Maine Education Association

“The members elect the members of the governing body (but not if the persons on the governing body are the organization's only members) and their delegates. The members approve significant decisions of the governing body. The members can receive a share of the organization's profits or excess dues or a share of the organization's net assets upon the organization's dissolution.”

“Any active member of the mea is eligible to be elected to be a voting member of the mea-ra by active members. Any retired member of the mea is eligible to be elected a voting member of the mea-ra by retired members. Any student member of the mea is eligible to be elected a voting member of the mea-ra by student members. Mea-ra delegates shall be elected in accordance with the one-person, one vote principle. Only active, student, and retired members shall be eligible to nominate and vote. Elections shall be conducted by open nomination and secret ballot.”

“The mea-ra shall be the legislative body of the association. It shall have the power to transact all business of the association, to enact legislation relative to the association, and to make general regulations governing the work of the board of directors.”

“The association president (chair of the board of directors), corporate secretary (executive director) and business manager review the form 990 and compare the information to the audited financial statements prior to filing. Usually done during the first two weeks of the month in which the form 990 is due to be filed.”

“There is a conflict of interest policy and a code of ethics that pertain to employees and all elected officers and members of the board of directors of the association. The policies are reviewed and reaffirmed annually at an open meeting of the board of directors. All policies are posted on the members-only section of the association's website and are made available to the public upon request. To date, no conflicts of interest have existed at the staff or board levels. Board members are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest and would be prohibited from voting on relevant issues if one were to occur.”

“All officer compensation is calculated by a formula that is established in written policy by the mea board of directors. The formula utilizes average teacher salary data computed by the state of maine department of education. All policies are reviewed annually and either amended or reaffirmed by the board. Regardless of policy, no officer can be compensated for more than allowed in the annual budget of the association as passed by the (independent) representative assembly at its annual meeting. The executive director's contract, including compensation, is brought forward to the (independent) board of directors by the chair for review and approval and is voted upon by the board.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request.”