Copy of SLT Bylaws
P.S. 81Queens
559 Cypress Avenue
Ridgewood, N.Y. 11385
Phone: 718-821-9800 Fax 718-386-7203
Romy Alexis Diamond, Principal
Michael Braster, Assistant Principal
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
The Jean Paul Richter School
Adopted 10/10/2023
Article I – School Leadership Team Mission Statement and Education Vision
The mission of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q is to provide an opportunity for all students to achieve
grade-level standards. It is the purpose of the school community to push for a high level of academic
performance while encouraging positive attitudes in social and emotional behaviors. We will work together as a
TEAM to make our school a great place to learn and grow.
Educational Vision
At P.S. 81Q, we envision our school as a community of learners where the students, parents and teachers
embrace involvement in the educational process. Students come to school prepared and eager to learn. We
have high expectations for our students and support their development of critical thinking and technological
skills. Mutually respectful and cooperative in school, parents and staff work together with the vision of helping
students become productive members of P.S. 81Q and society.
Article II – Team Composition
Section 1 Size of Team
The total number of members shall be twelve (12). The team shall maintain an equal number of
parent and staff members, six (6) from each constituency.
Section 2 Mandatory Members
The only three mandatory members of the SLT are the school’s principal, the Parent-Teacher
Association (PTA) President and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Chapter Leader.
Mandatory members of the SLT may designate another member of their constituent group to
serve in their stead.
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
Section 3 Members at Large
The remaining members of the team shall consist of
● Four (4) elected parent members
● Three (3) elected UFT member(s)
● One (1) elected DC 37 member(s)
Section 4 Election of Team Members
Parent and Staff SLT members must be elected by their own constituent group in a fair and
unbiased manner determined by each constituent group. All elections must be advertised widely,
with reasonable advance notice given. Elections must be open to all members of the constituent
group and must be held in accordance with the term limits set forth in these bylaws.
Parent member elections must be scheduled after PTA elections are held each Spring. Parents
must be provided a minimum of ten (10) calendar days notice prior to the election. The PTA is
encouraged to stagger the terms of the non-mandatory parent members of the SLT.
Community based organizations may also serve on SLTs. The SLT will create a process for the
organizations to apply for membership. A member of the team may also recommend an
organization for membership. This will be done on an annual basis. Community based
organization members will be included in the total number of team members, but will not be
counted when determining the balance of parent and staff members.
Elections held to fill vacancies due to resignation, cessation of member eligibility, or removal
pursuant to Article IV will be conducted by the appropriate constituent group prior to the next
scheduled team meeting. Team members elected to fill vacancies shall be eligible to serve until
the completion of that term.
Section 5 Chairpersons/Co-Chairpersons
Selection Method – The Chairperson shall be selected by consensus of the team and shall serve
for a period of one (1) year. If the team opts to elect Co-Chairpersons, they will share the role of
Chairperson as outlined in these bylaws. The election shall take place at the September meeting.
The Chairperson is responsible for scheduling meetings, ensuring that team members have the
information necessary to guide their planning, and focusing the team on educational issues of
importance to the school. The Chairperson ensures that voices of all team members are heard.
Section 6 Additional Leadership Roles
Secretary – The Secretary will be responsible for sending SLT meeting notices and for keeping
the minutes of the SLT meetings. Such minutes must be maintained at the school, with a copy
provided to the PTA. The school principal may designate an office staff member to assist the
SLT secretary.
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
Timekeeper – The Timekeeper ensures that all agenda items are discussed by monitoring the
allotment of time afforded each item.
Selection Method – Additional leadership roles will be filled by consensus of the team at the
February meeting and shall serve for a period of four (4) years.
Section 7 Length of Term and Term Limits
Team members, with the exception of mandatory members and community based organization
members, are elected for four (4) year terms. However, all members must remain eligible to
serve pursuant to Chancellor’s Regulation A-655 for the duration of their term.
Members may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. However, if no other willing,
eligible candidate is identified for a particular constituent group, a member may be elected for an
additional term.
Section 8 Responsibilities of School Leadership Team Members
Team members, including those additional roles outlined in these bylaws, are responsible for
developing an annual school Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) that is aligned with the
school-based budget for the ensuing school year. The school-based budget provides the fiscal
parameters within which the SLT will develop the goals and objectives to meet the needs of
students and the school’s educational program.
The SLT shall provide an annual assessment to the community or high school superintendent of
the principal’s record of developing an effective shared decision-making relationship with the
SLT members during the school year.
