Last updated 9.26.15
Last approved 10.13.16
PTA Identification
The name of this PTA local unit is: Benjamin Franklin PTA 3.7.15
Community Served
This PTA serves the children and families in the Benjamin Franklin Elementary school community.
Corporate Status
This PTA was incorporated on December 6, 1978 and assigned UBI #D-284431. The treasurer is responsible for filing the Annual Corporation Report. The registered agent for this corporation is the Washington State PTA. The Employer Identification Number is on file in the PTA office.
Charitable Solicitations Act
This PTA is registered under the Charitable Solicitations Act, registration #430. The treasurer is responsible for filing the annual registration by March 15th to avoid penalties.
Tax Exempt Status
This PTA was granted tax-exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code #170. A copy of the Letter of Determination is available from the treasurer.
IRS Tax Return Filing Responsibility
The treasurer is responsible for filing the appropriate federal tax return prior to November 15th and providing a copy of the board of directors no later than December 15th. Copies of the current and past years’ returns are located in the Legal Documents Binder maintained by the President.
PTA Registered Agent
The Benjamin Franklin Elementary PTA has designated the Washington State PTA as its registered agent with the Washington Secretary of State’s office, the Washington Department of Revenue, and the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Potential Membership
Membership at this PTA shall be open to all people without discrimination. Membership is open to all parents, community members, teachers, staff, grandparents, and guardians.
Membership Service Fees
The membership service fees for this PTA unit shall not exceed $12.00 per person or $24.00 per family, per year. A service fee may be added to the fee for payments made electronically (i.e. credit card, paypal) to compensate for service fees incurred. All paid members have a voice and vote at Benjamin Franklin Elementary PTA general membership meetings.
Elected Officers
The elected officers of this PTA shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers are part of the Board of Directors.
Any elected position, with the exception of treasurer, may be held jointly by two (2) people. Each co-position shall be entitled to voice and vote at a Board of Director’s meeting.
Compliance with training expectations of WSPTA uniform bylaws
Our PTA will comply with the training requirements necessary to remain in good standing, as specified in the most current WSPTA Uniform Bylaws.
Election Process
Officers shall be elected prior to the end of the school year, for a term of one year and shall assume duty on July 1. Officers may serve two consecutive terms.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of this PTA shall consist of the elected officers and standing committee chairs appointed by the President. The PTA’s Board of Directors will meet monthly, on a date and time to be determined by the Board.
General Membership Meetings and Quorum
Adoption of the budget, adoption of standing rules, election of the nominating committee, and election of officers shall take place at general membership meetings. This PTA’s general membership will meet the second Thursday of the month, at least fives times during the school year, unless otherwise determined. There must be at least 10 members to conduct business. Quorum for a Board meeting shall be greater than 50% of elected and appointed board members. Amendments to the Standing Rules must be approved by a vote of the PTA General Body.
Budget Approval
This PTA shall approve its annual operating budget in the spring of each year. The Board of Directors may reallocate funds budgeted for one purpose to another purpose by a majority vote.
Legal Documents
The PTA shall maintain a safe in the PTA office. The original copy of any legal documents shall be kept in the safe. Copes are to be made for the President and Secretary and kept in a legal documents notebook. All elected officers shall have access to the contents of the safe.
Financial Reviews
The PTA shall conduct a financial review of its books and records in January of each year in addition to the required financial review at the close of the fiscal year.
Bank Accounts
The PTA shall establish one or more accounts in a financial institution as determined by the Board of Directors. Any such account shall require the signatures of at least two elected officers to make a withdrawal.
Signature Cards
The Board of Directors shall determine who the signers on the PTA bank account shall be.
Independent Review of Bank Statements
The PTA’s monthly bank account shall be provided to a person appointed by the Board of Directors. Such a person will be appointed by the Board at the beginning of the fiscal year, and shall not be a signer on the account. The reviewer shall promptly report any concerns or discrepancies in the review to the Executive Committee. If there are not concerns or apparent discrepancies, the reviewer shall provide the bank account statements to the Treasurer.
PTA Finances
All reimbursement requests for authorized expenses must include a receipt and be submitted to the Treasurer within 60 days of purchase. All requests for reimbursement must be received by the last day of school in June or they will be considered a donation to the PTA.
Gambling activities
Activities such as bingo, raffles, or carnivals are considered gambling and must be conducted in strict compliance with local, state and federal laws.
Recognition of Individual Volunteers with WSPTA awards
One or more Golden Acorn awards may be presented annually to an outstanding volunteer(s). A committee appointed by the President shall select the recipient(s). The Board of Directors shall determine the number of recipients.
One or more Outstanding Advocate awards may be presented annually to recognize advocacy work on behalf of children and youth. A committee appointed by the President shall select the recipient(s). The Board of Directors shall determine the number of recipients.
One or more Outstanding Educator awards may be presented annually to an outstanding teacher or educator. A committee appointed by the President shall select the recipient(s). The Board of Directors shall determine the number of recipients.
An honorary Life Membership Award may be presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of PTA. A committee appointed by the President shall select the recipient(s).
Vote for Region Director
The Board of Directors shall determine the vote of this PTA for the position of Washington State PTA Region 3 Director.
Voting Delegates to the State PTA Convention
The voting delegates to the annual WSPTA convention shall be determined in the following order: Incoming president, ongoing president, incoming vice president, incoming secretary, incoming treasurer, ongoing vice president, ongoing secretary, ongoing treasurer. The board of directors will determine how many delegates the budget will allow.
Voting Delegates to the State PTA Legislative Assembly
The voting delegate(s) to the WSPTA Legislative Assembly shall be determined in the following order: Legislative chair, president, vice president, secretary, treasurer. The board of directors will determine how many delegates the budget will allow.