Henry M. Gunn High School Constitution of the Associated Student Body
Preamble
We, the student body of Henry M. Gunn High School, in order to establish an organization to promote individual responsibility and cooperation among its members, to provide for the further education in the practices and ideals of the democratic process, to promote the best interests of the associated student body, its business, and its faculty, do ordain and establish this constitution.
Article I – Name and Purpose
Section 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be: the Associated Student Body (ASB) of Henry M. Gunn High School.
Section 2: Purpose
Our purpose is to interact and serve within the Gunn student body.
Article II – Membership
Section 1: Authority
All activities of the Associated Student Body (thereafter referred to the ASB) shall be directed by the Student Executive Council under powers granted by this Constitution and by the Governing Board of Gunn High School, and subject to approval of the principal, Student Activities Director, and/or their appointed faculty advisors.
Section 2: Membership - All students attending Gunn High School shall be members of the Associated Student Body (ASB) of Gunn High School.
- All students of the ASB are entitled to an identification card. This identification card, with a set monetary amount, can be validated into an ASB card. The ASB card will provide discounts at sporting events, dances, and other school functions.
- Students financially unable to pay the set monetary amount are eligible to receive aid from the school.
- All members of the ASB are entitled to a vote in Student Government elections.
Article III – ASB Officers and Responsibilities
Section 1: Student Executive Council
The Student Executive Council (SEC) shall be the governing body of the Associated Student Body (ASB). The Student Activities director shall be the advisor of the ASB Student Government.
Section 2: Student Executive Council Officers Elected by the ASB:
The Student Executive Council shall consist of the following elected voting officers: a) Student Body President, b) Student Body Vice President, c) Dance Commissioner, d) Sports Commissioner, e) Spirit Commissioner, f) School Board Representative, g) Senior Class Officers (2), h) Junior Class Officers and Site Council Representative (3), i) Sophomore Class Officers (2), j) Freshman Class Officers and Site Council Representative (3).
Section 3: Student Executive Council Officers Appointed Internally
The Student Executive Council shall also consist of the following internally appointed voting officers: a) Wellness Commissioner, b) Special Events Commissioner (3), c) Publicity Commissioner (3), d) ASB Secretary, e) ASB Treasurer, f) Video Commissioner (3), g) Green Commissioner, i) Diversity Commissioner (3), j) Web/Tech Commissioner
Section 4: Term
All Student Executive Council Officers shall serve a term of one year, from the time that school ends in the school year that they are elected until the end of the next school year.
Section 5: Eligibility
- All Student Executive Council Officers shall have received a GPA of 2.0 or higher on their most recent progress report or semester report card. If members do not have such GPA they will be required to coordinate a meeting with the Student Activities Director to discuss options.
- All Student Executive Council Officers will attend a mandatory training retreat at the beginning of the school year.
- All Student Executive Council Officers shall be enrolled in the Gunn Student Leadership class.
- Any Student Executive Council Officers who no longer complies with any one of the ASB Officer eligibility rules and/or commits an act in violation of the Henry M. Gunn High School Code of Conduct is subject to removal from office without replacement by judgment of the Student Activities Director
- All Student Executive Council Officers may only hold one titled position at a time, ensuring the number of students enrolled in Leadership class equals the number of available positions.
Section 6: Position Responsibilities
All Student Executive Council members are expected to do the following:
- Set up events such as dances and lunchtimes activities
- Help with school-wide events (Homecoming, International Week, Spring Fling, etc.) by running games, decorating, cleaning up, and any other assigned tasks.
- Dress up for all dress-up days.
- Represent their class and the Student Body as a whole
- Attend class to discuss issues relating to school climate and policy
- Participate in and complete all class assignments
- Make posters and help with publicity
- Work well with your peers and try to improve Gunn
- Complete an informational portfolio for incoming officers.
- Be prepared for weekend and evening commitments as well as times when regular class periods will be missed to assist with SEC responsibilities.
- Other commitments as deemed necessary by the Activities Director and SEC to elected/appointed positions.
