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South Dakota Association for Middle Level Education
Constitution and Bylaws
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be South Dakota Association of Middle Level Education
(SDAMLE), hereinafter referred to as SDAMLE or the Association.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
SDAMLE is a professional education association with membership open to all educators and
other stakeholders committed to the development of quality programs which serve the needs of
young adolescents (10 15). SDAMLE is the source of ideas, information, and support for
middle level educators in South Dakota. It is organized exclusively for educational purposes
within the meaning of Section 503(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 1. Mission
SDAMLE is dedicated to improving the educational experiences of all students ages 10
to 15 by providing vision, knowledge, and resources to educators and leaders.
Section 2. Vision
SDAMLE is the leading organization in South Dakota advancing the education of all
students ages 10 to 15, helping them succeed as learners and make positive contributions
to their communities and to the world.
Section 3. Values
We believe that every young adolescent…
● Has the capacity to learn, grow, and develop into a knowledgeable, reflective,
caring, ethical, and contributing citizen.
● Must have access to the very best programs and practices a school can offer.
● Must be engaged in learning that is relevant, challenging, integrative, and
exploratory.
● Faces significant life choices and needs support in making wise and healthy
decisions.
Adopted July 2017
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● Thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a democratic learning
environment where trust and respect are paramount and where family and
community are actively involved.
● Deserves educators who are prepared to work with this age group, who are
themselves lifelong learners and committed to their own ongoing professional
development and growth.
Therefore, we proudly dedicate ourselves to creating the best middle grades educators
while serving as active advocates for all young adolescents.
Section 4. Goals
1. To represent middle level education in all facets in the state of South Dakota.
2. To sponsor workshops, conferences, and educational activities for middle level
educators, parents, and other stakeholders which focus on the unique social,
emotional, intellectual, physical and moral needs of young adolescents.
3. To provide information to people outside the organization regarding the middle level
philosophy, which recognizes the uniqueness of young adolescents and the need for
developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
4. To provide a support network for those involved in middle level education.
5. To recognize outstanding middle level educators in South Dakota.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERS
Section 1. Membership.
Membership in SDAMLE shall be open to anyone (active educators, retired educators,
preservice educators, and other stakeholders) interested in the education and wellbeing
of the young adolescent (10 15). Conditions and rights of membership shall be
established by the Board.
Section 2. Annual Membership Fee
The Board shall establish the annual membership fee for institutions and individuals.
Section 3. Meetings
Meetings may be held anywhere within or outside of South Dakota as set by or under the
direction of the Board.
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Section 4. Annual Meeting
The annual business meeting shall be held as part of the SDAMLE annual conference of
which notice shall be sent to all members not fewer than thirty (30) days preceding the
conference. The purpose of the meeting shall be: 1) adopt resolutions, 2) hear concerns of
the membership, and 3) act upon any business of SDAMLE.
Section 5. Special Meetings
Special meetings of the membership may be called by the Board or upon petition of
twentyfive percent (25%) of the members in good standing. Notice of a special meeting
shall be given not less than thirty (30) days preceding the meeting and shall include the
purpose for which the meeting is called.
Section 6. Voting
Voting rights shall be granted to those members who are in good standing, are employed
by a district in South Dakota, and are licensed in South Dakota. A quorum shall consist of
the voting members in good standing present at such meeting. Unless otherwise provided,
a majority vote of the members present is necessary for passage. No member shall vote
by proxy.
Section 7. Proceedings
The rules contained in the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern
SDAMLE in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent
with this constitution and any bylaws or special rules of order SDAMLE may adopt.
Section 8. Personal Gain
No part of the assets of the Association shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to,
its members or other private persons except to pay reasonable compensation for services
rendered.
Section 9. Operations Limitations
SDAMLE shall not become involved in any activity which would jeopardize its exempt
status from federal income tax or jeopardize contributions which are deductible under the
Internal Revenue Code.
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ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. General Power.
The governing body of SDAMLE shall be the Board of Directors (“Board”).
Section 2. Number, Tenure, and Qualification of Board
The Board shall be comprised of ten (10) members, including the officers. Members shall
serve threeyear terms and may be elected to serve a second consecutive term. Nominees
to the Board must be a member of SDAMLE in good standing, employed by a district in
South Dakota, a current practitioner of young adolescent learners (10 15 years old), and
a licensed educator residing in South Dakota.
Section 3. Nominations
Nominations for the Board of Directors shall be made by open call to members.
Section 4. Elections
New members of the Board of Directors shall be elected by a majority vote of the current
board members.
