NEW HORIZON SCHOOL - PASADENA
A National Blue Ribbon School
651 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: (626) 795-5186  Fax: (626) 395-9519
info@newhorizonschool.org
 

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New Horizon School
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Board Members | Board Pledge | Organizational Culture

Bylaws

New Horizon School - Pasadena is a nonprofit, nonpolitical institution founded and owned by the Islamic Center of Southern California.  No part of its earnings shall inure to the benefit of any individual.  All assets of New Horizon School – Pasadena shall be considered the property of the Islamic Center of Southern California.

 ARTICLE I

NAME AND OFFICES

 SECTION 1.01  NAME

 The name of this organization is New Horizon School - Pasadena

 SECTION 1.02  PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The principal office for the transaction of the business of New Horizon - Pasadena is located at 626 Cypress Avenue, Pasadena, California 91103 ("principal executive office"). The Board of New Horizon School - Pasadena (referred to herein as the "Board") may change the principal office from one location to another by amending this section of the Bylaws to state the new location.

 ARTICLE II

MISSION STATEMENT

Our Mission

New Horizon School is an independent Islamic school founded by the Islamic Center of Southern California in 1984.  New Horizon School is committed to providing students with an excellent academic education and firm grounding in moral and ethical values. New Horizon School fosters a dedication to God through virtuous living in a progressive Islamic environment.

Our Vision

New Horizon seeks to develop in each student a positive identity as an American Muslim who is prepared intellectually, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically to succeed in tomorrow’s world. New Horizon students are expected to integrate academic skills, Qur’anic principles, and ethical behavior in order to make positive contributions to the ever-changing global community. New Horizon aims to develop in each student a balanced character enriched with knowledge, inspired to excellence, and committed to the betterment of family, community, and humanity. 

Our Goals

  • Providing students with a challenging program, high academic standards and a climate of positive reinforcement that emphasizes the process of learning;

  • Teaching students to hold high expectations for themselves in striving for academic and personal achievement;

  • Enhancing the students’ understanding of the Qur’an through instruction in the Arabic language;

  • Guiding students to engage in ethical decision-making and applying Islamic principles in their daily lives;

  • Helping students to build positive character and to acquire essential life-skills to enable them to live successful lives and to become contributing citizens of a global community;

  • Instilling in students universal values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and self-discipline and encouraging them to demonstrate these values through their actions;

  • Inspiring students to become God-conscious leaders guided by justice, supported by ethics, empowered by knowledge, and driven by logic; 

  • Incorporating critical thinking, analytical reasoning, effective communication and problem solving skills in a student-centered environment; 

  • Creating an active learning environment in which experimentation, exploration, intellectual curiosity and self-discovery are encouraged; 

  • Creating a nurturing learning environment in which students are valued as unique individuals and their special gifts are discovered and nurtured to optimum potential; 

  • Nurturing the development of positive social skills by encouraging self-expression, discussion and healthy interaction with peers and adults in a safe environment;  

  • Teaching students that commitment to social responsibility and justice must be balanced with the desire for personal rights and ambitions; 

  • Promoting in students high self-esteem through academic achievement and a positive self-concept; 

  • Instilling in students a lifelong love of learning by applying a stimulating, hands-on curriculum; and 

  • Establishing through our diverse student body an atmosphere of mutual trust, respect, and appreciation within the school and the larger community.

ARTICLE III

GOVERNANCE

  1. New Horizon School - Pasadena shall be governed by these Bylaws and its Board of Directors.

  2. The following specific matters shall be subject to the approval of the ICSC:
  • The Bylaws and any amendments to the Bylaws of the School.
  • All matters pertaining to the employment of the School Head.
  • The budget of the School on an annual basis.
  • The mission of the School.

  ARTICLE IV

ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES

  1. The School shall operate within the laws and requirements established for private schools by the State of California.

  2. The School shall operate in accordance with the guidelines of the Bureau of Islamic Education and shall adhere to the ideologies of the Islamic Center of Southern California and shall follow standard observances as practiced by the Islamic Center of Southern California.

  3. The School shall strive to maintain standards acceptable for accreditation by appropriate accrediting institutions.

  4. The School shall maintain an active membership to the Bureau of Islamic Education


ARTICLE V

BUDGET

           a)     The Board shall approve, no later than the March meeting of each year, an itemized budget(which shall contain a schedule of income, fees, and expenses) for the ensuing fiscal year.        

            b)     The following should be observed in preparing the School budget:

(i)                  Approximately 15 % of the income shall be from fund raising activities.