Student Body President: Facilitates and runs daily student government class with SBVP and Activities Director. Acts as chief representative for Gunn High School in and out of school. Meets with the Activities Director after school or during prep time to plan class agenda. Plans, runs and moderates retreats, focus groups, and other SEC events throughout the year. Runs and moderates all elections with the Activities Director. Speaks at assemblies and school-wide events. Serves as a liaison between students and administration. Oversees all SEC officer responsibilities and assists with officer evaluations. Communicates and collaborates with SBP’s from neighboring schools for combined events and publicity. Oversees and coordinates SEC in planning the Kickoff Carnival
Student Body Vice President: Helps Student Body President in all activities/responsibilities (see above). Stands in for Student Body President if they are absent. Assists in moderating Leadership Council discussion. Works closely with the Activities Director on all aspects of clubs. Organizes Fall & Spring Club Fairs. Communicates between clubs and SEC and checks in regularly with all clubs on campus. Hosts Club Leadership Trainings for Fall and Spring semesters for club officers. Educates clubs about required ASB forms and fundraising/ event procedures. Oversees all SEC officer responsibilities and assists with officer evaluations. Organizes publicity for ASB Card promotion, particularly in the beginning of the year
Student School Board Representative: Attends and participates in 1-2 regular school board meetings per month. Representatives should work with the Board President to see which special meetings students should attend; deliver student reports. Reviews Board Agendas before meetings and elicits student feedback on agenda items. Advises Board and Superintendent on student viewpoint. Represents Board to SEC/student body on issues where the Board has voiced a formal opinion/ made a decision. Informs student body on Board/district-related news; organizes student participation for Board events as needed. Advises SEC on potential actions to garner student input and involvement at all levels of administration. Schedule and attend bi-weekly meetings with Superintendent and regular meetings with the school principal. Organizes meetings between Board members, district officials, and students as needed. Reports to SEC on meetings and helps connect SEC with the Board and district leadership. Plans at least one town hall event with site-council representatives. Posts meeting recaps on Schoology and Instagram in a timely manner.
Student Body Secretary: Takes formal minutes at SEC meetings and posts minutes on the Gunn SEC Meeting Minutes Website. Notetaker during important all-class discussions and meetings with administration. Creates Meet the SEC surveys and other surveys as needed for SEC projects. Compiles and presents quantitative and qualitative feedback for review. Works with SBVP to track club minutes and sends reminders if minutes are missing. Sends and/or responds to any communications from other schools. Plans end-of-semester Club Open Forum with ASB Treasurer if needed. Hosts Secretary and Treasurer Trainings for Club Officers at the beginning of each semester.
Student Body Treasurer: Prepares annual Budget presentation for approval by SEC; presents reports during Leadership Council to SEC on account actuals and projections when necessary. Attends annual district ASB budget meeting. Communicates regularly with ASB Budget Secretary regarding financial obligations. Tracks Student Body expenditures. Advises SEC and Club Officers on proper use of accounts and forms. Confirms with ASB Secretary that club fundraisers have been approved in the club's minutes prior to review by SEC. Presents event/ fundraiser requests to SEC for approval and contacts clubs about results. Works with SEC committees to create budget plans for events/ final expense reports to Event Team Leaders. Signs check requests and other accounting forms and checks requests’ budgets with calculating numbers. Plans end-of-semester Club Open Forum with ASB Secretary as needed. Hosts Secretary and Treasurer Trainings for Club Officers at the beginning of each semester.
Sports and Spirit Commissioner (2): Sets up School-Wide sports related events (Clash of the Titans, Ping-Pong Tourney, Dodgeball Tourney, Staff vs. Student Volleyball). Attends sports games or coordinates with SEC to maintain attendance at sport games. Publicizes ALL sports teams to improve awareness and attendance. Works with teams/cheer on promotion of Senior Nights. Communicates with the Athletic Director around events. Communicates with Athletic Team Captains and Athletic Director about recognition of players at rallies. Serves as 6th Man Club Coordinator when active (posts weekly about ALL sports for the entire year, leads cheers and fans at games, coordinates creation, sales). Plans all aspects of Fall, Winter and Spring Sports Rallies and Homecoming Rallies, including themes. Plans/ creates other spirit events and days on campus and makes sure that the school stays spirited. Meets with and is a representative for Cheer, Dance, and other performance groups on campus. Works directly with the Sports Commissioner on rallies and other sporting events. In charge of recruiting school Mascot for event promo.. Includes public speaking at rallies. Raise awareness for other school programs and activities/ non-sports related events.
Dance Commissioner: Plans dances by organizing themes, decorations, tickets, purchasing, DJ selection and playlist, photos, food, and schedule for set up/ clean up for SEC. Works with their SEC Event Committee to implement plans for dances and Prom. Recruits parent volunteers for dances. Directly works with Publicity and Videographers on advertising Prom location. Needs to have strong organizational skills. Plans MORP event for 9th/10th grade. Plans one other social event for Spring Semester
Class Presidents (all four grades): Represents interests of their class in SEC and communicates regularly with class members. Holds regular class council meetings, as well as all-class meetings as needed. Arranges HC class shirt design, sale through student activities office, and distribution. Organizes homecoming game competitors for class, float building, and airbands. Manages class funds and organizes fundraisers (grams, Stanford parking, etc.). Recruits contestants for games throughout the year. Carries out special class duties with class councils (frosh: grad program handout & paper toss clean-up, soph: paper toss clean-up & grad program handout, juniors: paper toss clean-up & senior showcase, seniors: first day activities, grad speaker, senior gift) Class Vice Presidents (all four grades): Helps president in all activities/responsibilities (see above). Assists in leading class council (see above). Is responsible for ensuring class council minutes are taken and posted on the Gunn Student Activities website. Stand-in for presidents when necessary. Works closely with the Class President to make sure they represent the class well. Class Site Council Representative (All four grades): Attends site council meetings, provides student feedback on school goals and initiatives, and gives reports on student events. Jr. Rep: serves as liaison with PTSA and works with PTSA on Harvest Feast (November). Jr. Rep: in charge of setting up the Second Harvest donation fundraiser during Harvest Feast. Votes and advocates for students at PTSA and site council meetings and seeks funding for SEC activities if needed. Represents the site council at SEC leadership council meetings.. Comfortable working with parents, teachers, and administrators. Can only miss a maximum of two Site Council meetings per semester. Works with Freshmen/Junior Class Officers as an active member of officer teams in running class events/ class council. Required Enrollment in Student Government class for Freshman/ Junior Year only. Optional enrollment Sophomore/Senior Year. Plans at least one town hall event with other site-council representatives and school-board representatives. Works alongside the Video Commissioners to produce weekly TNU videos. May not run for a second SEC position during senior year
Special Events Commissioner (3): Organizes/creates lunch and brunch activities throughout the year. Delegates jobs among SEC members in order to ensure smooth execution of events. Must feel comfortable speaking in public and have strong organizational skills. Works closely with Publicity Commissioners to create marketing campaigns for events. Plans and implements Gunn school-wide events, including but not limited to: Gunn Class Spirit Competitions, Homecoming Week, Halloween Activities, September Event, Cozy Snowmance, Love Week Activities, Elimination, Work with Spring semester SEC Impact Projects.