Section 5. Duties of the Board
The Board shall: a) conduct the business of SDAMLE in the interim between annual
meetings; b) establish policy for SDAMLE; c) approve the annual budget; d) interpret
and rule on questions relating to the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution, and bylaws;
e) collaborate with AMLE and other middle level associations/education associations;
and f) perform such duties as may be necessary for the efficient functioning of SDAMLE.
Section 6. Meetings
The board shall meet at least biannually (annual conference and summer summit).
Meetings of the Board may be called by the President or by a majority of the Board. The
Board may hold a meeting using authorized communication equipment.
Section 7. Quorum and Voting
A simple majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum. Each Board
member shall have one vote. No Board member shall vote by proxy. Unless otherwise
provided, a majority vote of members present is necessary for passage. Expenditures
require a majority vote of the Board. The Board may conduct a vote using authorized
communication equipment.
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Section 8. Vacancies
Should a Board position become vacant because of a resignation, neglect of duty,
unavailability, or other cause, the board shall have the authority to fill the remainder of
the unexpired term by a person elected by majority vote of the remaining members of the
Board.
Section 9. Committees
The Board is authorized to establish and empower such committees as it deems necessary
to further the purpose of SDAMLE. All committees and committee members shall serve
at the pleasure of the Board and shall be subject to the control of the Board.
Section 10. Legislative or Political Activities
The Board of Directors will seek opportunities to provide input to the legislature
and Department of Education to ensure that decisionmakers understand that students in
the middle grades must have a developmentally appropriate education and must be taught
by teachers who have specialized middle level licensure. SDAMLE may choose to
support political candidates who are strong advocates for middle level education and
young adolescents.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
The officers of SDAMLE shall be president, presidentelect, treasurer, secretary and
membership coordinator.
Section 2. Election of Officers
Officers shall be elected by a majority of Board members present at the summer summit.
Section 3. Qualification, Terms, and Duties
The officers will be selected from the members of the Board of Directors in good
standing. These officers shall perform the duties granted herein and as prescribed by the
Board. All officers shall serve a one year term and may be reelected to consecutive
terms.
A. President The President shall preside at all meetings of SDAMLE,
appoint members of committee, and shall serve as an exofficio member to
all committees.
B. PresidentElect The PresidentElect shall succeed as the President in the
following year.
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C. Secretary The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings and monitor
all correspondence of SDAMLE.
D. Treasurer The Treasurer shall be responsible for the receipt, custody, and
disbursement of SDAMLE’s assets.
E. Membership Coordinator The Membership Coordinator shall be
responsible for maintaining the membership records and ensuring
recruitment letters are sent and follow up contacts are made.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS
This Constitution can be amended by: 1) a threefourths vote of the Board or 2) threefourths
vote of the membership present at any duly convened SDAMLE meeting.
ARTICLE VII
BYLAWS
The activities of SDAMLE shall be regulated by the bylaws. Such bylaws as may be deemed
appropriate for the functioning of SDAMLE may be adopted by: 1) a simple majority vote of the
Board or 2) by a simple majority vote of the membership present at any duly convened
SDAMLE meeting.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Board, Officer, and Employee Indemnification
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, SDAMLE shall indemnify each person
who, by reason of being or having been a Board member, officer or employee of
SDAMLE, is named or otherwise becomes or is threatened to be made a party to any
action, suit, investigation or other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
otherwise in nature against any and all costs and expenses, including attorney fees,
judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement, and other disbursements, actually
and reasonably incurred by or imposed upon such person in connection with any action,
suit, investigation or proceeding, or any claim or other matter herein, including any
settlements thereof or any appeals therein, with respect to which such person is named,
otherwise becomes or is threatened to be made a party by reason of being or at any time
having been a Board member, officer, or employee of SDAMLE, or by being or at any
time having been, at the direction or request of SDAMLE, a Board member or officer of
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or fiduciary for any other corporation, partnership, trust, venture or other entity or
enterprise including any employee benefit plan.
Section 2. Additional Indemnification
By action of the Board of Directors, SDAMLE may indemnify any other person subject
to the same terms, conditions and limitations set forth in Section 1 of this Article.
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
Upon the dissolution of the Association, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making
provision for the payment of all liabilities of the SDAMLE, dispose of all the assets of SDAMLE
to such organization or organizations operated exclusively for educational purposes and are
exempt under the codes of Internal Revenue Service. Any assets not so disposed of shall be
disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas in the country in which the principal office of
SDAMLE is then located. The jurisdiction of the court shall prevail in the disposition of the
assets of SDAMLE, with the guidance of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE X
CONDITIONS OF CONSTITUTION
This constitution supersedes any and all previous constitutions and takes effect immediately
following a ratification vote.
