| Boosters |
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Welcome to the website of the Pocono Mountain Panther Music Boosters (PMPMB) The PMPMB is a non-profit volunteer association whose purpose is to support and promote the activities of the music departments of the Pocono Mountain West junior and senior high schools. We do this by linking the students, families, faculty and community at large, in support of the belief that the arts compliment the development of the well-rounded student. |
| From: Mr. Searfoss To: Students & Parents Re: Status of the Boosters Date: 11/06/08 At the PMPMB meeting last night, I temporarily suspended the election of officers and the activities of the organization until 1/5/09. This is not done lightly. I have never had to resort to this before in 26 years of booster affiliations. Some people have violated many terms and procedures of the PMPMB Constitution and Bylaws to the extent that it is interfering with the music department's duties and undermining the already poor relationships that exist. I cannot be anymore specific in this email, and all email is monitored, even from private accounts. If you want more information, take the online AUP training on the district's home page and read through the volumes of the professional employee policy: http://www.pmsd.org Regarding the Maryland trip [for Marching Band]: I don't know what you've heard, what version you either 1. told your parents or 2. your child brought home, or 3. what you heard over the backyard fence or 4. on Facebook. We were not going to MD since mid September, roughly the 17th (that's when I signed us up for the PV show). East pulled out. They decided not to go to MD and so did we. It is my decision to make. No one else's. It's perfectly fine to disagree. It is not acceptable to go behind my back and start contacting people, other organizations or administration. (see Bylaws, Article I) It's a 4 hour bus ride, 225 miles each way. At least $3000 if we do it in 1 day on school buses. On Tuesday I approached USSBA and the administration about the possibility of us going. USSBA would put us on, but very early in the Group II's. The local answer was no for various reasons, such as the lateness of the request, the cost, and lost instructional time. I notified USSBA that we would not be coming. The kids and I knew we would be good this year, but we didn't expect to be able to pull in a 2nd Place at the Northern States. I figured East and West would likely be 5th and 6th. New Business: From the PMPMB Constitution Article II: Purpose 6. To promote and maintain an enthusiastic public interest and appreciation of all aspects of the music department. 7. To support the music directors, teachers, administrators, and School Board members so that the music department maintains the highest possible degree of efficiency and respect within the school community. 8. To serve as a means of communication to keep parents informed as to the activities and projects of the PMPMB and all performing groups. Article III- Structure 2. "...the elected officers, with the consent of the Senior High School Music Director, shall govern this organization." From the PMPMB Bylaws: Article I: Membership: 7. No member may act as an agent of the organization without the approval of the President. This includes any implied representation of the organization, whether intentional or not... ...contacting parents about music events or organization projects, and communicating with the administration and the public." 8. All organization communications with the administration, school board, and public must have the approval of the music director. Article II: Officers Nominations 1. The President at the February general membership meeting shall appoint a Nominating Committee. 2. In addition to a chairman, the Nominating Committee shall consist of a least two voting members of the organization. 3. This committee shall consult the music director. Vacancies 3. The music director shall have final approval over the replacement. Article VII: Dissolution 1. The organization exists to assist the music students and music faculty of the PMSDW and exists at the convenience of the faculty and administration. Should the organization no longer prove beneficial to the school district, the organization will cease to exist. Mr. Hughes and I determined through the Robert's Rules of Order, rev.ed. (the rule book listed in our Constitution) that we could suspend activity rather than completely dissolve the organization. The activities allegedly engaged in by some members of the organization have violated these Constitutional definitions and Bylaw procedures. Upon consultation with members of the professional staff, district business agent and administration, I have come to the conclusion:
The suspension of the group shall last until the first day of school in January, 2009. At that time, a nominating committee shall be formed and we will repeat the Bylaw process of electing officers. Should the PMPMB be dissolved in the interim, a new organization under a new name will be designed. That organization will be formed with a new Constitution and By-laws written and brought to the January meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for a first public reading. Everything will continue as normal- Feed The Kids for example. Let us try and enjoy the rest of the season and marvel at what our kids have achieved despite our Limitations. ~ Searfoss |