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Revised on 9-6-2007 to change Society to Community in the By-laws.
Preamble
Believing that the Bible gives Christian parents the responsibility and privilege of providing Christian education for their children, and believing that this can best be accomplished by well-articulated policies and by cooperative action within the body of Christ, we hereby make and adopt the following articles of incorporation:
Article I. Name
This controlling, policy-making, and supporting organization, known as the Judah Christian School COMMUNITY, is incorporated according to the laws of the State of Illinois as a not for profit corporation under the name of Judah Christian School as recorded at the Champaign County Court House. This corporation hereinafter shall be called COMMUNITY in these Bylaws.
Article II. Basis
The basis of the COMMUNITY is the Old and New Testament, the infallible Word of God. Since the family is charged in Scripture with the nurture of children, COMMUNITY is organized as a separate, parent-controlled entity, free of state control. This COMMUNITY, while not an arm of a single congregation or denomination, is a ministry of the church, the body of Christ in this community. The COMMUNITY is committed in principle and spirit to this basic statement of faith:
1. We believe the Bible is the only written Word of God; it is inspired by Him and is wholly trustworthy and authoritative (2 Timothy 3:15-16).
2. We believe in one God, eternally manifested and existent as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, John 10:30, John 16:13-15).
3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14), in His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:34-35), in His miracles (John 2:11, Acts 10:38), in His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3, Hebrews 2:9, Hebrews 10:10, 14), in His bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:4, John 2:21-22, Luke 24:6), in His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:9, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1), and in His personal future return to the earth in power and glory (Mark 13:26, Matthew 16:27).
4. We believe in the necessity of regeneration by the Holy Spirit because of man’s sinful nature inherited from Adam; and we believe that man is justified only through God’s grace by personal repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood (John 3:16-19, Romans 3:23-24, Romans 5:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 3:5).
5. We believe in the resurrection of all persons; those who are saved unto the resurrection of life, and those who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29).
6. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28).
7. We believe in the present, active ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the believer receives sanctification and the power to live a Godly life (Romans 8:13-14, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 5:18).
Article III. Purpose
The aim of the COMMUNITY is to maintain a school whose purpose is to train young men and women – spiritually, mentally, and physically – in an environment of educational excellence that will preserve and promote the standards and the faith taught in a Christ-centered home. The integrating factor, therefore, in this COMMUNITY and the school it sponsors is the Living Word, Jesus Christ, “Who is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The school in its policies and curriculum is built on Christ the Cornerstone. The Christ proclaimed in the inspired Scriptures is the Redeemer and Renewer of our entire life. Paul applies this comprehensive principle to education when he writes of the Lord, “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 1:17, Colossians 2:3, John 1:3). Consequently in this Christian school, the teaching of the Christian faith from God’s Word is not just a separate subject in the curriculum, but the all-pervading force in the total education program.
The school is an extension of the home. Believing parents have the God-given command to teach their children the fear of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Children of a Christian home are a heritage of the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and must be brought up in the admonition of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6).
Article IV. Membership
Section 1. (Revised 9-21-2000)
The parents and guardians of children attending Judah Christian School [hereinafter JCS] are, with rare exceptions, eligible for membership in the COMMUNITY. The parents and guardians of home-schooled students receiving credit at JCS in order to be eligible for participation in sports are not eligible for membership in the COMMUNITY, except under the conditions of Article IV, Section 3.
Section 2.
All faculty and staff of JCS are conferred membership in the COMMUNITY.
Section 3.
All other persons eighteen years of age or older who are in full agreement with Articles II and III, and who contribute an annual membership fee (as determined by the JCS School Board, hereafter BOARD) or other significant participation, may become members of the COMMUNITY upon recommendation of the Administrator and approval by the BOARD.
Section 4.
Membership includes the privilege and responsibility of voting at the meetings of the COMMUNITY upon recommendation of the Administrator and approval by the BOARD.
Section 5.
In unusual instances, upon the advice of the Administrator and approval by the BOARD, a person who does not meet the foregoing requirements in sections III and IV, but who is interested in the COMMUNITY and makes financial contributions to the work of the COMMUNITY, shall be known as a FRIEND of JCS. This includes the parents or guardians who express reservations concerning Article II, yet seek an education for their children consistent with the remaining provisions of the Bylaws.
Article V. Meetings of Community
Section 1.
The COMMUNITY shall hold at least two meetings each year, one to be held near the beginning of the school year and the other toward the end of the school year, the exact time and place of such meetings to be set by the BOARD.
Section 2.
The fall meeting of the COMMUNITY shall be one of the principal business sessions of the year. At this meeting the BOARD shall present a final budget for the current school year. Reports on projected activities and goals for the school year shall be rendered by the Administrator and the President of the BOARD.
