2: Election of class representatives and the Executive Committee which includes the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, will take place on the first Friday in April.

Section 3: Students seeking a position in the next years SGA must submit a completed SGA Application form to the school office by the Second Friday in March.

Section 4: Campaigning will conclude the day prior to the election and may last up to two weeks. The method of campaigning must be approved by the sponsor. All campaign materials must be removed immediately after the election.

Section 5: Each candidate must present a speech to the student body stating their qualifications and plans for the office if elected.

Section 6: The candidate receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected to the office. In case of a tie, a run-off election will be scheduled.

Section 7: Three teacher signatures indicating recommendation are required on the application for SGA officer candidates.

Section 8: One year membership in the SGA, or equivalent leadership experience (e.g. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, NHS, etc.), is required in order to assume the position of an officer.

ARTICLE VI: MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1: The President shall be the chief executive of the council. S/he shall:

a) Uphold the SGA constitution of Palmetto Christian Academy of Greenwood.

b) Preside at all regular meetings.

c) Create all committees and appoint all committee chairpersons.

d) Communicate with the school administration.

e) Oversee all official Student Government functions.

f) Prepare the agenda for each meeting.

g) Supervise the business of the Student Government office.

h) Assume such duties as are generally associated with the office.

Section 2: The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in her/his absence. S/he shall:

a) Uphold the SGA constitution of Palmetto Christian Academy of Greenwood.

b) Supervise committees as assigned.

c) Work with the president to organize meeting agendas.

d) Arrange for publicity to include the bulletin board and posting events on the school schedule and website.

e) Assist the President in all functions and perform such other duties as are generally associated with this office.

Section 3: The Secretary shall maintain the official minutes of all meetings and have them available at every meeting. S/he shall:

a) Uphold the SGA constitution of Palmetto Christian Academy of Greenwood.

b) Maintain attendance records for all meetings.

c) Handle all official correspondence.

d) Supervise the recording of SGA business and activities.

e) Maintain the SGA folder containing all agendas and minutes of previous meetings.

f) Publish the minutes one week prior to the next meeting and email a copy to the administrative assistant.

Section 4: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all financial transactions and records. S/he shall:

a) Uphold the SGA constitution of Palmetto Christian Academy of Greenwood.

b) Receive and disperse all funds in a timely manner.

c) Prepare a record of all transactions and have it available at every official meeting or upon demand.

d) Initiate and oversee fundraising activities.

e) Submit a complete financial report at the close of each school year and aid a draft of next year's budget.

Section 5: The Class Representatives shall be responsible for the clear and effective communication between the students and the SGA. They shall:

a) Uphold the SGA Constitution of PCAG.

b) Collect and report the concerns of the student body to the Executive Committee.

c) Attend all SGA meetings.

d)Encourage participation in SGA events among students.

e) Complete all duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Committee and as are usually associated with representatives.

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

Section 1: The SGA meetings shall be held during lunch every other Tuesday when school is in session.

Section 2: The President will schedule special meetings and committee meetings as needed.

Section 3: While any member of the student body may attend any meeting, only elected representatives and officers may vote on motions. The president may vote in case of a tie.

Section 4: A quorum shall consist of two-thirds of the SGA members.

ARTICLE VIII: POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1: The SGA of Palmetto Christian Academy of Greenwood represents the student body in all school-related matters. The SGA has the right to discuss matters of school program and policy with the school administration.

Section 2: All SGA sponsored activities must have prior approval from the administration.

ARTICLE IX: SPONSOR

The administration of the school shall appoint the SGA sponsor and s/he shall be a faculty member and represent the administration and faculty.

ARTICLE X: RATIFICATION, APPROVAL, AND REVIEW

Section 1: These bylaws will be approved upon a two-thirds affirmative vote of all active members of the SGA and approval by the administration.

Section 2: These bylaws shall be reviewed and if necessary, revised within five years from the date of approval noted on this document

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS

Section 1: These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the SGA, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been given to members at least one month prior to the vote. The exception is Article III (membership), which is developed by the advisor and the administration.

Section 2: Bylaws and amendments must be consistent with the Palmetto Christian Academy Family Handbook.

Approved this date: ___________________________

_______________________________ ________________________________

President Secretary

_______________________________ ________________________________

Sponsor Principal

Revised October 2015