Our Vision & Mission
VISION: To see homeschool families fulfill their God-given role to disciple and educate the next generation.
MISSION: Midwest Parent Educators exists to:
- EQUIP homeschooling families
- ENCOURAGE home educators
- PROMOTE home education, and
- PROTECT homeschooling freedom,
all for the glory of God.
Midwest Parent Educators By-Laws
ARTICLE I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Statement of Purpose. The purposes of Midwest Parent Educators (MPE) are: (1) primarily to promote the Christian faith; (2) secondarily, to promote Christian home education; and as an incident of (1) and (2), to (3) promote and protect those God given rights of parents that relate to the home education of their children, and to conduct other operations consistent with 501(c)(3) status.
ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF FAITH
The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God (II. Tim. 3:16).
God has existed from all eternity in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, being virgin born, was God in human flesh; fully God and fully man, except without sin (Gen. 1:26; Jn. 1:1-3, 14; Heb. 4:15; Jn. 14:26).
All men are by nature and act sinners and under God’s condemnation (Jer. 17:9-10; Rom. 3:23).
Jesus Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross has paid the penalty for man’s sin. Salvation is offered as a gift from God, free to the sinner. This gift must be responded to in individual faith, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, but the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ alone (Tit. 3:5-6; Gal. 3:13; Rom. 6:4-11; Eph. 2:8-9).
Children are gifts from God given to parents who act as stewards for a short time. Parents are responsible to God for each child’s education and training (Ps. 127:3; Deut. 6:6-10; Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6).
God’s plan for marriage is that it exist between one man and one woman. All marriage, or attempted marriage, or civil union, or domestic partnership, or the like, or cohabitation, or sexual congress, or the appearance of same, outside this boundary, is contrary to God’s will. God’s plan for gender is that an individual’s gender as determined genetically at birth is to be their life-long gender. That which is outside God’s plan but is approved by a government entity or agency remains outside God’s plan.
ARTICLE III. OFFICES
SECTION 1. REGISTERED OFFICE
The office of the corporation shall be established and maintained as determined by the board of directors in Johnson County, in the State of Kansas.
SECTION 2. OTHER OFFICES
The corporation may have other offices, either within or without the State of Kansas at such place or places as the board of directors may from time to time appoint or the business of the corporation may require.
ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. DEFINITION
Homeschool – The activity whereby parents pervasively and characteristically accept ownership, responsibility and authority with respect to their child’s education. This is best expressed through parents personally instructing the child in the home itself. However, pervasive parental control can be expressed in other ways, such as the child doing most school work at home, even though enrolled in a distance-based private school program that will result in the receipt of a private school diploma.
“Home” in this context means either the home where the child resides with those to whom he is connected by blood, marriage, adoption, or de jure or de facto custody, or the home of another chosen by the child’s parents.
Pervasive parental control can also be expressed if the child’s primary place of learning is outside the home, but the parent will issue the high school diploma and create the high school transcript. However, if the child’s primary place of learning is outside the home and his trajectory is toward a high school diploma issued by an institution, the program lacks pervasive parental control.
Pervasive parental control can also be expressed in an educational hiatus. A parentally-determined suspension of schooling, such as for a summer break, or taking one or more semesters off from the educational program, is still an expression of pervasive parental control. A student expelled from public school may be considered to be in a pervasively parent-controlled program while the parent is making plans to initiate a homeschool program.
Pervasive parental control is not necessarily terminated upon the award of a high school diploma. A gifted student may earn his high school diploma earlier than most others, but if the parents direct the student into a post-high school educational program, such as a college degree program, and the student continues to live at home, pervasive parental control is manifested. A student no longer living at home who is studying toward a post-high school degree through an institution is not under pervasive parental control.
Government-controlled schools, are further defined as “public schools.” An essential component of homeschooling, therefore, is freedom from the pervasive control of public schools, whether on-site schools or internet-virtual computer schools, charter or non-charter.