Section 3.
The spring meeting of the COMMUNITY shall be one of the principal business sessions of the year. At this meeting the annual election of BOARD members shall take place. The Administrator or his designee shall present a year’s end projected financial statement and budget for the ensuing year. Approval of this budget shall require a simple majority of those present. A report on the activities and progress of the school shall be rendered by the Administrator and the President of the BOARD.
Section 4.
Special meetings may be called at any time by a majority vote of the BOARD. Notice of a special meeting must be sent to the entire membership at least two weeks before the scheduled date. This notice must include a statement of the reasons for calling the special meeting. Though only the BOARD itself can call meetings of the community membership for special meetings.
Section 5. (Revised 9-21-2000)
All decisions shall be made by ballot, unless otherwise decided by the BOARD. A majority of votes cast (that is one-half of the votes plus one) shall determine the issue in each case, except where otherwise required by these bylaws. Absentee ballots will be available to COMMUNITY members who cannot attend the COMMUNITY meeting due to one or more of the following causes:
- A community member who is required by their employer to work or travel during a Community meeting.
- A community member who remains at home to watch children while the spouse attends the community meeting, if the spouse must be absent for work reasons (as noted above), or in the case of single parents if the parent is unable to obtain childcare for the community meeting.
- A community member who is unable to attend for medical reason, including hospital.
- A Community member acting in an essential function on assigned Judah duties.
Absentee ballots will be available at least 5 working days prior to the COMMUNITY meeting. They must be picked up by the individuals and turned in at least 1 day prior to the vote.
Section 6.
The quorum shall consist of those members present.
Section 7.
The agenda shall be prepared by the BOARD, and conducted by the BOARD President. All meetings shall be open to the public.
Article VI. The School Board
Section 1. (Revised 10/94)
A BOARD consisting of seven persons shall constitute the executive officers of the COMMUNITY. The term of office shall be for three years, with members eligible for a maximum of two consecutive terms. The term of office shall commence June 1.
Section 2.
All members of the BOARD must declare their unconditional support of articles II and III of these Bylaws. They shall demonstrate these qualifications as a minimum:
a. They must be men and women who lead Godly lives according to the Biblical guidelines established in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
b. They must lead an active prayer life and be serious students of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15).
Section 3. (Revised 9-24-98)
A nominating committee appointed by a simple majority of the BOARD and consisting of two BOARD members, and four COMMUNITY members (no more than two of the four may be employees or immediate family members of employees of the school) shall present at least two names for each BOARD vacancy. Any former BOARD member serving on the nominating committee must not have held BOARD office in the previous three years. The nominating committee will honor the stipulation that the elected BOARD shall have no more than two members from any one congregational body or denomination. The nominees should have proven leadership ability and experience in JCS committee functions. There will be no nominations from the floor.
Section 4.
Vacancies on the BOARD shall be filled promptly by a BOARD appointee following unanimous vote of the BOARD and according to the stipulations of Article VI.3.
Section 5.
The board shall hold at least one meeting each month.
Section 6.
The board shall conduct all its business in a systematic and responsible manner, and always with a wholehearted commitment to prayer.
Section 7.
Voting shall be by voice vote, though a secret ballot may be called for by one member.
Section 8.
The Administrator shall report orally at each meeting and submit substance of this report in writing. The Administrator, as the expert in all school matters, shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the BOARD
Section 9.
Meetings of the BOARD shall be announced and open to the public, except for certain confidential matters which may be taken care of in a closed executive session, declared as such by a majority of the BOARD.
Section 10.
The BOARD shall be defined as the BOARD of Directors for the purposes of the Illinois Not For Profit Corporation Act.
Section 11.
All decisions shall be made by a simple majority vote of the BOARD, unless otherwise defined in these Bylaws.
Article VII. Duties of the School Board
Section 1.
The BOARD shall determine school policies in full harmony with the Bylaws and in accordance with COMMUNITY decisions.
Section 2.
The BOARD shall select an Administrator, Principal, Preschool/Day-Care Director, and teaching staff qualified to carry out the educational program and policies of the school.
Section 3.
The BOARD or its proper designee shall interview all prospective parents prior to enrollment.
Section 4.
The BOARD retains authority to expel any student whose continued presence seriously impairs the fulfillment of the school’s obligation to provide a Christian education in accordance with these Bylaws.
Section 5.
The BOARD shall devise ways and means of obtaining the necessary funds for operating the school, maintaining accurate records, and determine how these funds shall be distributed.
Section 6.
BOARD members shall visit the school periodically to assure themselves that policies are faithfully carried out in the school’s educational program. In maintaining these policies, the BOARD will ensure that the school’s standards for curriculum and faculty will remain of the highest quality thus enabling students to contribute to the general welfare of the community into which they graduate.
