RUSTON CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOLERS (RCH), Inc.
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be Ruston Christian Homeschoolers, Inc. hereafter referred to as RCH, a not-for-profit organization.
ARTICLE II - DEFINITION
RCH is a Christian organization, the members of which are like-minded Christian home education families dedicated to observing the Biblical commands of Deuteronomy 6:4-10, Proverbs 22:6, and Ephesians 6:4. We promote home education as the Scriptural design for education whereas institutional education is the alternative to the home. We believe that every family has the God-given legal and constitutional right to home educate in the State of Louisiana, regardless of their philosophy of education or religious affiliation.
RCH is not a church nor is this organization meant to replace the ministry of the local church to the home education family.
ARTICLE III-PURPOSE
RCH is organized exclusively for the purpose of providing support to Christian home education families including but not limited to the following ways:
1. By aiding in the establishment and growth of Christian home education families in our community.
2. By providing information regarding the political climate of home education in Louisiana and in our nation.
3. By doing whatever is necessary to protect future freedoms of home education in our community and the State of Louisiana.
4. By promoting the advantages of home education over alternative forms of education outside the home.
5. By promoting sound, high-quality home education programs by parents or legal guardians for the purpose of developing Christ-like character, and which will satisfy the spiritual, intellectual, physical and emotional growth needs of their children.
6. By reviewing and disseminating home education materials and information considered vital to home educators, thus serving as a resource to parents desiring to educate their children in the home.
7. By communicating through regular emails.
8. By planning and conducting activities, seminars, forums, workshops and other educational opportunities designed to provide information and training that will help parents and others involved with or interested in home education.
9. By implementing whatever other programs or services in the future as may be deemed necessary by the membership of this organization.
ARTICLE IV - STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe:
1. The Bible to be the inspired, infallible, divinely preserved Word of God, the supreme and final authority for all faith and life.
2. That there is one eternal God, manifested as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, and Hisimminent bodily return in power and glory.
4. That man was created in the image of God, but fell into sim and is there lost, and only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, can be saved.
5. That salvation is the free gift of God brought to the sinner by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for man's sin.
6. That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict mankind; indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
7. In the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that individual doctrinal differences which may exist, outside of the aforementioned (IV:1-6), should not hinder the unity of Christian home educators.
ARTICLE V - STATEMENT ON FAMILY AND EDUCATION
Section 1: Family
We believe that the family is the basic governmental, social, and spiritual unit created by God. In it, the child learns self-government, social relationships, and develops a relationship with the Creator and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, according to John 3:5 and 16, Ephesians 6:1, and Colossians 3:20. The family also provides protection from over-extensive government and over stimulating social involvements.
We understand “family" to mean a male and female parent, legally married, with one or more children (Genesis 1:26-28), although we recognize the exceptions of a single parent, adopted, foster, and step children (James 1:27).
Section 2: Education
We believe the ultimate responsibility for the education of children belongs to parents (Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:1-25, and 4:1-4). Thus, we believe this is an inalienable right given by God which the State cannot create, destroy, or alter. Parents may allow another to teach some of the cognitive information that children need to know, but all education must be under the ultimate control and supervision of the parents. If a child is enrolled in a public, private, charter, online public school, or any other type of school and no longer registered with the State of Louisiana as either a Home Study or Nonpublic Schools Not Seeking State Approval then that student is no longer a Homeschooled student. They may attend RCH family events with their parents, but may not participate in RCH dances or graduation. They may attend Senior events by the vote and approval of the Senior Committee.
We believe that all education is religious in nature since one's view of the world and life is inevitably involved in teaching (Proverbs 2:1-8 and 3:1-2, with 6:20-23, and Matthew 28:18-20). Every discipline of knowledge, whether it be a subject such as mathematics, science, or history will have as its final reference point a theistic or, in the alternative, a humanistic view of reality (Colossians 1:15-20 and 2:8-15), and that there is no neutral academic discipline.
ARTICLE VI - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Specifications
Membership is open to all home education families who are in agreement with the Statement of Faith and Statement on Family and Education.
Section 2: Expectations
It is expected that all families will support RCH with their annual dues and will participate in supporting one another as Christian home educators. Members are to agree to keep names, addresses and phone numbers of the other members in strict confidence. Members are also responsible for underwriting their share of the cost of activities in which they participate. Special provision may be made for those families who desire to be members, but are unable to pay.
