CONSTITUTION of RCLS Bobcat Boosters
Article I – Name
The name of this organization shall be the Rochester Central Lutheran School (RCLS) Boosters.
Article II – Purpose
The purpose of the Booster Club is to:
- Support the educational, spiritual, athletic, fine arts, and extracurricular programs of Rochester Central Lutheran School (RCLS).
- Encourage Christian fellowship among parents, families, staff, students, and supporters.
- Raise funds to enhance student opportunities and school programs.
- Promote school spirit and strengthen the partnership between home, church, and school.
- Conduct all activities consistent with biblical principles and the mission of the school.
Article III – Statement of Faith
The Booster Club supports the mission, values, and statement of faith of Rochester Central Lutheran School (RCLS) and shall conduct its affairs in a manner consistent with Christian principles.
Article IV – Nonprofit Nature
The Booster Club shall operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and shall not provide financial benefit to any individual member except for reimbursement of approved expenses.
Article V – Membership
Membership shall be open to:
- Parents and guardians of enrolled students
- Faculty and staff
- Alumni families
- Church members and community supporters approved by the Executive Board of the RCLS Bobcat Boosters
Article VI – Statement of Faith and Christian Conduct
Section 1. Statement of Faith
The Rochester Central Lutheran School (RCLS) Booster Club supports and advances the mission of Rochester Central Lutheran School (RCLS) and its supporting and Association congregation. The Booster Club acknowledges and affirms the teachings of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions contained in the Book of Concord.
We believe:
- The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God and the sole rule and norm of Christian doctrine and life.
- There is one true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Salvation is by God's grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.
- Jesus Christ is true God and true man, who died and rose again for the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of all who believe.
- The Church is called to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and to make disciples through God's Word and Sacraments.
- Christian education is a ministry that nurtures students in faith, knowledge, service, and Christian character.
The Booster Club shall conduct its activities in a manner consistent with the mission, doctrine, and teachings of Rochester Central Lutheran School (RCLS) and its affiliated LCMS congregation.
Section 2. Christian Conduct
Members, officers, volunteers, and participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects Christian faith, love, and integrity.
Accordingly, individuals serving in leadership positions shall:
- Demonstrate respect for the teachings and mission of the school and congregation.
- Treat students, families, staff, volunteers, and community members with dignity, kindness, and Christian charity.
- Conduct themselves honestly and responsibly in all Booster Club affairs.
- Avoid behavior that would bring discredit upon Christ, the school, the congregation, or the Booster Club.
- Support a safe, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment for all students and families.
- Comply with all school policies regarding child safety, volunteer conduct, and protection of minors.
Section 3. Unity of Mission
Because the Booster Club exists to support the ministry of the school, all fundraising activities, programs, communications, and events shall be consistent with the doctrine, mission, and policies of Rochester Central Lutheran School (RCLS) and its supporting and Association congregations.
Section 4. Leadership Eligibility
Officers and board members shall support the purposes of the Booster Club and agree to uphold this Statement of Faith and Christian Conduct while serving in their leadership roles. The Executive Board may address concerns regarding conduct or actions that materially conflict with the mission and ministry of the school, subject to procedures established in these bylaws.
Section 5. Resolution of Concerns
Members are encouraged to address disagreements and concerns in a spirit of Christian reconciliation, guided by Scripture and the principles of forgiveness, repentance, and mutual respect. When appropriate, school administration and/or pastoral leadership may be consulted to assist in resolving significant disputes affecting the ministry and mission of the Booster Club.
Article VII – Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at a duly called meeting, provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been given at least fourteen (14) days in advance.
BYLAWS of RCLS Bobcat Boosters
Article I – Membership
Section 1. Eligibility
Any person supporting the mission and purpose of the Booster Club and Rochester Central Lutheran School may become a member.
Section 2. Voting Rights
Each member age 18 or older shall have one vote.
Section 3. Dues
Membership dues may be established annually by the Executive Board and approved by the membership.
Article II – Officers
Section 1. Officers
The officers shall include:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
Additional positions may be created as needed.