(ii)                Tuition increases shall be in increments not to exceed 15 %.

(iii)               Essential program elements must be covered in the budget.

c)     The fiscal year for the School shall commence on August 1st  and end on July 31st of each calendar year.

d)      All fund raising activities of the School shall be conducted in a manner as not to conflict with fund raising activities of the ICSC.

  ARTICLE VI 

BOARD MEMBERS 

SECTION 6.01 POWERS 

  1. Voting and other rights. Any action which would, by operation of law or otherwise, require a vote of members shall require only a vote of the Board. All rights which would, by operation of law or otherwise, vest in the members shall vest in the Board. The leading officer shall not vote except to break a tie.
  2. Powers. The business and affairs of the School shall be managed, and all powers shall be exercised, by or under the direction of the Board overseeing the executive duties of the School Head. Without prejudice to these general powers, and subject to the same limitations, the Board shall have the power to:

  • Select and remove all officers, agents and employees of the Board in a manner consistent with law, with these Bylaws, and with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the ICSC; and prescribe any powers and duties for them that are consistent with law, with these Bylaws, and with the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the ICSC;  

  • Make rules, regulations, policies, procedures and strategic plans to manage the affairs and business of the School therefore not inconsistent with law, with these Bylaws, or with the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the ICSC, as they may deem best;  

  • Conduct the affairs and business of the School by evaluating and empowering the School Head to act as the executive officer of daily operations.

    c.  Limitations. The powers of the Board are subject to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the ICSC.

SECTION 6.02  NUMBER AND QUALIFICATION OF BOARD MEMBERS

The authorized number of Board members shall be nine (9) unless changed by amendment.  No reduction of the authorized number of Board members shall have the effect of removing any Board member prior to the expiration of said Board member's term of office, unless a Board member is affirmatively removed as hereinafter provided. The majority of Board members shall be members of the ICSC. The School Head shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Board.

SECTION 6.03  NOMINATION OF BOARD MEMBERS

a)           The nominating sub-committee of the board development committee for the Board shall consist of five members with the following composition:  

(i)                  Chairperson of the Board

(ii)                One former Chairperson of the Board to be selected by the Board

(iii)               the Chairperson of the Parent - Teacher Organization

(iv)              two representatives appointed by the ICSC

          b)  The nominating committee shall recommend candidates for election to the Board.  The nominating committee will nominate a number of candidates not less than twice the number of vacancies present on the Board, at least four weeks before the annual meeting.

SECTION 6.04  ELECTION, APPOINTMENT, AND

TERM OF OFFICE OF BOARD MEMBERS  

a)    Election of Board members shall be held at each annual meeting of the Board.  Candidates receiving a plurality of votes shall be elected to fill vacancies.  Newly elected Board members shall assume their responsibilities at the next board meeting.  

b)      Board members shall be elected to hold office for three (3) years, with one-third of the Board members being newly elected each year. Board members may be re-elected to serve consecutive terms.

            c)     One-third of the Board shall be appointed by the ICSC.

 

SECTION 6.05  VACANCIES

         a)  Events causing vacancy. A vacancy or vacancies in the Board shall be deemed to exist upon the occurrence of any of the following:                                

(i)            the death or resignation of any Board member;

(ii)                the declaration by resolution of the Board of a vacancy of the office of a Board member who has been declared of unsound mind by a final order of court or convicted of a felony; 

(iii)               the vote of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board then in office to remove a Board member; 

(iv)              an increase in the authorized number of the Board; 

(v)                the failure to elect the number of Board members to be elected at a meeting at which any Board members are to be elected; or, 

(vi) the absence of a Board member from three (3) meetings of the Board in one (1) year, without the prior approval of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, or Secretary. 

b) Resignations. Except as provided in this paragraph, any Board member may resign, which resignation shall be effective on giving written notice to the Chairperson of the Board or the Vice-Chairperson or the Secretary unless the notice specifies a later time for the resignation to become effective. If the resignation of a Board member is effective at a future time, the Board may elect a successor to take office as of the date when the resignation becomes effective. No Board member may resign if the Board would then be left without a duly elected Board member in charge of its affairs. 

c) Vacancies filled by Board Members. Vacancies in the Board may be filled by two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the remaining Board then in office, though less than a quorum, or by the sole remaining Board member. Each Board member elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected and until a successor has been elected and qualified.

