ARTICLE 1 – NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Business Industry School Coalition (BISCO) with membership from persons and/or companies in the Watertown area, herein referred to as BISCO.

ARTICLE II – MISSION

BISCO’s mission is to build a strong and mutually beneficial foundation which fosters a progressive and meaningful relationship between business, industry and school. BISCO members recognize that by combining experiences and talents of the business and industrial community with the school will benefit the entire community. BISCO serves in an advisory role to the school district to foster unique and innovative programs with a business orientation, which are consistent with the mission of the school district.

Section I – Purpose

Given the Watertown School District’s Mission of enabling all students to succeed in an ever-changing world, the purpose of BISCO is to foster holistic opportunities for today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section I – Eligibility

Any person and/or any designated representative of a business or company in the Watertown area is eligible for membership in BISCO. Membership may be obtained by payment of dues as established by the Board of Directors of BISCO.  

ARTICLE IV – DIRECTORS

Section 1 – Board of Directors

BISCO will be governed by a Board of Directors of nine to eleven members.  

Section 2 – Term of Office

The members of the Board of Directors will serve staggered three year terms with an annual election of officers in May. Any board member who fills a remaining term is eligible for two additional terms. Any director or officer may be a candidate to succeed himself/herself with a maximum of two terms.

Section 3 – Responsibilities

The Board of Directors shall formulate and approve the policies of BISCO and they shall have power to fill vacancies until the election. Between official meetings of BISCO, the Board shall have the authority to conduct all types of business affecting BISCO. The Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent, Business Manager, School Board Member, a business/Chamber of Commerce representative, and an Arrow Foundation Representative are ex-officio members of the board. The Business Manager will serve as the fiscal manager for BISCO.

Section 4 – Quorum

A Majority of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A Majority vote of the Directors present will constitute action by the Board. In the absence of a quorum physically present, a quorum may be established via telephone, email, or fax with votes recorded by name.

Section 5 – Board Attendance

It is expected that all Board Members will be in attendance at the monthly meetings in order to conduct BISCO business.

March, 2005

ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 – Eligibility

To be elected to office or to remain in office, an individual must be a dues-paying member of BISCO, or a designated representative of a dues-paying business/company.

Section 2 – Officers

The officers of BISCO shall be selected from and by the Board of Directors. The officers shall consist of a President, Vice-President and Secretary.

Section 3 – President

The President of BISCO shall act as Chairman of the Board of Directors. In the absence of the Board and with no action of BISCO to the contrary, the President may authorize expenditures up to 10 percent of the annual budget.

Section 4 – Vice President

The vice president shall be 1) responsible for promoting new memberships; 2) shall assume the responsibility of the President in his/her absence. If the President can no longer serve in his/her office, the vice president will assume the office of President for the remainder of the term.

Section 5 – Secretary

The secretary shall 1) keep the minutes of the meeting; and 2) handle official correspondence.

ARTICLE VI – CONSTITUTION AND AMENDMENTS

The constitution shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors every five years, or as necessary. This constitution may be amended: 1) at any regular BISCO meeting for the transaction of official business.

ARTICLE VII – BYLAWS

Details of the activities of BISCO shall be regulated by the bylaws. These may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.