Bylaws

CAPSEF is in the process of reviewing its bylaws.  Please check back for Proposed Changes.

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ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of the organization shall be the Connecticut Association of Private Special Education
Facilities, Inc.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The Association shall provide advocacy, assistance and information to its members.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP, DUES AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

1.  Membership
Membership shall be open to educational organizations engaged in providing educational services to individuals with disabling conditions subject to majority approval by membership attending the first meeting following application.

2.  Dues
Dues shall be determined by vote of the membership at the annual meeting of the association in September. Each dues paying member shall have one vote.

ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS

The Association will hold a minimum of three meetings per annum with one being the annual meeting in September. Additional meetings will be held by written request of 20% of the membership of the President at will.

Notice of all Association meetings shall be in writing with a minimum of two weeks notice to all members except in emergency as determined by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS AND DUTIES

Elective officers shall be (a) President, (b) Vice President, (c) Second Vice President, (d) Secretary, and (e) Treasurer to serve two-year terms. The Second Vice President will be elected in odd years beginning in the year 2002. If a vacancy occurs during a term, the Executive Committee is authorized to appoint an officer until the end of the term.

Executive Committee
To provide leadership for organizations between duly called membership meetings. The Executive Committee shall be composed of standing committee chairs and three “at large members” representing Day, Hospital and Residential schools, respectively, chosen by the membership at the annual meeting.

Duties of the Executive Committee

1. President: The President shall serve as official head and public spokesperson of the Association and shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee.
2. Vice President: The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence or incapacitation. Duties of the Vice President shall also be to welcome all new members and bring their attention to the laws in Special Education in Connecticut, information which may be helpful to them, and information concerning CAPSEF.
3. Second Vice President: The Second Vice President shall coordinate duties with the Vice President accordingly. The Second Vice President shall support each standing committee of CAPSEF.
4. Secretary: The Secretary will be responsible for keeping the minutes of the Executive Committee and Membership Meetings. The Secretary shall compile the Annual Report of the Association by the specified date. The Secretary shall be the custodial of all records and bylaws.
5. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be bonded at the Association’s expense and keep true and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements in a book which shall be the property of CAPSEF and shall make a report in writing to be compiled for the Annual Meeting and to the Executive Committee on request. The Treasurer shall serve as a member of the Finance Committee but cannot be chairman.
6. Member at Large: Each Member at Large shall serve as a liaison to their assigned committees.

Policies of the Executive Committee

1. Carry out and mandate the policies of the Association as determined by the membership.
2. Have full power and complete authority subject to the provisions of the bylaws and all resolutions and enactment of the membership to perform all acts and to transact all business for and on behalf of the Association.
3. Approve or reject nominations brought before it by the President for a chairman of any and all committees except that of the Nominating Committee.
4. Have the Treasurer’s accounts verified by the Finance Committee at the end of the fiscal year, and arrange for an annual audit.
5. Bring before the members at any regular or special session or by correspondence communications for the Association for their information, opinion and/or vote.
6. Submit an annual report to the membership by the date required.

Removal of Office

1. Any member of the Executive Committee shall be removed from office for failure to perform his duties as herein assigned.
2. Any member of the association may bring to the attention of any member, in writing, a complaint regarding such failure.
3. The Executive Committee of the Association shall investigate the complaint, hold a hearing and rule by two-thirds vote.

ARTICLE VI – STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing Committees
There shall be seven (7) standing committees. Each committee shall consist of two to three members, each chairman shall report in writing annually to the Executive Committee on request. Each chairman shall be responsible for coordinating all committee activities with the liaison assigned to that committee.

    Program Committee/Professional Development Committee – This committee shall:

1. Be responsible for planning all other conferences and educational programs unless otherwise specifically designed.
2. To recommend training opportunities that will enhance the professional development of our membership

    Finance Committee – This committee shall:

1. Prepare the annual budget thirty days before the new fiscal year and submit it to the Executive Committee for approval.
2. Evaluate the need and bring to the attention of the Executive Committee any needs for dues, income or special assessments.
3. Evaluate and suggest to the Executive Committee actions necessary on any and all expenditures of the association money.

    Nominating Committee – This committee shall:

1. Prepare a ballot of officers. Members shall have at least 21 days to respond to aforementioned mail ballot.
2. Be responsible for incoming candidates for office of future duties or make this information available to them

    Publishing Committee – This committee shall:

1. Assume responsibility for the publication and distribution of the Newsletter, Membership Directory and any other publications deemed necessary by the Executive Committee.

    Legislative Committee – This committee shall:

1. Monitor the state statutes for membership and represent the membership in legislative activity.
2. Review and revise CAPSEF Legislative Agenda and propose changes.
3. Make recommendations to the Executive Committee regarding lobbying and will work closely with the lobbyist to ensure effectiveness of joint efforts.
4. Make available all information regarding pending legislation to the membership.

    Membership Committee – This committee shall:

1. Develop marketing plan for recruitment of new members.
2. Explore additional benefit opportunities for members and present to the Executive Committee.
3. Review and monitor member retention and address any specific membership needs.
4. Coordinate with the Publishing Committee to update and produce the Membership Directory on an annual basis.

    Ad Hoc Committee – This committee shall be appointed by the President as required.

ARTICLE VII – QUORUM

One fourth of the membership shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

Amendments shall be introduced at any membership meeting by any member subject to a minimum of two weeks written notice to all dues paying members.

ARTICLE IX – RULES OF ORDER

Roberts Rules of Order shall govern meetings of the Association.