ATS Constitution

PREAMBLE

  1. The Association of Trust Schools, formerly called the Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools in Rhodesia and Nyasaland, was formed on 19th October 1962.
  2. The Conference of the Heads of Independent Schools in Zimbabwe (CHISZ) is a duly constituted Association of the Heads of the Association’s member schools whose objects are aligned to the Association and which supports the objects of the Association at the school member level by establishing common best practices in school management and teaching practices for and on behalf of the Association’s members.
  3. The Association and CHISZ wish to formalise the direct relationship and working structures between the two organisations, whilst maintaining their respective independence and constituent interests.
  4. The Association members have amended its Constitution from time to time and have decided to amend that Constitution again in accordance with clause 9 to make such changes as reflect the Association’s structure in relation to CHISZ and its current method of operation.

1. NAME, LEGAL STATUS AND DEFINITIONS

The name of the Association hereby formed and constituted is The Association of Trust Schools, known and referred to as ‘ATS’.

The Association is a universitas, a non-profit body with perpetual succession, having an existence apart from any of its members and capable of suing and being sued in its own name.

Definitions

  • Annual General Meeting – an Annual General Meeting held in accordance with this Constitution.
  • CHISZ – The Conference of the Heads of Independent Schools in Zimbabwe…
  • Constituent Governing Body – a Governing Body which is an Ordinary member of the Association.
  • General Meeting – a meeting of Representatives and Honorary members held in accordance with this Constitution.
  • Governing Body – the duly constituted body legally having control of a Trust School.
  • Representative – the representative appointed by a Constituent Governing Body.
  • Trust School – a school registered as a non-governmental school in Zimbabwe that is independent of government control and non-profit.

2. OBJECTS

The objects of the Association are –

  • To foster and promote excellence in education throughout Zimbabwe generally and within the independent non-profit schools sector particularly, by:
    • Working closely with the Ministry of Education in all aspects of mutual concern.
    • Discussing matters concerning policy and administration of Trust Schools and encouraging co-operation.
    • Considering the relationship of Trust schools to the general educational interests of the community.
    • Establishing membership criteria, standards of practice and Codes of Conduct reflective of best practice.
    • Expressing and representing the views of Constituent Governing Bodies.
  • To co-operate with other organisations and institutions with similar or related objects.
  • To act as an advisory body on all matters of concern to members.
  • Generally, to do all such other things which are conducive to the attainment of the above objects.

3. MEMBERSHIP, REPRESENTATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Ordinary membership of the Association shall be open to the Governing Bodies of Trust Schools in Zimbabwe which meet the criteria and standards set by the Executive Committee of the Association…

The Association may also admit:

  • Non-voting Associate members – organisations of non-governmental and non-profit schools.
  • Non-voting Associate members – the governing body of any foreign school which would, if in Zimbabwe, qualify as a Trust School.
  • Honorary members – individuals who have given significant service to the sector.

Associate and Honorary members shall not exceed 30% of Ordinary members.

All existing Ordinary and Honorary members shall retain their membership…

Each member shall pay subscriptions as determined by the Association…

4. GENERAL MEETING

An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year within 9 months of the end of the Association’s financial year…

  • Special General Meetings may be called by the Executive Committee.
  • At least 21 days notice of meetings shall be given.
  • The business of an AGM includes reports, elections, and appointment of auditors.

Quorum: 10 Representatives must be present. Voting: one vote per Representative, with Chairman having a casting vote if tied.

5. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OFFICERS

The Association shall have an Executive Committee consisting of elected members, an Executive Director, a Treasurer, CHISZ appointees, and representatives of parents and bursars.

The Officers are: Chairman, Executive Director (if appointed), and Treasurer.

The Committee sets policy, manages business, and may co-opt members or sub-committees as needed.

6. QUALIFICATIONS FOR AND ELECTIONS TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Associate and Honorary members cannot nominate or vote for Executive Committee members. Elections are held at the AGM from candidates nominated by Ordinary members.

7. REGISTER OF MEMBERS AND OTHER RECORDS

The Association shall keep a Register of Members, Minutes, and other records open to inspection by members.

8. ACCOUNTS

The financial year runs from 1 January to 31 December. The Treasurer shall present audited financial statements at each AGM. Books must be open for inspection.

9. AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION, OR DISSOLUTION

The Constitution may be amended at a General Meeting with a two-thirds majority. The Association may be dissolved or merged by unanimous resolution. On dissolution, assets shall go to another non-profit organisation.

10. INTERPRETATION OF CONSTITUTION

Interpretation of the Constitution by the Executive Committee shall be final unless a General Meeting decides otherwise.

11. GENERAL

Notice of meetings shall be given by delivery, post, fax, or electronic message to the nominated address of members.