Section 7.
The school term shall be determined by the BOARD as consistent with state regulations. Holidays and vacations shall be allowed as decided upon by the BOARD.
Section 8. (Added 10/94)
The BOARD of directors shall have full power to purchase or otherwise acquire for the COMMUNITY any property, rights or privileges which the COMMUNITY authorizes and is authorized by law to purchase or otherwise acquire, at such prices and consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the BOARD may deem advisable, and in its discretion, may pay therefore, in whole or in part, in money, stocks, bonds, promissory notes, or other securities or loans secured by the COMMUNITY.
Except as otherwise provided by Illinois Law, the Articles of Incorporation of the COMMUNITY, or the Judah Christian School bylaws, the BOARD shall have full power to sell, or otherwise dispose of, transfer, or convey any property of the COMMUNITY, which the COMMUNITY authorizes at such price and consideration and upon such terms and conditions as the BOARD may deem advisable, and in its discretion, may accept in payment or exchange therefore, in whole or in part, money, stocks or bonds or other securities of any corporation or organization.
Article VIII. Officers of the Board and Their Duties
Section 1.
At the first meeting subsequent to the COMMUNITY’S election of board members, the board shall elect the following four officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. In addition, the BOARD shall provide a synopsis of recent notable BOARD activity, and copies of general and executive minutes of the previous year.
Section 2.
It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the BOARD and of the COMMUNITY, and to enforce the provisions of the bylaws. In addition, the President shall ensure regular reports from the Administrator and standing committees, and assign one BOARD member to serve as an advisor to each standing committee.
Section 3.
The Vice-President shall assist the President whenever possible in the discharge of his duties. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall take his place.
Section 4.
The secretary shall take care of the official documents of the COMMUNITY and BOARD; he shall conduct all BOARD correspondence and enter into safe records the minutes of all meetings of the COMMUNITY and BOARD after they have been approved. Records from all meetings except BOARD executive sessions shall be made public.
Section 5.
The Treasurer is an ex officio member of the Finance Committee and shall report to the BOARD regarding the finances of JCS and the COMMUNITY. He shall assure himself that all monies received on behalf of JCS are deposited in the name of the COMMUNITY in a bank approved by the BOARD, and that no disbursements shall be made except by check according to the approved budget. In concert with the Administrator, he shall oversee maintenance of complete and permanent financial records relating to the operations of JCS.
Article IX. Indemnification of Officers, Directors, Employees and Agents (Added 10/94)
Section 1.
The COMMUNITY shall indemnify each BOARD member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of his/her being or having been a BOARD member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY, against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding if he/she acted in good faith and in the manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the COMMUNITY, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful.
Section 2.
The COMMUNITY shall indemnify each School BOARD member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in the right of the COMMUNITY to procure judgment in its favor by reason of his/her being or having been a BOARD member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the COMMUNITY, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect to any claim, issue, or matter as to which the BOARD member or officer shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his/her duty to the school unless and only to the extent determined by a court as provided by law.
Section 3.
In the event of the disposition of any action, suit, or proceeding in which no determination regarding good faith, reasonable belief, negligence, or misconduct, as applicable, has been made, such indemnity shall be conditioned upon prior determination that the Board member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY acted in good faith and with reasonable belief and without negligence or misconduct, as applicable, and that such payments or obligations are reasonable. Such determination shall be made (I) by the School BOARD by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of BOARD members who were not parties to such proceeding, (ii) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion if such a quorum is not obtainable or, even if attainable if a quorum of disinterested BOARD members so direct. BOARD members eligible to make any such determination or to refer any such determination to independent legal counsel must act with reasonable promptness when indemnification is sought by any Board member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY.
Section 4.
Expenses incurred in defending any proceeding may be paid by the school in advance of final disposition of such proceeding, if authorized in the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the BOARD member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that he/she is entitled to indemnification.
Section 5.
Every reference herein to BOARD member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY shall include every BOARD member, officer, employee, agent of the COMMUNITY, former BOARD member, former officer, former employee, or former agent of the COMMUNITY as a Board member, officer, employee, or agent of the Community in a similar capacity of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise and, in all such cases, the heirs, executors, and administrators of such BOARD member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY.
Section 6.
The COMMUNITY may further indemnify each BOARD member, officer, employee, or agent of the COMMUNITY in any other manner permitted by law.
Article X. Committees and Councils of the Board and Their Duties
Revised May 7, 2009
Section 1.
The BOARD shall appoint to each standing committee a minimum of four members, both men and women from within the membership of the Judah community. All potential candidates for the Council shall complete an application form. The educational unit principal or director shall determine the selection process.