The SLT will serve as the vehicle for consultation with parent representatives regarding federal
reimbursable funding (e.g., Title I). The SLT will coordinate with other school committees such
as the PTA and the Title I Committee to ensure that all school-wide committees are working
toward the same goals set forth in the CEP.
Team members must work collaboratively by sharing their ideas and concerns and listening to
the ideas and concerns of others; engaging in collaborative problem-solving and solution-seeking
that will lead to consensus-based decisions.
Team members must communicate effectively with their constituent groups and share the views
of their constituencies with the team.
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
Article III – Team Meetings
Section 1 Schedule of Meetings
The School Leadership Team shall meet at least once a month during the school year. All
meetings will be held on a Tuesday of every month from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Meeting will
be adjourned earlier if all issues on the Agenda have been unanimously agreed upon. Additional
meetings will be scheduled by the Chairperson as needed or upon request by the team members.
Meetings shall be scheduled at a time convenient for parent members of the team. Parent
members will be polled each year to determine a convenient time for team meetings.
Members who miss more than three (3) consecutive meetings without rendering in writing a
good and valid excuse will be subject to removal from the team.
Section 2 Notice of Team Meetings
The School Leadership Team will establish a yearly calendar which shall be posted in the general
office, front security desk, in the parent coordinator’s office, school calendar, and school
newsletter at the beginning of each school year. The calendar shall be distributed at the first
meeting of the parent-teacher association each school year. The Chairperson will send meeting
reminders one week prior to all meetings by school mailbox and backpack, postal mail, or
telephone.
Section 3 Meeting Attendance
School Leadership Team members are expected to attend all meetings. If team members are
unable to attend the meeting, they must contact the Chairperson in advance of the meeting.
Section 4 Quorum
A majority of six (6) SLT members shall constitute a quorum. Each constituent group shall be
responsible for ensuring that their group is adequately represented at each meeting.
Section 5 Order of Business
● Call to Order
● Reading and Approval of the Previous Meeting’s Minutes
● Committee Reports
● Discussion of Unfinished Business Agenda Items
● Discussion of New Business Agenda Items
● Creation of Agenda for the Next Meeting
● Adjournment
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
Article IV – Removal of a School Leadership Team Member
Section 1 Removal Process
Team members who fail to attend two (2) consecutive meetings, fail to perform their roles and
responsibilities as outlined in these bylaws, or behave in a manner that is disruptive and
undermining to the work of the Team will be removed by consensus of the remaining team
members. The School Leadership Team must have a quorum of members present and reach
unanimous agreement when deciding to remove a member. The member shall be provided a
written notice of the Team’s decision. The letter shall include the reason for the removal and the
member’s right to appeal the decision. The letter shall be signed by the Chairperson or
Co-Chairpersons and shall be sent by registered return receipt mail delivery to ensure proper
notification and receipt.
Section 2 Filing a Vacancy
When a member resigns or is removed, the vacancy will be advertised to the appropriate
constituent group and an election will be held in accordance with these bylaws.
Article V – Decision-Making
Section 1
Consensus-based decision-making must be the primary means of making School
Leadership Team decisions. Consensus should be defined as reaching an agreement
acceptable to all members. The team should develop methods for engaging in collaborative
problem-solving and solution seeking and, when necessary, effective conflict resolution
strategies. Every member voices their opinion until a common solution is agreed upon by
all members.
Article VI – Conflict Resolution
Section 1 Assistance from the District Leadership Team (DLT)
The School Leadership Team will seek assistance from the DLT or appropriate superintendent
when members cannot reach agreement on an issue. Where team members have difficulty
obtaining information or wish to obtain assistance in resolving issues relating to consultation
with the school principal, they may seek assistance from the DLT or superintendent. If after
receiving assistance from the DLT or superintendent, and the Team still cannot reach agreement
on the CEP, the principal will make the final determination.
Section 2 Assistance from Division of Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
If the DLT or superintendent is unable to resolve such issues to the satisfaction of team members,
team members may send a written request for assistance to the designated FACE engagement
staff.
Article VII – Bylaws Review and Amendment
The bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the team, provided notice of any proposed changes has
been given at a previous meeting. In addition, the bylaws will be reviewed annually, at the start of the school
year to ensure that the document’s provisions meet with the needs of the team and remain consistent with the
Chancellor’s Regulation A-655.
These bylaws were amended on 10/10/2023 and are on file in the principal’s office.