Some public schools offer ala carte programs which allow families to pick and choose among academic and non-academic programs. We do not consider a student whose elementary or secondary program consists of not more than 50% of public school ala carte offerings to be under the pervasive control of a public school. We consider a student whose program consists of more than 50% of public school programs (one or more public schools) to be under the pervasive control of the public school system.
We do not consider “public school” in this context to mean public colleges, universities or community colleges and comparable institutions not established or operated for the primary purpose of satisfying the compulsory attendance laws.
The membership of the corporation may consist of current and past homeschool families which have paid the annual membership dues.
SECTION 2. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
A homeschool family seeking membership in the corporation shall apply by completing the MPE application.
SECTION 3. TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership in this corporation is not transferable or assignable.
SECTION 4. VOTING RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
Each member homeschool family shall be entitled to one (1) vote in all applicable matters. Except as otherwise provided by the Articles of Incorporation of these By-Laws, all matters brought to a vote shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present at a duly called general meeting of the members, subject to the requirements of quorum.
SECTION 5. AFFILIATION
MPE is not affiliated with any religious or political organization or any special interest group. While members may participate in any other organizations according to personal interest, any attempt to affiliate this organization with another to advance another cause within the official activities of MPE is contrary to stated policy.
ARTICLE V. GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS
SECTION 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
From time to time, and no less than once a year, a duly elected member of the board of directors shall call a general meeting of the members to conduct the general business of the corporation.
SECTION 2. CALLING OF MEETINGS
General meetings, at which annual elections or other business of the corporation may be transacted, as determined by a majority of the members of the board of directors or a majority of the members of the corporation: such meeting may be called by the chairman of the board of directors, his designee, a majority of the members of the board of directors, or by a majority of the members of the corporation. Such meetings shall be held at a time and place agreed upon by a majority of the members of the corporation.
SECTION 3. NOTICE OF MEETINGS
Notice of a general meeting of the members, either written or by telephone, stating the location, the date and the time of the meeting, shall be provided to the members of the corporation not less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting.
SECTION 4. QUORUM
Except as otherwise required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these By-Laws, a quorum is established by the attendance of members at a duly called general meeting for elections and other business.
Voting by absentee ballot, in writing, by any member shall be considered as equivalent to representation by proxy for purposes of quorum, but only for those issues specifically addressed in the absentee ballot.
SECTION 5. PROXY
A member may authorize another individual member to represent him at a duly called general meeting by designating the temporary representative, in writing, to any member of the board of directors of the corporation. A temporary representative would vote once for each member represented.
ARTICLE VI. ACTION WITHOUT MEETING
SECTION 1. CONSENT OF THE MEMBERSHIP
Except as otherwise required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these By-Laws, any action upon a majority vote may be taken without a duly called meeting provided a majority of the members of the corporation shall consent in writing, signed by the member or his designated representative.
ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS
SECTION 1. OFFICERS
The officers of the corporation shall consist of the officers of the board of directors.
SECTION 2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. The board of directors shall consist of a minimum of six persons elected by the general membership. These are termed “elected” board members. The board, at its discretion, may appoint up to six additional board members termed “appointed” board members. Each “appointed’ board member may remain on the board for no longer than one year, although the board reserves the right to reappoint the same person for a further one year term at the expiry of the current term. One of the “appointed” members may be the treasurer, when selected from the membership (Article VII, Section 2, C) or the past president when completing his term in office. Criteria for these appointments will include the achieving of representation on the board of all areas of the MPE community.
B. The officers of the board shall be the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer.
C. The officers are elected by the board of directors from the board of directors. The exception will be that of the treasurer, who may be appointed from the qualified membership by the elected board of directors. If the treasurer is appointed from the membership, then he becomes one of the appointed members of the board (Article VII, Section 2, A). A member serving in the first or second year of his term must fill the office of vice-president. Any member is eligible to fill the other offices.
D. Each member of the board shall serve a three-year term
E. If any board member terminates his membership on the board, the balance of his term shall be completed by a replacement selected by the board at a duly called or regularly scheduled meeting.