Publicity Commissioner (3): Publicizes and creates advertising campaigns for events as creatively as possible. Oversees decoration of campus for Homecoming.. Organizes and oversees SEC poster making/publicity distribution on campus. Manages in-class publicity calendar for all eventsMaintains and restocks poster making supplies. Designs SEC apparel and Gunn apparel to sell in the SAO. Manages/publicizes all social media sites for SEC/Student Activities as well as monthly calendars for social media about upcoming SEC events. Works with ASB VP to help with school wide publicity for clubs and other student/ department events.. Must have strong organizational and artistic skills. Answers questions students send to SEC through social media accounts. Records events through social media (e.g. videos/ pictures on Instagram stories/ live feeds, etc.)
Diversity Commissioner (3): Promotes campus diversity and cultural awareness by creating and implementing a schedule of events celebrating diversity not only at Gunn, but also with an eye on a broader cultural context, reaching a broader range of students. Coordinates Global Cultures Week, Black History Month, Día de los Muertos, Pride Week, and other events as assigned; assist the Wellness Center with Unity Day planning. Publicizes all cultural events and holidays and promotes on campus understanding of all cultures. Works on various information campaigns to help raise awareness about all diverse groups on campus. Works with and is a liaison to clubs and the SEC, advocates for campus diversity. Demonstrates strong leadership and organizational skills and interest/ willingness to promote and support diversity/ identity safety at Gunn. Represents SEC on Student Equity Committee (at least one officer will be added to the board of the committee). Works with the Wellness Commissioner to implement diversity initiatives/activities on campus.. Work with Cultural clubs.
Green Commissioner: Promotes campus sustainability and sustainability awareness by creating and implementing a schedule of events celebrating sustainability not only at Gunn, but also with an eye on a broader context and reaching a broader range of students. Coordinates Earth week (week before April 22 (Earth Day)), Earth Hour (March 25), and at least one first semester sustainability and education event (either sustainable transportation day, a green career/activists panel, a waste sorting day and lesson, or student’s choice). Coordinates Spirit Swap before Homecoming Week. Coordinates Green Plan for Harvest Feast. Publicizes all sustainability events and holidays and promotes on campus understanding of sustainability practices (including waste management) and development . Works with other SEC members to incorporate sustainability into events by creating/maintaining a guide to hosting sustainable events (waste management, decoration options, food alternatives) and being in charge of minimizing waste at big SEC events (trash pick up incentives at homecoming, etc.). Works with and is a liaison to environment and sustainability-based clubs and custodians and the SEC, to advocates for these groups. Gets in contact with sustainability clubs at the beginning of the year and discusses how to best support them. Depending on the club leaders, the commissioner may help them organize events, offer advice, or incorporate them into the commissioner’s SEC events for the year. Otherwise, if the club leaders do not want to collaborate, the commissioner does not need to be a club liaison. . Demonstrates strong leadership and organizational skills and interest/willingness to promote and support sustainability at Gunn. Communicates with the District Sustainability Committee and the PTA Green Team Action Committee.
Wellness Commissioner:: Works closely with the Wellness Center Staff to oversee wellness initiatives on campus. Helps plan and publicize events sponsored by Wellness Center. Updates the SEC on all wellness-related clubs, projects, and events for the school. Coordinates with leaders from wellness-focused clubs/ initiatives on both a school and district level. Attends meetings as needed with wellness staff to coordinate and update in regards to wellness outreach efforts. Connects students with wellness resources and trusted adults on campus. Can plan and execute their own wellness initiatives with support from SEC/ Wellness Center as needed. Is liaison to SELF program. Collaborates with Diversity Commissioners to implement wellness initiatives and awareness on campus.