SECTION 6.06  PLACE OF MEETINGS 

Regular meetings of the Board may be held at any place within or outside the State of California that has been designated from time to time by resolution of the Board. In the absence of such designation, regular meetings shall be held at the principal executive office of the School. Special meetings of the Board shall be held at any place within or outside the State of California that has been designated in the notice of the meeting or, if not stated in the notice or if there is no notice, at the principal executive office of the School. Notwithstanding the above provisions of this Section, a regular or special meeting of the Board may be held at any place consented to in writing by all Board members, either before or after the meeting. If consents are given, they shall be filed with the minutes of the meeting.

SECTION 6.07  ANNUAL MEETING

Annual meetings of the Board shall be held in the month of July for the purpose of goal assessment of the previous school year as well as planning for the coming year.  Notice of this meeting shall be required.  The term of new board members shall begin at the next board meeting after the yearly annual meeting.

SECTION 6.08  OTHER REGULAR MEETINGS

Other regular meetings of the Board shall be held once a month. The Board secretary shall notify all Board members of the date, time and place of such meetings.  

SECTION 6.09  SPECIAL MEETINGS  

             a) Authority to call. Special meetings of the Board for any purpose may be called at any time by the Chairperson of the Board, the Vice-Chairperson, the Secretary or by any three (3) Board members.

 

             b) Notice.

 (i) Manner of giving. Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be given to each Board member by one of the following methods: (a) by personal delivery or written notice; (b) by first-class mail, postage paid;

(c) by telephone communication, either directly to the Board member or to a person at the Board member's home or office who would reasonably be expected to communicate such notice promptly to the Board member; or (d) by telegram, charges prepaid. All such notices shall be given or sent to the Board member's address or telephone number as shown on the records of the School.

                                    (ii) Time requirements. Notices sent by first-class mail shall be deposited into a United States mail box at least four (4) days before the time set for the meeting. Notices given by personal delivery, telephone or telegraph shall be delivered, telephoned or given to the telegraph company at least 48 hours before the time set for the meeting.

                                    (iii) Notice contents. The notice shall state the time and place for the meeting. It need not specify the purpose of the meeting and it need not specify the place of the meeting if it is to be held at the principal executive office of the School.

SECTION 6.10  QUORUM  

A majority of the authorized number of Board members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except to adjourn as provided in Section 6.11 below. Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the Board present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as the act of the Board. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may continue to transact business, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Board members, if any action taken is approved by at least a majority of the required quorum for that

meeting. This section shall be subject to California Non-Profit law and to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of ICSC.  

SECTION 6.11  ADJOURNMENT  

A majority of the Board present, whether or not constituting a quorum, may adjourn any meeting to another time and place.  

SECTION 6.12  NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT  

Notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting need not be given, unless the meeting is adjourned for more than 24 hours, in which case notice of the time and place shall be given before the time of the adjourned meeting to the Board members who were not present at the time of the adjournment.  

SECTION 6.13  ACTION WITHOUT MEETING  

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board, individually or collectively, consent in writing to that action. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board.  

ARTICLE VII

COMMITTEES

a)  The Board may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the Board then in office, designate one or more committees.

          b)  The following represent standing Board committees:

(i) Finance Committee: This committee oversees the maintenance of the School's financial stability.

Financial Aid Sub-Committee:  This committee is responsible for collecting scholarship funds, setting the criteria for financial aid, determining recipients and distributing the financial aid funds.

(ii)   Planning Committee: This committee establishes the long range goals of the School;

(iii) Development Committee:  This committee plans fund raising activities with the School’s Parent - Teacher Organization for the benefit of the School.  It also establishes and executes a plan for long range goals for financial support of the School.

(iv) Board Development Committee: This committee is responsible for overseeing activities aimed at recruitment for and evaluation and organization of the Board.

Nominating Sub-Committee: This committee is responsible for nominating candidates for Board membership in accordance with Section 6.03 of these Bylaws.

  ARTICLE VIII

OFFICERS

SECTION 8.01  OFFICERS

The officers of this Board shall be a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. This Board may also have, at its discretion, legal counsel and such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with these Bylaws.