F. No two board members shall be members of the same immediate family.
G. A board member shall agree in writingto endorse and support the Purpose and Statement of Faith of this corporation.
H. Board members must have been homeschooling their own children for at least one (1) year.
I. A board member is considered as the parental family unit. This allows the homeschool father and mother to provide their perspectives on the board. Each family unit will be entitled to one vote on board matters.
J. Board members should attend the scheduled board meetings regularly. (Spouse may represent the absentee board member.)
K. The board member term will start June 1 and end May 31. This allows the new board time in the summer to plan for the school year.
SECTION 3. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee will be determined by the board of directors. No less than 50% of the members of the Nominating Committee shall be members of the board of directors.
SECTION 4. ELECTIONS
The election of new board members (except past-president and president) shall be held during the regular Spring meeting or annual conference each year or by mail ballot. Names on the ballot shall be suggested by the Nominating Committee. The newly elected board shall meet as soon as possible to elect new board officers. The past president shall preside over any board meetings until the new board officers are elected.
SECTION 5. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. The Past-President
1. He shall provide counsel and perform other duties as assigned by the board of directors.
2. He shall chair the Nominating Committee.
B. President
1. He shall preside at all meetings of the board of directors and shall guide the corporation within the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
2. He shall perform other duties as assigned by the board of directors.
3. He shall not vote on the board meeting issues except in all cases where his vote would affect the result; or where the vote is by ballot, he may vote. [This is specified in Robert’s Rules of Order, Article X, Section 50, and in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990), Section 43, p.400].
4. He shall or his designee shall be the primary public spokesman for the corporation, including but not limited to media contacts and legislative hearings.
5. He will be an ex-officio member of each Standing Committee.
C. Vice-President
1. He shall perform the duties of the president in the event of the latter’s absence.
2. He will be a regular voting board member except when acting for the president.
3. He will assist the president at the latter’s request.
4. He shall perform other duties as assigned by the board of directors.
D. Secretary
1. He shall record and maintain minutes of all the board meetings and general member meetings. Copies of the minutes of the meetings shall be typed and distributed to the board members after each meeting.
2. He shall respond to correspondence.
3. He shall advise of board meetings and duly called member meetings.
4. He shall provide copies of the By-Laws and other pertinent information to board members as requested.
E. Treasurer
1. He shall have custody of the funds of the corporation and shall keep full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements in the books of the corporation.
2. He shall deposit all money and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the board of directors
3. He shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the board of directors or the president, maintaining proper vouchers or other documentation for such disbursements.
4. He shall render to the president and board of directors at the duly called board meeting, or whenever the board may request it, a full and accurate account of all his transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation.
5. He shall also perform such other duties as may be required by these By-Laws or from time to time by the board of directors.
6. He is to recommend and the board must approve any non-budgeted expenses over $1000.
7. He shall be bonded or insured as the board may direct.
8. He shall prepare an annual report at the end of the fiscal year. [This is stated in Robert’s Rules of Order, Article X, Section 52, and in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990), Section 47, p. 467.]
SECTION 6. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
A. To act both individually and as a group with virtuous Christian values.
B. To administer the affairs of the corporation.
C. To hold regularly scheduled meetings.
D. To publicly represent the MPE views in conformity with the corporation’s Statement of Faith.
E. To be actively homeschooling their children. Children in the care, custody or control of a board member or officer, but as to whom the officer or board member does not have full parental rights, shall not be taken into account in applying these rules. Parents who consistently homeschooled all their children until the children were finished with their secondary education will have emeritus homeschooler status.
F. To assign such Standing Committees and/or Temporary Committees as are necessary to conduct the business of the corporation.
G. To provide workshops, seminars, or other programs as needed.
H. To help the board make good decisions in line with Christian principles.
I. To establish, empower, and oversee volunteer staff as needed.
SECTION 7. BOARD MEETINGS
A. Regularly scheduled board meetings shall be held at intervals determined by the board members.
B. Board meetings shall be held at a location agreed upon by the board members.
C. The presence of a majority of the board members shall constitute a quorum to conduct business, as long as two of the members are officers.
D. The general membership may attend board meetings and express their views unless the board meets in Executive Session, which shall be open only to the board and those expressly invited.