Visual Media Commissioner (3): Directs and produces informational and entertaining videos for publicity and education at Gunn. Plans, casts, writes, films, and edits videos. Manages project priority and scope, as well as SEC’s video equipment and budget. Manages crews and productions that include other students both in and outside of SEC. Projects include: The Dance Behavioral Expectations video (PSA), The Homecoming Theme Reveal video, Homecoming Week Daily Recap videos, Airbands videos, ASB Election videos, Meet the SEC videos, Spring Spirit Week Theme Reveal video, The Prom Location Reveal Video, Promotion for any new large events, on decisions by SEC, Promotion for the SEC, new programs, and videos for any important messages for school spirit. Works with SEC to ensure quality and appropriateness of video production for the school, Have had prior experience with editing and filming videos. Manages the Gunn Student Activities Youtube channel. Works with other SEC members to script, film, and edit weekly TNU videos.
Section 7: Student Executive Council Responsibilities and Prerogatives - The Student Executive Council must attend Leadership Council meetings.
- The Student Executive Council may fundraise money through the sales of ASB cards and ASB Lightning Passes.
- The Student Executive Council may communicate with the general student body through the use of tools of communication including but not limited to the Morning Announcements, daily bulletin, school PA system, posters and fliers, newsletters, internal school communication software, approved social media channels, public meetings, and school marquee.
- The Student Executive Council must conduct all election processes according to the regulations set forth in Article V.
- The Student Executive Council has the authority to create or dissolve additional leadership positions for Leadership Council with the approval of the Student Activities Director.
- The Student Executive Council may use the ASB Account for holding ASB funds used specifically for students at Gunn High School. All projects beyond those outlined in Article III Section 5 requiring the depositing or withdrawal of money in the Class Account must be approved by the Leadership Council through normal Leadership Council voting procedures. Reimbursements must be accompanied by valid receipts and must be approved by the Student Activities Director, the ASB financial technician, and SEC Treasurer.
- The Student Executive Council must file all approved Project Proposal forms for future reference.
- The Student Executive Council may establish up to two Club Days for the promotion of ASB affiliated clubs.
- The Student Executive Council may put on school-wide rallies and create the judging guidelines as well as rules for disqualification that relate to rallies.
- The Student Executive Council may put on two spirit weeks throughout the school year. They may have use of school facilities, but must be present to supervise all festivities.
- The Student Executive Council may create a Homecoming Week with festivities, dress up days, float building guidelines and regulations, and the Homecoming Court selection process. They must supervise float building.
- The Student Executive Council may create a Spring Spirit Week with festivities and dress up days.
- The Student Executive Council may fine or impose consequences to all ASB affiliated groups in violation of the Gunn Publicity Policy. The Poster/Flyer Policy and its changes must be made known to all ASB affiliated groups before consequences or fines may be imposed. Changes to the Gunn Publicity Policy must be approved through normal Leadership Council policy procedures.
- The Student Executive Council may have use of the Student Activity Center and Student Activity Office to conduct business. The team may decorate and furnish the Student Activity Center. The team may establish a system of organization and distribution of materials in the ASB Office.
- The Student Executive Council may set up a communication system in the Student Activity Center.
- The Student Executive Council may elicit the help of Members of the student body to assist with school wide activities, create a welcoming environment for freshmen, reach out to middle and elementary schools, and teach undergraduates to become independent thinkers. The Student Executive Council may train these Members to perform these functions.
- The Student Executive Council may introduce changes to specific officer duties and other policies including but not limited to the Gunn Publicity Policy, election processes, Leadership Council Bylaws, and Club Council Bylaws. All policy proposals must be approved through normal Leadership Council policy procedures.
- The Student Executive Council may appoint Commissioners to assist with or take over any of the Student Executive Council responsibilities or prerogatives outlined in Article III Section 5. Appointed Commissioners who commit an act in violation of the Gunn High School Code of Conduct are subject to removal from position without replacement by judgment of the Student Activities Director.
- All other fundraisers, projects, and activities proposed by the Student Executive Council must be approved through normal Leadership Council voting procedures.
Section 8: Student Activities Director Responsibilities and Prerogatives
- The Student Activities Director oversees the general direction and progress of all elected and appointed officers in the Leadership class.
- The Student Activities Director advises the Student Executive Council during Leadership Meetings and provides support or council when needed and appropriate.
- The Student Activities Director works to create a safe, comfortable environment for the student leadership.
- The Student Activities Director acts as liaison between the administration and the general student body and acts as advocates for students when appropriate.
- The Student Activities Director mediates conflicts between student leaders and student leader groups in the Leadership class.
- The Student Activities Director supervises ASB Officers and Class Officer activities when necessary.
- The Student Activities Director may remove any elected or appointed member in office if the officer is no longer eligible according to their respective eligibility rules and/or commits an act in violation of the Henry M. Gunn High School Code of Conduct.
Article IV – Class Officers and Responsibilities
Section 1: Purpose
Effectively and responsibly lead each class by organizing events, raising money, and acting as a positive role model and friend to the entire student body.
