1️⃣ Bylaws

 

Plain English:

The legally binding rulebook of your organization. It defines structure, authority, roles, voting procedures, and governance boundaries.

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Why It Matters:

Without bylaws, decisions are emotional and inconsistent. With bylaws, decisions are procedural and defensible.

 

Common Mistake:

“We’ve always done it this way” overriding written bylaws.

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2️⃣ Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

 

Plain English:

A written agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, and authority between two parties — often a booster and a school or district.

 

Why It Matters:

It defines who controls money, approves expenses, and owns assets.

 

Common Mistake:

Operating without one and assuming alignment.

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3️⃣ Quorum

 

Plain English:

The minimum number of voting board members required to legally conduct official business.

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Why It Matters:

No quorum = no valid vote.

 

Common Mistake:

Counting absentee votes via text or social media.

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4️⃣ Fiduciary Duty

 

Plain English:

The legal obligation board members have to act in the best interest of the organization — not themselves or individual programs.

 

Includes:

• Duty of Care
• Duty of Loyalty
• Duty of Obedience

 

Common Mistake:

“I’m just a volunteer” mentality.

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5️⃣ Conflict of Interest

 

Plain English:

A situation where a board member’s personal, financial, or relational interest could influence their decision-making.

 

Common Mistake:

Thinking disclosure equals removal — or worse, not disclosing.

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6️⃣ 501(c)(3)

 

Plain English:

A federal tax-exempt classification for nonprofit organizations.

 

Common Mistake:

Assuming it makes you part of the school.

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7️⃣ Governance vs. Management

 

Plain English:

Governance sets policy and oversight.
Management executes operations.

 

Booster Application:

Board sets guardrails. Director runs program.

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8️⃣ Executive Session

 

Plain English:

A closed board discussion used for sensitive matters (legal, personnel, disciplinary).

 

Common Mistake:

Using it to avoid transparency.

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9️⃣ Voting Member

 

Plain English:

An individual granted formal voting rights under the bylaws.

 

Common Mistake:

Letting non-voting attendees influence decisions.

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🔟 Treasurer’s Report

 

Plain English:

A formal financial statement presented to the board outlining income, expenses, and account balances.

 

Common Mistake:

Verbal summaries with no documentation.

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1️⃣1️⃣ Budget Adoption

 

Plain English:

The formal board vote approving the annual financial plan.

 

Common Mistake:

Spending before adopting.

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1️⃣2️⃣ Standing Committee

 

Plain English:

A permanent committee established by bylaws to oversee ongoing functions.

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1️⃣3️⃣ Ad Hoc Committee

 

Plain English:

A temporary committee formed for a specific task.

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1️⃣4️⃣ Indemnification

 

Plain English:

Legal protection for board members acting within their authority.

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1️⃣5️⃣ Minutes

 

Plain English:

The official written record of board actions — not a transcript.

 

Common Mistake:

Recording debates instead of motions and votes.