Question: By Law Interpretation

Our bylaws are up for interpretation and we are trying to determine what is accurate and who determines what the interpretation is: Article IV is about officers and terms Item one states that we have 6 officers and lists those positions. Item 2 states that a term is July 1 - June 30 and item 3 states that a term is served for a minimum of one year and a maximum of 3 years. Out of 12 people, 11 interpret this to mean that you can serve as one of the officers for a minimum of 1 year with a maximum of 3 years but then you would have to run for a different position after three years. One person says that she interprets this to mean that you can only serve on the PTO board for a maximum of 3 years regardless of the position you hold. How do we come to a final interpretation? These bylaws were created before our current Principal and board members. thanks!

Asked by cochran4

Answers:

Community Advice

C S writes:
The thing with bylaws is a group needs to understand what the intentions were with the board who created and/or revised them. Since that probably isn't likely, how about enlisting the help of a licensed attorney, well versed in non-profit corporate work, who can help untangle or clarify any gray areas in your bylaws. Of course, the entire board would need to decide whether this is an avenue they want to pursue. If I were interpreting the bylaws as you have stated above, I also read the language to mean a board member can serve for up to 3 years in any one position and then they would have to be run for another position.