Section 2: Money
Profits and expenses associated with activities, fundraisers, projects, and proms created specifically for a class are the responsibility of the Class Officers for the aforementioned class.
Section 3: Positions
The elected officers for each class (freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior) shall be President and Vice-President, and Site Council Representative.
Section 4: Position Responsibilities
- The Class President shall maintain class finances, organize events, plan fundraising, communicate with the student body regarding information pertinent to each class, lead class during Spirit Weeks, preside over class council and serve as an example to the class.
- The Class Vice President shall serve to support the Class President and take the place of the President in a time of absence.
- The Class Site Council Representative shall serve to communicate Student events and concerns to the Site Council at Gunn. S/he also works with other schools on district priorities.
Section 5: Class Officer Team Responsibilities and Prerogatives
- The Class officer team is accountable for responsibilities and prerogatives required of SEC as detailed in Article III, section 6, except where otherwise indicated in Class Officer Team responsibilities.
- The Class Officer Teams must choose a teacher to be the class advisor for each class in August of the new school year.
- The Class Officer Team may have use of a Class Account within the ASB Account for holding class funds used specifically for class activities and other functions. All projects beyond those outlined in Article IV, Section 7, requiring the depositing or withdrawal of money in the Class Account must be approved by the Leadership Council through normal Leadership Council voting procedures. Reimbursements must be accompanied by valid receipts and must be approved by the Student Activities Director, Class Advisor, the ASB Account Clerk, and ASB Treasurer.
- The Class Officer Team may participate in Homecoming Float building with their class under the guidelines of float building set forth in the Homecoming Rules.
- The Class Officer Team may fundraise through the sales of class t-shirts and/or sweaters or other approved items.
- The Class Officer Team may establish a Class Council to assist with class activities, projects, and fundraisers.
Section 6: Class Advisor Responsibilities and Prerogatives - The Class Advisor must oversee the general direction and progress of their Class Officers.
- The Class Advisor must act as a liaison between the Activities Director, administration and the general student body and act as advocates for students when appropriate.
- The Class Advisor must mediate conflicts between Class Officers and the student body.
- The Class Advisor must be present at Class Council meetings and supervise Class Activities when necessary.
Article V – Elections
Section 1: Applicable Officers
All offices designated 'elected by the ASB' in Article III, Section 2 shall be elected by the ASB by the procedures listed in the following sections of Article V.
Section 2: Eligibility
Applicants seeking ASB and Class Office must comply with the eligibility rules as stated in Article III Section 6.
Section 3: Commitments
Eligible Applicants must make all commitments and have all forms completed by the dates established by the Leadership Council and Student Activities Director. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
Section 4: Order of Elections
Freshman Class Elections shall be held during the third week of the school year. ASB Office elections shall be held in March of each school year. Students who run but are not elected to an ASB Office may apply for an appointed position on the Student Executive Council.
Section 5: Campaigning Regulations (Current Campaign Rules)
- Candidates shall only be allowed to campaign in the following manner:
- Candidates may post campaign posters in accordance with the poster rules.
- Signs may not be posted until the date specified in the Campaign Rules.
- The Student Activities Center will provide paints and paper if needed
- The Student Activities Director will have the authority to remove any sign if it is posted before set time.
- Should spaces for posters be assigned for candidates, allocations will be determined by a lottery system the Friday before Elections week.
- Signs are not allowed to overlap one another.
- All posters and other campaign materials must be removed and appropriately discarded before final election results are posted.
- Candidates will only be allowed to campaign on campus during the week of elections on specified dates and specific locations (listed in campaign rules). Online campaigning, including but not limited to the creation of Facebook groups and events, may begin once the Oracle Election Special Deadline has passed, as detailed in the Campaign Rules.
- Candidates may decorate themselves as part of their campaign and may carry one 24" x 24" sign on a stick. Candidates may not use any type of amplified sound system while campaigning. Candidates may not have running mates.
- Candidates for School-Wide Office may spend no more than $50.00 on campaigning supplies and handouts (including signs, posters, self-decorating, and shirts/decorations for supporters). Class Officer Candidates may spend no more than $35.00. Any overspending will result in disqualification. Candidates are expected to complete a Financial Disclosure Form and keep all receipts of money spent. The cost of items used for campaigns that were already owned or are donated must also be factored into the candidate’s $50.00 or $35.00 total spending.
The following are prohibited and will result in disqualification from the election: - Food or candy handouts of any kind
- Confetti or fliers
- Handouts that cause undo distraction in class or a safety hazard (e.g. bubbles, bouncy balls)
- Any handouts with adhesive (including stickers)
- Candidates shall not use obscene, racial, or any other controversial materials on posters, fliers, signs or any other campaign materials (this includes any and all online campaigning). Candidates shall not put down any other candidate and may only use posters, handouts, the Oracle Election Special and signs to promote themselves on campus. Use of unapproved promotional formats will result in immediate disqualification. The Student Activities Director and ASB Officers must approve all campaigning materials and will be judges of appropriate material.