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BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
NAME
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
Section 1. Mission
Section 2. Vision
Section 3. Values
Section 4. Goals
ARTICLE III
MEMBERS
Section 1. Membership.
The annual membership year shall begin on July 1 and run through June 30 of the
following year.
Section 2. Annual Membership Fee
Institutional membership fees shall be based on the district’s boys basketball
classification according to the SDHSAA.
AA school = $150.00
A school = $100.00
B school = $75.00
Intermediate school = $75.00
Individual = $20.00
College student = $10.00
Section 3. Meetings
Section 4. Annual Meeting
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Section 5. Special Meetings
Section 6. Voting
ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. General Power.
Section 2. Number, Tenure, and Qualification of Board
Any term limited Board member may be appointed by a majority of the Board of
Directors to fill a vacancy on the Board if there are no qualified applicants. A Board
member who, due to a job change, is no longer a practitioner of young adolescents may
continue to serve on the Board until the next summer summit where the Board will
appoint a replacement in accordance with the Constitution and bylaws.
Section 3. Nominations
Nominees must complete an application to be considered for the Board.
Section 4. Elections
Section 5. Duties of the Board
Section 6. Meetings
The Board shall meet on the second Wednesday of each month via Google Hangouts
during the school year.
Section 7. Quorum and Voting
Section 8. Vacancies
Section 9. Committees
Section 10. Legislative or Political Activities
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ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers
Section 2. Election of Officers
Section 3. Qualification, Terms, and Duties
A. President
B. Secretary
C. Treasurer
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE VII
BYLAWS
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Board, Officer, and Employee Indemnification
Section 2. Additional Indemnification
ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION
ARTICLE X
CONDITIONS OF CONSTITUTION
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ARTICLE X
OTHER BYLAWS
Section 1. AMLE Affiliate
SDAMLE shall maintain domestic nonprofit status with the state of South Dakota (and
the Internal Revenue Service if necessary) and shall complete any annual
report(s)/paperwork as required by the South Dakota Secretary of State and/or the
Internal Revenue Service.
Section 2. AMLE Affiliate
SDAMLE shall maintain affiliate status with AMLE.
Section 3. Insurance
SDAMLE shall carry commercial general liability coverage and commercial crime
coverage.
Section 4. Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Board members should disclose their involvement with SDAMLE to their
superintendent/principal/district according to their district's policy and South Dakota state
law.
Section 5. Corporate Sponsors and Partners
Board members have the power to solicit corporate sponsors and partners. Partners are
defined as organizations providing in kind support or those who are aligned in mission,
vision, values, and goals of SDAMLE.
Section 6. Awards and Grants
Applications and nominations will be opened in December and due in January. Winners
will be announced at the annual meeting in March. Grant and award applicants must be
individual members or individuals from member schools. Nominations for the
Outstanding Middle Level Educator (OMLE) must come from member schools
(submitted by principal of member school). All award and grant recipients must be
individual members individuals from member schools. Current Board members are not
eligible for consideration for any SDAMLE awards and grants.
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Section 6A. SDAMLE OMLE
Each institutional member (school) may submit one nominee. The nominee shall
be submitted by the principal. Horace Mann shall serve as the partner with
SDAMLE for the OMLE. Horace Mann will provide the annual award to provide
to the winner and Horace Mann and/or SDAMLE will provide a nominal prize to
the OMLE recipient.
Section 6B. SDAMLE “This We Believe” Award for Best Practices
SDAMLE shall provide (1) award of five hundred dollars ($500) for
implementing the "This We Believe" middle school philosophy. Winners will be
expected to submit information regarding the process, project, or activity to be
shared on our website .
Section 6C. SDAMLE Innovation Grant
SDAMLE shall provide one (1) grant of five hundred dollars ($500) for
innovation in the classroom. Winners will be expected to submit information
regarding the process, project, or activity to be shared on our website .
Section 6D. SDAMLE Scholarship
SDAMLE shall provide two (2) scholarships of two hundred fifty dollars ($250)
for a current undergraduate student in a South Dakota university with a declared
education major.
Section 7. Book Studies
The compensation for conducting a book study under the auspices of SDAMLE shall be
five hundred dollars ($500).
Section 8. Board Reimbursement
Board members shall be reimbursed for mileage and meals at the state rate and for actual
lodging expenses when attending the SDAMLE annual conference, SDAMLE summer
summit, and other Board approved functions when representing SDAMLE.
July 2017
June 2018
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