Bylaws of Parents for Mercer Island

Article I – Name and Purpose

Section 1. Name:
The name of the organization shall be Parents for Mercer Island (hereafter referred to as “the Organization”).

Section 2. Legal Status:
The Organization is incorporated in the State of Washington and operates as a nonprofit social welfare organization under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 3. Purpose:
The Organization is established to promote the common good and general welfare of the Mercer Island community by:

  • Advocating for academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and student safety in the Mercer Island School District (MISD)

  • Encouraging increased parent participation and public accountability in school governance

  • Developing and promoting policies and initiatives that improve public education

  • Supporting or opposing candidates, bonds, levies, and other public measures directly affecting public education, in accordance with 501(c)(4) guidelines

Article II – Membership

Section 1. Eligibility:
Membership is open to any parent, guardian, or concerned resident of Mercer Island who supports the mission of the Organization.

Section 2. Dues and Participation:
The Board may establish optional membership dues or fundraising initiatives. Active participation may include volunteering, committee involvement, or attendance at public meetings.

Article III – Board of Directors

Section 1. Composition:
The Board of Directors shall consist of no fewer than 5 and no more than 11 members. All directors must be Mercer Island residents.

Section 2. Authority and Responsibilities:
The Board shall:

  • Establish the strategic direction of the Organization

  • Approve and oversee programs, expenditures, and advocacy efforts

  • Make endorsements and funding decisions related to Mercer Island candidates, bonds, levies, or ballot initiatives that affect public education

  • Ensure compliance with 501(c)(4) rules and applicable state and federal laws

  • Appoint officers, form committees, and manage internal governance

Section 3. Terms and Elections:
Board Members shall serve two-year terms, staggered for continuity. Elections will be held annually by a majority vote of the Board.

Section 4. Meetings:
The Board shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or a majority of Directors with at least 5 days’ notice.

Section 5. Quorum and Voting:
A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of Board members. Decisions require a majority vote of those present.

Article IV – Officers

Section 1. Roles:
Officers shall include a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Task Force and School Coordinator. Additional officers will be appointed as needed.

Section 2. Duties:

  • Chair: Presides over meetings, oversees strategic execution, and serves as spokesperson.

  • Vice Chair: Supports the Chair and assumes duties in their absence.

  • Secretary: Maintains official records and meeting minutes.

  • Treasurer: Manages finances, budget reports, and compliance with IRS and state filings.

  • Program Task Force Chair: Leads the development and recommendation of education policies, programs, and reform initiatives aligned with the organization’s mission.

  • School Volunteer Coordinator: Oversees volunteer recruitment and coordination at Mercer Island schools to ensure consistent support for events, student programs, and identified school needs.

Article V – Committees

Section 1. Standing Committees:
The Board may establish standing or ad hoc committees including, but not limited to:

  • Policy & Program Task Force – to research and recommend educational reform initiatives

  • Volunteer Engagement Committee – to coordinate parent volunteer efforts in schools

  • Endorsement Committee – to review and recommend endorsements or funding for local education-related ballot measures or candidates

  • Finance Committee – to oversee budgets, fundraising, and expenditures

Section 2. Committee Authority:
Committees operate under the authority of the Board and may not act independently unless explicitly authorized.

Article VI – Financial Management

Section 1. Fiscal Year:
The Organization’s fiscal year shall run from January 1 to December 31.

Section 2. Spending & Oversight:
All expenditures must be approved by the Board or a designated officer per approved budget guidelines. Annual financial reports shall be made available to members.

Section 3. Political Activities:
In accordance with 501(c)(4) regulations, the Organization may engage in issue advocacy and limited political activity, including the endorsement or opposition of candidates or legislation related to its purpose.

Article VII – Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment is given at least 7 days in advance.

Article VIII – Dissolution

Upon dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit organizations aligned with the mission of the Organization, as approved by the Board, and in compliance with Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.