Section 6: Elections Special
Candidates for ASB Office and Class Office shall have the opportunity to promote themselves through an Elections Special online publication made available to all members of the student body. Candidates must submit a photo of themselves along with a statement. Statements shall be under 250 words and will be produced in an orderly and sportsmanlike manner. The Oracle will short statements longer than 250 words. Statements and photos must be submitted via email including name and desired position by the specified date and time.
Section 7: Voting
- All students at Gunn High School shall have an equal vote in electing ASB Elected Officers and Class Officers.
- Elections shall be held online and results will be available by the end of the last day for voting once all election materials are removed and cleaned from campus.
- Candidates with the most votes will be the declared winner of the race, unless there are four or more candidates for a single position and ranked choice voting is not being used, in which case, runoff election rules will apply.
- Run Off Elections: If there are four or more student candidates in an election for a single position, there will be a runoff election between the two highest vote-getters to determine the winner of the election, unless
- One candidate gathers a majority (50% +) of the vote in the initial election, in which case this candidate will be declared the winner of the election
- The candidate with the most votes in the initial election exceeds the next highest vote-getter by over 10 percentage points of the total vote , in which case this candidate will be declared the winner.
Section 8: Process Changes
All changes to the election process must be approved through normal Leadership Council policy procedures.
Article VI: Internal Appointments
Section 1: Applicable Offices
All Offices designated "appointed internally" in Article III, Section 3 shall be elected by the ASB by the procedures listed below in Article VI, sections 2 - 6.
Section 2: Eligibility
Applicants seeking ASB Office must comply with the eligibility rules as stated in Article III, Section 6.
Section 3: Commitments
Eligible applicants must make all commitments and have all forms completed by the dates established by the Leadership Council and Student Activities Director. Failure to do so may result in denial of appointment.
Section 4: Order of Appointment
Appointment of internally appointed positions shall occur after the ASB Office elections, but prior to the end of the school year.
Section 5: Appointment Process
Following the application deadline for appointed positions, members of the current Student Executive Council and Student Body President-Elect shall review applications for appointment. After a time period designated by the Leadership Council and Student Activities Director, interviews shall occur. These interviews will include a presentation from the candidate and consist of a set of previously stated general questions and a set of position-specific questions. After the interview of all candidates for a position, the Student Executive Council and Student Body President-Elect shall vote by secret ballot on which candidate is to be appointed.
Section 6: Voting
For an officer to be appointed, they must receive the plurality of the votes.
Article VII: Removal
Section 1: Removal By The Student Activities Director
The Student Activities Director has the right to remove any person or persons for any violation of the constitution, by-laws, or the school Code of Conduct.
Section 2: Removal by Impeachment
- To begin the impeachment process there must be a petition signed by 15% of the student body.
- The petition must include the name of the individual and state the charge against them.
- The person has the right to make a statement to defend themselves in front of the entire student body.
- The ASB has to hold an impeachment election in which 2/3 of the student body must vote to impeach the officer to remove them from office. In the event that an officer is impeached, the position will be filled through an appointed process with the date to be determined by the Student Activities Director.
- In the event that the Student Body President is impeached, the Student Body Vice President will fill their position and an election will be held to appoint a new Vice President.
Section 3: Vacancy of Office
In the case of vacancy after Elections, or after appointed interviews the position will be filled through a special election or appointed interviews with the dates to be determined by the Student Activities Director.
In the case of a position becoming available mid-year, vacancies will be filled through a special election or an appointed process. This procedure applies to all positions with the exception of the presidency. The Vice President will take over the position of the President, and the appointed process will be held for the Vice Presidential position. - Applications must be obtained from the Activities Offices.
- Any student may apply for an open position as long as they meet the qualifications.
- Elections, interviews and appointments will be conducted in the same way that a regular election or appointment would be conducted.
- Vacant positions cannot be filled by another current SEC member but its responsibilities may be covered during the interim period.
- When filling a vacant spot applications will be open to the runner up or other applicants who ran the year before and then opened to the entire student body if none of the previous candidates can fill the role.
- The vacant position must be filled within a month maximum time
Article VIII – Leadership Council
Section 1: Members
The Leadership Council shall consist of the Student Executive Council.
Section 2: Powers
- The Leadership Council shall review applications for ASB affiliated club status and shall vote through normal Leadership Council voting procedures according to club eligibility guidelines established in Article X, Section 8. All applicants denied ASB affiliated club status shall receive notice in a timely manner from the Student Body Vice President.
- The Leadership Council will vote on events pertaining to the general student body, including but not limited to dance themes and homecoming activities.
- The Leadership Council shall review all applications for activities deemed “school affecting.”The definition of “school affecting” is a project that is at least one of the following:
- It is open to the public and/ or the student body
- It uses school facilities either during or after school hours.
- It permanently affects the physical environment of school.
- It requires the raising of funds on behalf of the club and/ or the depositing or withdrawal of money in the club or ASB accounts.
Exceptions for club projects are the following: - Club meetings that are held in classrooms or other school spaces.