SECTION 8.02  ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary of the Board shall be elected by the Board at first board meeting following the annual meeting.

SECTION 8.03 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS

The Board may appoint, and may authorize the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson or another officer to appoint any other officers that the business of this Board may require, each of whom shall have the title, hold office for the period, have the authority and perform the duties specified in the Bylaws or determined from time to time by the Board.

SECTION 8.04  REMOVAL OF OFFICERS  

Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, any officer may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board, at any regular or special meeting of the Board, or by an officer on whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board.

SECTION 8.05  RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS

Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to this Board. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice; and, unless otherwise specified in that notice, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

SECTION 8.06  VACANCIES IN OFFICES  

A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or any other cause shall be filled only in the manner prescribed in these Bylaws for regular appointments to that office.

SECTION 8.07  RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS

a) Chairperson. The Chairperson of the Board shall preside at meetings of the Board and exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be from time to time assigned to the Chairperson by the Board or prescribed by these Bylaws, including but not limited to the following: acting as liaison between the School and the ICSC, appointing committee chairpersons, and acting as an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee, wherein the Chairperson is a voting member.

b) Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall preside, in the absence of the Chairperson or if there be none, at all meetings of the Board. The Vice-Chairperson shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board or by these Bylaws.

c) Secretary. The Secretary shall attend to the following:

                            (i)  Book of Minutes. The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept, at the principal executive office or such other place as the Board may direct, a book of minutes of all meetings and actions of Board members and committees, with the time and place of the holding, whether regular or special, and, if special, how authorized, the notice given, the names of those present at such meetings, and the proceedings of such meetings.  

                            (ii)    The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all Board members.

                             (iii)   The Secretary shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board or by these Bylaws.

                             (iv)    The Secretary shall give notice of meetings whenever notice is required.

d) Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall:

                             (i)      be appointed by the Board for a term of three (3) years which may be renewed.

                             (ii)      be an ex-officio member of the Board without a vote.

                             (iii)     attend to the following:

                                      (a)        Books and records of account. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the properties and business transactions of New Horizon School - Pasadena, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, retained earnings and other matters customarily included in financial statements. The books of account shall be open to inspection by any Board member at all reasonable times.  

                                      (b)  Deposit and disbursement of money and valuables. The Treasurer shall deposit all money and other valuables in the name and to the credit of New Horizon School – Pasadena  with such depositories as may be designated by the Board; shall disburse the funds of New Horizon School - Pasadena as may be ordered by the Board; shall render to the Board, whenever they request it, an account of all of the transactions of the Treasurer and of the financial condition of New Horizon School - Pasadena; and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board or by these Bylaws.

                                       (c)   The Treasurer shall oversee the School’s tuition and expenditure reports and shall prepare annual financial reports.

                                       (d)   The Treasurer shall regularly review the financial management of the School and shall annually develop an operating budget for the forthcoming academic year.

ARTICLE IX

RECORDS AND REPORTS

SECTION 9.01  MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS

The Board shall keep among other things:

             a) Adequate and correct books and records of account;  

             b) Minutes in written form of the proceedings of the Board and its committees.  

             c) A record of its Board members, giving their names, addresses and telephone numbers.

All such records shall be kept at the School’s principal executive office, or if its principal executive office is not in the State of California, at its principal business office in this State.

SECTION 9.02  CONTRACTS, ETC., HOW EXECUTED

The Board, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of New Horizon School - Pasadena, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances; and unless so authorized by the Board, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind New Horizon School - Pasadena by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or in any amount. 

ARTICLE X

AMENDMENTS

 Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Board may adopt, amend or repeal bylaws, provided that, if any provision of these Bylaws requires the vote of a larger proportion of the Board than otherwise required by law, such provision may not be altered, amended or repealed except by vote of such larger number of the Board. Amendments to these Bylaws must be approved by the  ICSC or a  committee empowered  by the ICSC to act on its behalf.

ARTICLE XI

LIMITATIONS OF THESE BYLAWS

The Bylaws of New Horizon School - Pasadena are subject to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Islamic Center of Southern California. 

CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY 

I, the undersigned, certify that I am the presently elected and acting Secretary of the Board of New Horizon School - Pasadena, and the above Bylaws, consisting of 11 pages, are the Bylaws of New Horizon School – Pasadena as originally adopted at a meeting of the Board held on February  22, 1998, and revised on November 15, 1998.