GUIDELINES ON WRITING BYLAWS AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
These guidelines provide the basics on how to write a successful bylaws amendment
proposals.
As author, you must be a member of the SBCS-PTO in good standing.
Also, you are responsible for making sure your Proposed Bylaws Amendment Form is worded
so that your proposal is clear, concise, and complete before you send in your submission.
Please use the current Bylaws approved by the SBCS-PTO. Important note: please use only
ONE form for each amendment proposal.
To print a copy of SBCS-PTO Bylaws, please go to http://www. sbcschool.org/pto/bylaws
Bylaws Amendment Format
Each proposed amendment has four parts:
• Article, Section and Title
• Section Exactly As Worded
• Proposed Bylaws Amendment
• Rationale
Article, Section and Title
Specify which Bylaws article and section (number and title) you wish to amend. The title of the
bylaws amendment should broadly and accurately reflect the content of the amendment.
Before drafting proposed language, it is helpful to write a statement that clearly describes the
exact change you are hoping to accomplish.
Section as Exactly Worded
Insert the Bylaws section that you wish to amend – that is, insert the current text of the section
as it is exactly worded.
Proposed Bylaws Amendment
Write your proposed bylaws amendment (clear, straightforward, and specific focus), explaining
what you wish to add, delete, or substitute. See examples below.
Make sure the proposal can easily be understood and replied to with a vote of, “Yes, I am in
favor of this amendment,” or, “No, I am opposed to this amendment.”
Do research in advance on your proposal. Was this addressed by the SBCS-PTO in the past,
or is this something the SBCS-PTO is already doing? Is your proposal forward-looking?
GUIDELINES ON WRITING BYLAWS AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
Rationale
Clearly explain the reasons for the proposed amendment and include any supporting data.
This information must be factual and speak directly to the changes being proposed.
Briefly state the reason why you believe your proposal is worth considering. How will it impact
or improve the SBCS-PTO, including administratively and/or operationally?
Submitting Your Proposal
The proposed amendment(s) must be submitted for review by the PTO executive board.
Following the board’s review, the proposal will be posted online for 30 days for the general
membership review. The proposal will be presented at the next PTO general meeting for a
vote.
Make certain the proposal is submitted on the Proposed Bylaws Amendment Form template.
Proposals not submitted in the template format will not be accepted. Bylaws amendment
proposal and resolution proposal templates are located in the Forms section of the PTO web
page.
Email your proposal to: [email protected]
Summary
Keep in mind the three C’s for successful bylaws amendment writing: Make sure your proposal
is clear, concise, and complete.
Sample Proposals
Example #1
Article and Title: Article III, Section 2 Officers
Currently Reads As: “The officers of this Association shall consist of a President, a First Vice
President, a Second Vice President, a Third Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.”
Proposed Amendment: Delete “a Third Vice President”
Rationale: To reduce the number of Board officers.
Example #2
Article and Title: Article V, Section I Board of Directors
Currently Reads As: “The Board of Directors shall meet four times a year.”
Proposed Amendment: Change “four times a year” to “six times a year”
Rationale: Increase the number of meetings to facilitate Board decision making.
GUIDELINES ON WRITING BYLAWS AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
Example #3
Article and Title: Article V Board of Directors
Currently Reads As: N/A
Proposed Amendment: Add a new section to Article V, “The Board of Directors shall serve no
more than three consecutive terms.”
Rationale: Require term limits for elected Board members.
Sources:
http://www.nad.org/sites/default/files/2012/February/2012%20Guidelines%20on%20Writing%20Bylaws%20Amendment%20Proposals.pdf