E. The annual meeting of the board shall be determined by the board.
F. The president shall use Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised in conducting the meetings.
G. Executive meetings of the board may be held at any time as deemed necessary by the officers, especially to conduct routine business affairs.
H. All meetings shall be opened and closed with prayer.
I. All committees must give an oral or written report as requested by the board.
J. Possible Standing Committees are: Program, Nomination, Cluster Group, Newsletter/Publication, Student Activities, Membership/Public Relations, Testing/Scholarship.
K. All committee chairs shall agree in writing to endorse and support the Purpose and Statement of Faith of this corporation.
L. A Board member shall be the liaison to resolve questions of any committee of MPE-sponsored activity.
M. When a motion is made that refers only to the president or when the president wishes to participate in the debate, the vice-president will assume the chair. If the vice-president also wishes to participate in the debate, the secretary or an appointed president pro tem will conduct the meeting until the president or vice-president returns to the chair. The board may vote to end the appointment of the president pro tem and elect a different member to that position.”
N. The vice-president shall serve as the chair at meetings in the absence of the president.
ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Except as otherwise required by law or by the Articles of Incorporation, these By-Laws may be altered or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the general membership present at a duly called meeting, subject to the requirements or quorum, and provided that the amendment was submitted to the membership in writing at the previous regular meeting, or at least ten days before the duly called meeting. [This is stated in Robert’s Rules of Order, Article VIII, Section 45, in which previous written notice is required, amount of time is not specified, and Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (1990), Section 10, p. 118, and Section 55, p. 574 & p. 581, and Section 56, p. 585.]
ARTICLE IX. DISSOLUTION
SECTION 1. Upon dissolution of Midwest Parent Educators, the board of directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all assets of the corporation exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such manner, to such organization(s) organized and operated exclusively for the purposes of the corporation in such manner, or to such organization(s) organized and operated exclusively for charitable or educational purposes as at the time shall qualify as an exempt organization(s) under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code (or the correspondent provisions of any United States Internal Revenue Law), as the board of directors shall determine.
ARTICLE X. COMPENSATION
SECTION 1. No part of the earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article XI.
ARTICLE XI. EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES
SECTION 1. Midwest Parent Educators is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Sections 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
ARTICLE XII. OTHER MATTERS
SECTION 1. BOOKS AND RECORDS
The corporation shall maintain complete and accurate records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings and actions taken at all general and board meetings.
SECTION 2. FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the corporation shall be determined by resolution of the board of directors.
SECTION 3. MOTTO
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 1:7
SECTION 4. RULES OF ORDER
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-Laws and any special rules of order the corporation may adopt. [This is stated in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, Section 55, p. 581.]
ARTICLE XIII. FAITH-SENSITIVE OPERATIONS
1. Selection of vendors at conferences is a faith-sensitive operation. The public assumes the organization approves the vendors, and trusts the organization’s selection of vendors. The vendors who are chosen reflect on the organization. A vendor may therefore be excluded from participation in a conference if the board determines in its sole discretion that there is a material and problematic conflict, real or perceived, between the organization’s statement of faith and the vendor, or the vendor’s organization, products, message, conduct, or personnel.
2. A graduation event is a faith-sensitive operation. Therefore the board, in its sole discretion, may decline to permit any party from participating if any aspect of the party’s life, faith, belief system, conduct, etc., falls outside the organization’s statement of faith.
3. Selection of members of the board is a faith-sensitive operation. Therefore a board member shall comply with Article VII.6.
4. The board may, in its sole discretion, determine that other operations are faith-sensitive, and place limitations on participation as it deems appropriate.
ARTICLE XIV. GOOD-FAITH CONDUCT OF VENDORS AT CONFERENCES
Vendors are invited to participate in the organization’s conferences based on the expectation of spiritual and material benefit to the organization, the organization’s members and participants and other vendors. Vendors shall accept the duty of acting in good faith toward the organization and shall refrain from competing with the conference or engaging in conduct hostile to the intended purposes of the conference. The board may insert appropriate provisions in vendor contracts.