559 Cypress Avenue
Ridgewood, N.Y. 11385
Phone: 718-821-9800 Fax 718-386-7203
Romy Alexis Diamond, Principal
Michael Braster, Assistant Principal
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
The Jean Paul Richter School
Adopted 10/10/2023
Article I – School Leadership Team Mission Statement and Education Vision
The mission of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q is to provide an opportunity for all students to achieve
grade-level standards. It is the purpose of the school community to push for a high level of academic
performance while encouraging positive attitudes in social and emotional behaviors. We will work together as a
TEAM to make our school a great place to learn and grow.
Educational Vision
At P.S. 81Q, we envision our school as a community of learners where the students, parents and teachers
embrace involvement in the educational process. Students come to school prepared and eager to learn. We
have high expectations for our students and support their development of critical thinking and technological
skills. Mutually respectful and cooperative in school, parents and staff work together with the vision of helping
students become productive members of P.S. 81Q and society.
Article II – Team Composition
Section 1 Size of Team
The total number of members shall be twelve (12). The team shall maintain an equal number of
parent and staff members, six (6) from each constituency.
Section 2 Mandatory Members
The only three mandatory members of the SLT are the school’s principal, the Parent-Teacher
Association (PTA) President and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Chapter Leader.
Mandatory members of the SLT may designate another member of their constituent group to
serve in their stead.
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
Section 3 Members at Large
The remaining members of the team shall consist of
● Four (4) elected parent members
● Three (3) elected UFT member(s)
● One (1) elected DC 37 member(s)
Section 4 Election of Team Members
Parent and Staff SLT members must be elected by their own constituent group in a fair and
unbiased manner determined by each constituent group. All elections must be advertised widely,
with reasonable advance notice given. Elections must be open to all members of the constituent
group and must be held in accordance with the term limits set forth in these bylaws.
Parent member elections must be scheduled after PTA elections are held each Spring. Parents
must be provided a minimum of ten (10) calendar days notice prior to the election. The PTA is
encouraged to stagger the terms of the non-mandatory parent members of the SLT.
Community based organizations may also serve on SLTs. The SLT will create a process for the
organizations to apply for membership. A member of the team may also recommend an
organization for membership. This will be done on an annual basis. Community based
organization members will be included in the total number of team members, but will not be
counted when determining the balance of parent and staff members.
Elections held to fill vacancies due to resignation, cessation of member eligibility, or removal
pursuant to Article IV will be conducted by the appropriate constituent group prior to the next
scheduled team meeting. Team members elected to fill vacancies shall be eligible to serve until
the completion of that term.
Section 5 Chairpersons/Co-Chairpersons
Selection Method – The Chairperson shall be selected by consensus of the team and shall serve
for a period of one (1) year. If the team opts to elect Co-Chairpersons, they will share the role of
Chairperson as outlined in these bylaws. The election shall take place at the September meeting.
The Chairperson is responsible for scheduling meetings, ensuring that team members have the
information necessary to guide their planning, and focusing the team on educational issues of
importance to the school. The Chairperson ensures that voices of all team members are heard.
Section 6 Additional Leadership Roles
Secretary – The Secretary will be responsible for sending SLT meeting notices and for keeping
the minutes of the SLT meetings. Such minutes must be maintained at the school, with a copy
provided to the PTA. The school principal may designate an office staff member to assist the
SLT secretary.
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
Timekeeper – The Timekeeper ensures that all agenda items are discussed by monitoring the
allotment of time afforded each item.
Selection Method – Additional leadership roles will be filled by consensus of the team at the
February meeting and shall serve for a period of four (4) years.
Section 7 Length of Term and Term Limits
Team members, with the exception of mandatory members and community based organization
members, are elected for four (4) year terms. However, all members must remain eligible to
serve pursuant to Chancellor’s Regulation A-655 for the duration of their term.
Members may not serve more than two (2) consecutive terms. However, if no other willing,
eligible candidate is identified for a particular constituent group, a member may be elected for an
additional term.
Section 8 Responsibilities of School Leadership Team Members
Team members, including those additional roles outlined in these bylaws, are responsible for
developing an annual school Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) that is aligned with the
school-based budget for the ensuing school year. The school-based budget provides the fiscal
parameters within which the SLT will develop the goals and objectives to meet the needs of
students and the school’s educational program.
The SLT shall provide an annual assessment to the community or high school superintendent of
the principal’s record of developing an effective shared decision-making relationship with the
SLT members during the school year.