- Events that are held at school exclusive to club members and that do not use major school facilities are exceptions.
- The Leadership Council shall review all Student Executive Council activities deemed “school affecting.”
- The definition of “school affecting” is outlined above in Section 2.
- Exceptions for Student Executive Council activities are the following:
- All responsibilities and prerogatives outlined in Article III Section 7 are exceptions for the Student Executive Council.
- Events that are held at school exclusive to class council members and that do not use major school facilities are exceptions for Class Officer Teams.
- The Leadership Council shall work to improve all policies involved with Gunn student government.
- The Leadership Council shall approve and adopt the ASB budget presented by the Student Activities Director and ASB Treasurer at the end of the school year. Any changes to the ASB budget must also be approved.
Section 3: Voting
- Each member of the Student Executive Council (with the exception of the facilitator) holds one (1) vote in Leadership Council.
- Voting may only occur if seventy-five percent (75%) of the Student Executive Council is present.
- A proposed project, policy, or action is passed with a two-thirds (2/3) majority of Student Executive Council members present.
Section 4: Approval of Activities Sponsored by Student Organizations
- Event/ Fundraising Forms shall be used by all student organizations to apply to host activities that are “school affecting" as defined in Article IX, section 2.
- Event/ Fundraising Forms shall only be accepted for review in the Leadership Council if completed and submitted to the ASB President at least two Friday's before the week the activity is to occur.
- Activities that are “school affecting" must be approved in the Leadership Council before they can be commenced, unless the Student Activities Director gives prior permission. Otherwise, without permission, the Leadership Council will determine consequences and/or fines.
- All Event/ Fundraising Forms shall be given to the Student Body Vice President for filing upon approval of the Leadership Council.
Section 5: Meetings - The Leadership Council meetings shall be held once a week, except upon special permission from the Student Activities Director. There will be at least one open meeting each month in which the general student body is invited to participate.
- The Leadership Council meeting minutes shall be posted for public viewing at a location that must be made known to all Members of the student body.
- The ASB President shall facilitate the Leadership Council meetings. In their absence, the ASB Vice President shall assume the position as facilitator. The facilitator role may be relinquished to any willing member of the Leadership Council for any given period of time. The facilitator must bear the burden of impartiality during discussions and must intend to be fair to all members of the Leadership Council.
- Motions are made and carried by standard parliamentary procedure. Motions concerning policy shall have a discussion with an unlimited number of alternating pro and con statements, with the right to terminate discussion reserved by the facilitator. All other motions shall have a discussion with a maximum of three alternating pro and con statements, with the right to terminate discussion or extend discussion reserved by the facilitator. The facilitator shall have ultimate discretion in the facilitation of the meeting.
- Motions that do not carry may not be re-submitted without the approval of the facilitator. Similar motions with modifications may be re-submitted without approval of the facilitator; however, the facilitator has discretion as to when a party may no longer submit similar motions and must wait to resubmit the motion at the next meeting.
- The Student Activities Director or equivalent substitute must be present at all Leadership Council meetings.
Article IX - ASB Affiliated Clubs
Section 1: Purpose
ASB affiliated clubs shall serve as interest groups to accommodate the diversity of the student body and encourage social interaction.
Section 2: Money
Profits and expenses associated with activities, fundraisers, and projects created by a club are the responsibility of the Club Officers for the aforementioned club. All money raised by clubs must be used for the benefit of the entire club.
Section 3: Positions and Elections
Each individual club will determine their elected officers and election processes as established by the Club Bylaws (can be downloaded from link at top of page). All election processes must be fair to all applicants, with any objective requirements approved by the Leadership Council. Each club is required to elect the following positions: a) president, b) secretary/ treasurer.
Section 4: Club Charter Application
New and Existing Club Charter Applications
- Students interested in forming a club must complete a Club Charter Application and required paperwork. The application form will ask for the Club’s name, purpose, suggested donations, teacher advisor, location, time, and frequency of meeting. The form shall also indicate names and contact information of sponsoring students and a list of ten charter members. Clubs are also required to submit a Club Constitution, Signed Acknowledgement of Club Bylaws, Advisor Contract, and Club Financial Budget Plan.
- Clubs not anticipating any financial activity shall submit a “zero budget” signed Club Financial Budget Plan form with their charter application.
- All applications will be reviewed by the Student Body Vice President and Student Activities Director for appropriateness, safety, adherence to District ASB rules and State Law, and inclusiveness.
- The Student Body Vice President, in consultation with the ASB Advisor, shall set a deadline for fall and spring club charter applications.
- The club student sponsor will be required to attend a meeting regarding club record-keeping requirements once a year.
- Club Charter applications may be denied for failure of the club to submit required record-keeping, or for failure to meet other requirements of the Club Bylaws.
Section 5: Approval of an ASB-affiliated club
The Student Body Vice President will recommend to the Leadership Council to grant permanent ASB-affiliated club status or decline active club status. The Leadership Council will vote on the recommendations made by the Student Body Vice President. If proposed clubs meet the requirements in the Constitution, New and Existing clubs may be renewed by majority vote of the Student Council. Funds remaining in dissolved Club Accounts will be transferred at the discretion of the Student Executive Council.