Section 3: Applying for Membership
The parents or guardians of a family which plan to educate at home shall sign agreeing on the Statement of Faith and Statement on Family and Education. This form shall be submitted to the Treasurer on an annual basis at the beginning of each school year by September 30, reaffirming their commitment to Section one (1) of this article. At this time, membership records will be updated and a membership directory will be made available.
Section 4: Revocation of Membership
If and when any member is found to be in confessional or ethical non-compliance with the Statement of Faith or Statement on Family and Education, then there shall be a hearing before the Board of Directors to consider the matter, with two weeks prior written notice given to the party or parties involved. If the matter remains unresolved, the Board of Directors may recommend to a meeting of the general membership that the said membership and said member be dropped from membership with reasons available in writing. This shall be done by majority vote at either a regular or a special meeting of the organization.
ARTICLE VI - GOVERNMENT
Section 1: General Powers
The affairs of RCH shall be under the policy direction and implementation of a Board of Directors. This Board shall include (3-12) officers: Executive Board Members: a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Social Media liaison. Community Board Members could include, but not limited to: a Field Trip Coordinator, a Mom Night and Play Date Coordinator, a Dance Coordinator, and 2-4 Event Coordinators. And, a Board of Advisors.
The Board of Advisors will be chosen by the Board of Directors, with a formal invitation given by the President to those proposed. The Board of Advisors will contain 3-5 current or previous members who have graduated at least 1 student from their homeschool, and who is considered to be a wise, upstanding member of the church and community. They do not have to be a current member of RCH, but must have previously been a member.
Section 2: Quorum
A majority of the Board of Directors present at any meeting scheduled by the President, as set forth is Section 6 below, shall constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, a majority of those present may postpone the meeting to another time without prior notice. A quorum for purposes of any special meeting as set forth in Section 8 below shall be a majority of those present at such a meeting.
Section 3: Board Decisions
The act of a majority of the Board of Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board, unless the act of a greater number is required by this Constitution.
Section 4: Informal Action by the Board
Any action normally taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action to be taken is signed to two-thirds (2/3) of the Board.
Section 5: Compensation
Members of the Board shall not receive any stated salaries for services on that Board. Nothing herein shall forbid any member from being reimbursed for expenses incurred while fulfilling board duties, i.e. travel expenses, phone calls, etc.
Section 6: Meetings of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall meet 2-4 times during the year. The topic(s) of these meetings could resemble this:
1st Meeting in August: Activity planning for the new school year, review membership, and make plans to assist families new to home education.
Final Meeting in April/May: Elections, adoption of budget, and transition of leadership.
Section 7: Activities of the Organization
7.1 The Board of Directors shall schedule regular monthly or bi-monthly activities throughout the year to further the group's stated purpose (Article IlI).
7.2 The Final Meeting of the organization for the fiscal year shall include the announcement of officers, adoption of the budget, and determination of dues as well as any other necessary business deemed important by the Board of Directors.
Section 8: Special and Quarterly Meetings
Special and Quarterly meetings can be held at the discretion of the President, or when called for by a majority of the Board of Directors, or when one-fourth (1/4) of the members petition the Board of Directors with a proposed agenda. A Notice of Special Meeting shall be e-mailed to all members at least two (2) weeks prior to the
meeting date, when possible, and shall include the topic(s) to be considered. Only these topic(s) shall be dealt with in the Special Meeting. However, in the event of an emergency, the President may, in his or her sole discretion, call a Special Meeting upon notice to the Board of Directors by telephone, within twenty-four (24) hours prior to such a meeting.
ARTICLE VI - BOARD MEMBERS
Section 1: Officers
Officers of RCH shall be elected by the member families, with a physical ballot, or online. Nominations for new officers will be accepted by a member of the Board of Directors during the Spring. Nominations must be made by current members of Ruston Christian Homeschoolers. Only one (1) vote will be recorded per family. Absentee voting is allowed when the voter submits a signed ballot with the nominee's name to the President, if physical voting occurs.
There shall be three or more officers consisting of President, Secretary, a Treasurer, a Social Media liaison, and may include, but not limited to a Field Trip Coordinator, a Mom Night and Play Date Coordinator, a Dance Coordinator, 2-4 Event Coordinators, and a Board of Advisors.