The SLT will serve as the vehicle for consultation with parent representatives regarding federal
reimbursable funding (e.g., Title I). The SLT will coordinate with other school committees such
as the PTA and the Title I Committee to ensure that all school-wide committees are working
toward the same goals set forth in the CEP.
Team members must work collaboratively by sharing their ideas and concerns and listening to
the ideas and concerns of others; engaging in collaborative problem-solving and solution-seeking
that will lead to consensus-based decisions.
Team members must communicate effectively with their constituent groups and share the views
of their constituencies with the team.
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
Article III – Team Meetings
Section 1 Schedule of Meetings
The School Leadership Team shall meet at least once a month during the school year. All
meetings will be held on a Tuesday of every month from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Meeting will
be adjourned earlier if all issues on the Agenda have been unanimously agreed upon. Additional
meetings will be scheduled by the Chairperson as needed or upon request by the team members.
Meetings shall be scheduled at a time convenient for parent members of the team. Parent
members will be polled each year to determine a convenient time for team meetings.
Members who miss more than three (3) consecutive meetings without rendering in writing a
good and valid excuse will be subject to removal from the team.
Section 2 Notice of Team Meetings
The School Leadership Team will establish a yearly calendar which shall be posted in the general
office, front security desk, in the parent coordinator’s office, school calendar, and school
newsletter at the beginning of each school year. The calendar shall be distributed at the first
meeting of the parent-teacher association each school year. The Chairperson will send meeting
reminders one week prior to all meetings by school mailbox and backpack, postal mail, or
telephone.
Section 3 Meeting Attendance
School Leadership Team members are expected to attend all meetings. If team members are
unable to attend the meeting, they must contact the Chairperson in advance of the meeting.
Section 4 Quorum
A majority of six (6) SLT members shall constitute a quorum. Each constituent group shall be
responsible for ensuring that their group is adequately represented at each meeting.
Section 5 Order of Business
● Call to Order
● Reading and Approval of the Previous Meeting’s Minutes
● Committee Reports
● Discussion of Unfinished Business Agenda Items
● Discussion of New Business Agenda Items
● Creation of Agenda for the Next Meeting
● Adjournment
Bylaws of the School Leadership Team of P.S. 81Q
Article IV – Removal of a School Leadership Team Member
Section 1 Removal Process
Team members who fail to attend two (2) consecutive meetings, fail to perform their roles and
responsibilities as outlined in these bylaws, or behave in a manner that is disruptive and
undermining to the work of the Team will be removed by consensus of the remaining team
members. The School Leadership Team must have a quorum of members present and reach
unanimous agreement when deciding to remove a member. The member shall be provided a
written notice of the Team’s decision. The letter shall include the reason for the removal and the
member’s right to appeal the decision. The letter shall be signed by the Chairperson or
Co-Chairpersons and shall be sent by registered return receipt mail delivery to ensure proper
notification and receipt.
Section 2 Filing a Vacancy
When a member resigns or is removed, the vacancy will be advertised to the appropriate
constituent group and an election will be held in accordance with these bylaws.
Article V – Decision-Making
Section 1
Consensus-based decision-making must be the primary means of making School
Leadership Team decisions. Consensus should be defined as reaching an agreement
acceptable to all members. The team should develop methods for engaging in collaborative
problem-solving and solution seeking and, when necessary, effective conflict resolution
strategies. Every member voices their opinion until a common solution is agreed upon by
all members.
Article VI – Conflict Resolution
Section 1 Assistance from the District Leadership Team (DLT)
The School Leadership Team will seek assistance from the DLT or appropriate superintendent
when members cannot reach agreement on an issue. Where team members have difficulty
obtaining information or wish to obtain assistance in resolving issues relating to consultation
with the school principal, they may seek assistance from the DLT or superintendent. If after
receiving assistance from the DLT or superintendent, and the Team still cannot reach agreement
on the CEP, the principal will make the final determination.
Section 2 Assistance from Division of Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
If the DLT or superintendent is unable to resolve such issues to the satisfaction of team members,
team members may send a written request for assistance to the designated FACE engagement
staff.
Article VII – Bylaws Review and Amendment
The bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the team, provided notice of any proposed changes has
been given at a previous meeting. In addition, the bylaws will be reviewed annually, at the start of the school
year to ensure that the document’s provisions meet with the needs of the team and remain consistent with the
Chancellor’s Regulation A-655.
These bylaws were amended on 10/10/2023 and are on file in the principal’s office.
Romy Diamond Romy Diamond
Milagros Cruz
Lauren Cantwell-Santiago
Milagros Cruz
Lauren Cantwell-Santiago