Section 6: Club Re-Application Regulation
Clubs who have not been granted active status by Leadership Council or who have lost charter status by not meeting the minimum club charter requirements will have to wait a grace period of one semester before submitting another Club Charter Application.
Section 7: Eligibility - Any member of the Gunn student body may apply for ASB affiliated club status.
- Students may apply for club status at the beginning of each semester.
- All clubs in their first year chartering are considered Probationary - as such cannot plan large scale events/ overnight field trips during that period. Day trips would be considered acceptable as long as they are not numerous.
- Once the probationary year is over, clubs may host conferences, attend overnight events, etc.
- A Gunn certificated faculty member must be the advisor for the club.
- Duplicate clubs are not permitted.
- Clubs created for the sole purpose of raising funds for charitable organizations (non-profits) will not be chartered.
- Clubs created for the purpose of raising awareness for a charitable organization (non-profit) will need to provide documentation that demonstrates the organization is a legal 501(c)(3) to be considered.
- Clubs must adhere to the Gunn High School Poster Policy.
- Other Club Requirements, as listed in Club Bylaws (Can also download from link at top of page)
Section 8: Club Responsibilities and Privileges - Clubs may communicate with the general student body through the use of tools of communication including but not limited to posters and flyers, newsletters, meetings, and school social media (must receive permission from Student Activities Office).
- Clubs may have access to butcher paper and paint in the Student Activities Center but must comply with the Gunn Publicity Policy set forth by the Leadership Council.
- If clubs intend to solicit funds for the use of their club members, Clubs are required to set up a Club Account within the ASB Account for holding funds used specifically for club activities and other functions. Clubs may not raise funds for the purpose of donating to an outside charitable organization. All projects beyond those outlined in Article IX Section 2 requiring the depositing or withdrawal of money in the Club Account must be approved by the Leadership Council through normal Leadership Council voting procedures. Reimbursements must be accompanied by valid receipts and must be approved by the Student Activities Director or Club Advisor, the ASB Budget Secretary, and ASB Treasurer
- All ASB Accounting rules and regulations will be enforced by the Student Activities Office. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in loss of funds from unauthorized fundraisers and loss of club charter for one full school year after the current year.
- For special events which may benefit the greater ASB, clubs may apply to the Student Council for special funding.
- Clubs may participate in selling food or drinks during Club Days (must sign up with Student Body Vice President). Only on these days may outside food (food not from the school cafeteria) be sold during the lunch period. Food sold must meet Federal, State, and PAUSD Nutritional Requirements.
- All other fundraisers, projects, and activities proposed by clubs must be approved through normal Leadership Council voting procedures.
Section 9: Club Teacher Supervisor Responsibilities and Prerogatives - The Club Teacher Supervisor must oversee the general direction and progress of their club.
- The Club Teacher Supervisor must approve all club proposals for events, projects and fundraisers.
- The Club Teacher Supervisor must act as liaisons between the administration and the club and act as advocates for students when appropriate.
- Club Teacher Supervisor are responsible for ensuring that minutes, and other appropriate records, are kept and made easily accessible to the ASB Adviser or Auditor.
- The Club Teacher Supervisor must mediate conflicts between students in the club.
- The Club Teacher Supervisor must supervise all club activities in accordance with CA Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 5531.
Article X – Initiative
A proposed measure regarding student affairs may be submitted to the Leadership Council for approval. If the measure passes, appropriate action will be taken. If it should be rejected, the measure may be resubmitted to the Leadership Council if a petition of twenty-five percent (25%) of the Members of the student body accompanies it.
Article XI – Referendum
Any measure or resolution passed by the Leadership Council shall be subject to referendum. A petition questioning legislation passed by the Leadership Council and signed by fifteen percent of the Members of the student body shall cause said legislation to be voted upon by the entire student body within two weeks after the petition has been filed with the Student Activities Director.
Article XII - Method of Constitution
This constitution may be amended at any time by a two-thirds (2/3) vote from the Leadership Council. Any amendment to this document is subject to the rules of referendum as cited in Article X. Proposed constitutional amendments originating from outside the Leadership Council must be accompanied by a petition signed by twenty-five percent of the Members of the student body; once submitted, the amendment must be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote from the student body. The Student Body Secretary is authorized to correct article and section designations, punctuation, and cross-references, and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the intent of the Student Executive Council in connection with amendments of this Constitution.
Article XIII – Limits of Power
Given that the school administration is responsible to the Board of Trustees, who are in turn responsible for upholding the Code Provisions of the State of California for the welfare of Gunn High School, it is expressly understood that all student power herein set forth in this Constitution of the Associated Student Body of Gunn High School and adopted bylaws of the Leadership Council may be revoked at any time by authority of the Gunn principal or their designee.
This Constitution was ratified on January 29, 2007 by the Student Executive Council
(Amended on 01/24/25 - Article 3, sect. 7)
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