Section 2. Duties
President
- Preside over meetings
- Coordinate Booster Club activities
- Serve as liaison with school administration
Vice President
- Assist the President
- Assume duties in the President's absence
Secretary
- Maintain meeting minutes
- Keep official records
Treasurer
- Maintain financial records
- Present financial reports
- Oversee deposits and expenditures
- Ensure annual financial review
Article III – Elections
Section 1. Nominations
A nominating committee may be appointed by the Executive Board.
Section 2. Election Process
Officers shall be elected annually by majority vote of members present.
Section 3. Term of Office
Officers shall serve one-year terms beginning August 1 and ending July 31.
Section 4. Vacancies
The Executive Board may appoint a replacement to fill any vacancy until the next election.
Article IV – Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings
Regular meetings shall be held at minimum per quarter. Monthly meetings shall be preferred.
Section 2. Annual Meeting
An annual meeting shall be held for:
- Election of officers
- Approval of budget
- Review of accomplishments
Section 3. Quorum
A quorum shall consist of ten (10) members or 25% of active membership, whichever is less.
Article V – Executive Board
Section 1. Composition
The Executive Board shall consist of:
- Elected officers
- School Principal (ex officio, non-voting unless otherwise designated)
- Other board-approved committee chairs
Section 2. Authority
The Executive Board may conduct business between general meetings, subject to membership approval when required.
Article VI – Committees
Standing committees may include:
- Fundraising
- Athletics
- Fine Arts
- Events and Hospitality
- Volunteer Coordination
- Communications
Committee chairs shall be appointed by the President with board approval.
Article VII – Finances
Section 1. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall run from August 1 through July 31.
Section 2. Banking
All Booster Club funds shall be deposited in approved financial institutions. Finances will be maintained through the accounting procedures and policies of Rochester Central Lutheran School (RCLS).
Section 3. School Administrator Approval
To ensure that all Booster Club expenditures support the mission, educational objectives, and operational needs of the school, any single expenditure, purchase, reimbursement, contract, or financial commitment exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) shall require prior written approval from the School Administrator, Principal, or their designated representative before funds are disbursed or obligations are incurred.
The approval request shall include:
- A description of the proposed expenditure;
- The purpose and anticipated benefit to the school or students;
- The estimated cost; and
- Any supporting documentation, quotes, or contracts, when applicable.
No officer, committee chair, member, or volunteer shall enter into a contract or commit Booster Club funds in excess of $500 without obtaining the required approval. Expenditures made without the required approval may be deemed unauthorized and may not be reimbursed by the Booster Club.
The School Administrator shall have the authority to approve, deny, modify, or defer requests based on consistency with the school's mission, policies, budget priorities, facility requirements, student needs, and applicable legal or regulatory obligations.
Emergency expenditures necessary to protect persons, property, or school operations may be authorized by the President and Treasurer, provided that the School Administrator is notified as soon as reasonably practicable and the expenditure is presented to the Executive Board at its next meeting for review and ratification.
Nothing in this section shall limit the authority of the Executive Board to establish more restrictive spending controls or approval thresholds as deemed necessary for prudent financial stewardship.
Section 4. Signatures
Two authorized signatures shall be required for checks exceeding $1,000.
Section 5. Budget
An annual budget shall be approved by the membership.
Section 6. Financial Review
A financial review or audit shall be conducted annually. Strong financial controls are recommended in booster club governance.
Article VIII – Conflict of Interest
Board members shall disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest and refrain from voting on matters where a conflict exists.
Article IX – Dissolution
Upon dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed to:
- Rochester Central Lutheran School, if eligible; or
- Another qualified charitable or religious organization selected by the Executive Board.
No assets shall be distributed to individual members.
Article X – Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present at a regular or special meeting, provided notice has been given at least fourteen (14) days in advance.
For a Christian K–8 school, I would also recommend adding:
- A biblical statement of conduct
- Child safety and volunteer screening requirements
- School administrator approval for expenditures over a specified amount
- A clear fundraising policy
- Language aligning the club with the school's statement of faith and ministry mission
If you'd like, I can also provide a more formal 501(c)(3)-ready version designed for filing as a nonprofit organization.