Section 2: Qualifications to Hold Office on Board of Directors
All Board Members:
2.1 Shall sign a statement that they agree with all parts of the Statement of Faith, Statement on Family and Education, and Statement of Purpose and By-Laws of this organization.
2.2 Shall present a brief, written or verbal personal testimony of their salvation experience.
2.3 Shall be a member.
2.4 Shall have at least one (1) year of home education experience by the time their term of office begins.
2.5 May be held by a married couple or by an individual.
Section 3: Duties of the Board of Directors
Duties of the Board of Directors shall include:
3.1 President: Responsibility for the overall functioning of the organization; presides over all meetings of Board of Directors and the Final Meeting; assigns members to committees; shall be an ex-officio member of all committees; coordinates the dates of activities and functions sponsored by the organization; delegates responsibility for communication by email or newsletter on a regular basis and the annual membership directory; oversees the work done by any individuals or organizations whose services are contracted by the organization; represents RCH to all outside entities in the community; and works with the treasurer in the disbursement of funds.
3.2 Secretary: Shall record all business conducted at board or general meetings and submit such records to the president; shall be responsible for updating & distributing annual membership directory to CHEF of Louisiana.
3.3 Treasurer: Shall be responsible for maintaining financial records of this organization; for informing and advising the board of new members; for payment of bills of the organization not exceeding budget authorization; for procurement of necessary equipment and for preparing the annual budget.
3.4 Additional Board of Directors: Shall contract with any individuals or organizations necessary to carry out its stated purposes under such conditions and votes of payment as the Board of Directors shall determine, provided such conditions are not inconsistent with this Constitution.
3.5 The Board of Advisors shall be a source of wisdom and encouragement when needed. They will be called to vote in the event that there is a tie vote between the Board of Directors. They will also read, edit, and approve all graduation speeches, songs, message, and prayers. All must be turned in four (4) weeks prior to graduation to be considered.
Section 4:
Election and Term of Office
The Board of Director nominations for the upcoming year will be recommended at the Spring Meeting by current Board members or RCH members, once current positions are maintained and open positions are determined. Those who retain their position or accept their nomination will be announced to all RCH members in a Spring newsletter, with physical or online voting taking place in April. Each RCH family can vote once. The board will be proposed, and voted on, as a whole unit, then announced at the Final meeting and in the newsletter. Current and new Board members shall attend the Final meeting.
The term of office shall be one year, from July 1 through June 30. During the transition period in which incumbent Board of Directors members are still serving, the new Board of Directors shall work as incumbents' assistants.
Section 5:
Vacancy
the Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.
A vacancy in any board position because of death, resignation, relocation, or removal may be filled by:
5.1 Any member of the Board of Directors who is unable to fulfill his elected duties may resign by submitting a written letter of resignation to the Board of Directors.
5.2 Any board member elected by the organization may be removed by majority vote of the organization, when in its judgment, such board member has been found to be in confessional or ethical non-compliance with the Statement of Faith, Statement on Family and Education, Statement of Purpose or By-Laws of the organization.
ARTICLE IX - BUDGET AND DUES STRUCTURE
Section 1: Adoption of Budget and Dues
The budget and annual dues shall be developed by the Treasurer, approved by the Board of Directors, and submitted to the members at least four weeks prior to the Final Meeting and adopted at the Final Meeting.
Section 2: Determination of Annual Dues
Dues will be based on the operating expenses such as the cost of website maintenance, cost of meeting venues, and dues to maintain membership in the state organization. All dues, July to December, will be determined by the Board of Directors and announced at the beginning of the beginning of the fiscal year. A new member family joining RCH in January to May will receive a 50% discount. Registration will be closed in June.
Section 3: Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall be from July 1 to June 30.
Section 4: Collection of Dues
Dues will be paid by member families directly to the Treasurer by September 30. A signed Statement of Faith and Statement of Family and Education, and the directory information will also be submitted at this time.
ARTICLE X - AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended by a majority vote of the members present and voting at any regular meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment is first submitted in writing to the Board of Directors of RCH for board decisions within sixty (60) days of the meeting, who will then submit it to the members at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE XI - DISSOLUTION
Upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors of RCH and a majority vote of the members
present at a Final Meeting, this organization may be dissolved and its activities closed. After payment of all bills and proper claims, remaining assets shall be disposed of in cash or kind by transfer to CHEF of Louisiana as designated by the board of RCH.