JAMES MONROE MIDDLE SCHOOL

IC BY-LAWS

PURPOSE

Promote and implement JMMS mission statement:

We, as James Monroe staff, are here to provide a safe and structured learning environment in which students will become academically independent learners.  The New Mexico State Standards will be used as a guide for teaching and learning.  In order to accomplish these goals, we will communicate and collaborate with our learning community.

MEMBERSHIP (two year term) **

• One representative from each department

• One member of the HNNS administration

• One member of the AFT (Teacher’s Union)

• One representative of our support staff

• One educational assistant’s representative

• Parent representative from each grade level

• Any other personnel, students, and community representatives deemed appropriate or necessary as issues arise

**Elections should be held on a rotating basis – LA, SS, SE & Math = odd years; RA, EA, Union, Support, and Science = even years.

IC member responsibilities:

1.      Attend meetings regularly

2.      Be receptive to/responsible for communication with constituents

3.      Be willing to commit to the collaborative process

DECISION MAKING METHODS

The collaborative or shared decision-making model will be used.  Following discussion of each issue, one of the following actions will be taken:

1.      Make a decision

2.      Seek more information through possible formation of a subcommittee

3.      Postpone until next meeting

4.      When no decision can be reached, the administrator will decide.

QUORUM

A quorum, two-thirds of the IC members, is necessary to conduct the meeting.  Two-thirds of those present will constitute a majority vote.

RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENT

The IC by-laws shall be deemed ratified and shall become effective upon two-thirds vote of the IC members.

The by-laws may be amended in accordance with the following procedures:

1.      May be introduced by an IC member

2.      Shall be distributed to the school community

3.      May be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the IC.

The by-laws shall be revised as needed.

FACILITATORS

Facilitator and alternate are to be elected annually by the IC members from the IC.

Facilitator Duties will include

1.      Plan and publish the agenda

2.      Notify all members

3.      Chair the meeting

Alternate will fulfill the duties of the facilitator as needed.

Recorder is to be selected at the first meeting.

Duties will include:

1.      Take minutes

2.      Publish this for the entire JMMS staff and community

MEETINGS

Times to be decided annually by the IC and posted in the teacher’s lounge and staff calendar; non-site based members will be notified by the facilitator.  Other meetings will be called as necessary with prior notice of at least 24 hours.  Meetings shall be open to staff, students, parents, community and invited guests.

AGENDA SETTING PROCEDURES

Agenda items should be submitted via Agenda item forms at least 4 business days prior to IC meeting.

Agenda items will be prioritized by administration and facilitator prior to meeting.  Time limit will be set for each agenda item.

Agenda will be distributed to all staff via email.

All agenda items and disposition will be presented to the IC at the meeting.

Emergency agenda items will be considered as necessary.

APPROPRIATE IC AGENDA ITEMS

It is the purpose of the IC to set their agenda to address school issues that fall within the scope of instructional improvement.  The IC shall consider the Negotiated Agreements, Board policies, District procedures/directives, New Mexico laws/regulations and Federal laws/regulations when addressing issues.