Term of Membership shall be two years, commencing with the first meeting of the school year.
Section 2.
The BOARD shall maintain at least six standing committees and receive regular written reports from each of them.
1. Preschool Council – The Preschool Council shall:
a. Consider all matters relative to the educational program policies of the Preschool program and make recommendations concerning the same to the board.
b. Keep itself informed in regard to the scholastic quality and Christian character of the instruction given, the course of study, discipline, equipment, etc., and make recommendations concerning these and allied matters to the board.
c. Form such subcommittees, as it may deem necessary.
d. Make budget proposals to the board relating to it’s area of responsibility for inclusion in the fiscal budget.
2. High School Council (7-12) – The High School Council shall:
a. Consider all matters relative to the educational program policies of the high school and make recommendations concerning the same to the BOARD.
b. Keep itself informed in regard to the scholastic quality and Christian character of the instruction given, the course of study, discipline, equipment, etc., and make recommendations concerning these and allied matters to the BOARD.
c. Form such subcommittees, as it may deem necessary.
d. Make budget proposals to the BOARD relating to its area of responsibility for inclusion in the fiscal budget.
3. Elementary School Council (K-6) – The Elementary Council shall:
a. Consider all matters relative to the educational program policies of the elementary school and make recommendations concerning the same to the BOARD.
b. Keep itself informed in regard to the scholastic quality and Christian character of the instruction given, the course of study, discipline, equipment, etc., and make recommendations concerning these and allied matters to the BOARD.
c. Form such subcommittees, as it may deem necessary.
d. Make budget proposal to the BOARD relating to its area of responsibility for inclusion in the fiscal budget.
4. Finance Committee (Preschool – 12) – The Finance Committee shall:
a. Recommend to the board a budget for the ensuing year.
b. Make recommendations to the board as to the manner in which the school is to be maintained financially, indicating the varied resources of income and how monies are to be collected from these sources.
c. Make recommendations to the board regarding the amount of tuition, and provisions for parents who are unable to pay the required tuition.
5. Development Committee (Preschool – 12) – The Development Committee shall:
a. Design and recommend to the board, and in concert with the Administrator, implement an integrated plan to promote the activities of Judah Christian School to the school and its publics.
b. Make budget proposals to the board relating to its area of responsibility for inclusion in the fiscal budget.
c. Be responsible for planning and promoting development activities relating to the physical plant as well as other major projects identified by the board as important to the growth and development of the school.
6. Athletic Committee – The Athletic Committee shall:
a. Consider all matters relative to the athletic program (K-12) and make recommendations concerning the same to the BOARD.
b. Keep itself informed in regard to scheduling, games, and the Christian Character of the school’s athletes.
c. Place a priority on considering the academic impact of any recommendations and seek High School & Elementary Council input as needed.
d. Form such subcommittees, as it may deem necessary.
e. Make budget proposals to the BOARD relating to its area of responsibility.
Section 3.
Ad Hoc Committees consisting of Judah Christian School Community members, both men and women, may also be established for a specific purpose and duration as designated by the board.
Article XI. Staff
Section 1.
The Administrator, Principal, Preschool Director, and teachers shall be appointed by the BOARD after careful consideration of their spiritual, academic, and physical qualifications. They shall be employed for such terms as the BOARD may determine, under the conditions described below and with such salary as demonstrates that workers in God’s Kingdom are worthy of their hire.
Section 2.
All members of the administration, faculty, and staff must declare their unconditional support of Articles II and III of these Bylaws.
Section 3.
All employees as well as the board shall abide by the terms of the agreement entered into by both parties. The board has the authority to terminate the agreement with any employee who proves to be unfit for the work because his or her instruction or personal life conflicts with Article II and III of these Bylaws.
Section 4.
A course of study outlining the work for each grade shall be prepared by the Administrator, Principals, and the Preschool in collaboration with the teaching staff. After recommendation by the high school and elementary councils and approval by the board, such course of study shall govern all instruction in the school.
Section 5.
Elementary school teachers shall report to the Elementary Principal. High school teachers shall report to the High School Principal. Preschool teachers and aides shall report to the Preschool Director. In the day-to-day operation of the school, the Principals and Preschool Director shall report to the Administrator.
Article XII. Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any of the meetings of the COMMUNITY. The recommendations must be placed on the floor by the BOARD, provided that two weeks prior notice has been sent to each member of the COMMUNITY. The substance of Article II, III, and XI of these Bylaws are not subject to change.
Article XIII. Not for Profit Provisions
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its Directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distribution in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Articles of Incorporation. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these article, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of a future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by a corporation, contributions which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the BOARD shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all of the assets of the corporation to another church, school or other religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the BOARD shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purpose or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
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