Associated Student Body (A.S.B.) Constitution
Article I – Student Body
Section A. NameThe Name of this organization shall be the Associated Student Body of San
Mateo High School (hereafter noted as: “ASB of SMHS”).
Section B. Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to provide significant learning experiences for students; to develop behavioral evidence of good citizenship, scholarship, leadership, service with human values; to promote harmonious relationships within the school and with the community to improve morale; to assist in the management of the school; and to provide a forum for student involvement for all students of San Mateo High School (hereafter noted as SMHS), regardless of race, creed, gender, or philosophical convictions.
Section C. Membership
The ASB of SMHS shall consist of students who attend SMHS who are legally registered with SMHS and the San Mateo Union High School District (hereafter noted as the SMUHSD).
Article II – The Leadership Council
Section A. The Leadership Council
There shall exist a body known as the Leadership Council consisting of (but not limited to) the executive branch and those appointed by the executive branch (hereafter noted as the SMHSLC); more detail in Articles III and IV.
Section B. Purpose
The purpose of the SMHSLC shall be to:
1. Act as a body for student government.
2. Provide learning experiences for students at SMHS.
3. Establish a student voice in appropriate procedures and practices within SMHS and to bring that voice into full participation with administrative procedures.
4. Plan and execute activities that are of interest to the student body.
5. Develop positive attitudes toward good citizenship, scholarship, human values and service.
6. Provide an atmosphere suitable for developing student leadership.
7. Approve all monetary matters concerning the ASB of SMHS, excluding club-raised activities.
8. Approve all official appointments
9. Charter student organizations.
10. Take any other actions it deems necessary and proper.
Section C. Power
All powers of the SMHSLC are delegated to it by the SMHS administration and the SMUHSD. The SMHSLC shall function under the auspices of a faculty advisor, who is the principal’s designated representative.
Article III – The Executive Branch
Section A. Overview
The executive branch of the SMHSLC shall be made up of the following offices: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, two Spirit Commissioners,, It should be noted that the previous offices mentioned are the members of the Associated Student Body (ASB) and do not belong particularly to any single class. Collectively they will constitute the SMHSLC with the appointed members in Article IV and shall be elected according to the procedures noted in the constitution here and are approved by the administration.
Section B. Duties of the President Shall Be To:
1. Represent the student body at school, district and civic events and meetings.
2. Preside over SMHSLC meetings.
3. Attend all meetings that call for the Student Body President’s presence (inclusive of UASB meetings).
Section C. Duties of the Vice-President Shall Be To:
1. Represent the student body at school, district and civic events and meetings as requested by the Student Body President.
2. Preside over the SMHSLC meeting as needed in the event of an absence of the Student Body President.
3. Perform the duties of the Student Body President in the event of his or her absence.
4. Attend all meetings that call for the Student Body Vice-President’s presence.
5. Oversee and organize the collection of Club Charters and help facilitate and manage all current clubs on campus.
Section D. Duties of the Secretary Shall Be To:
1. Represent the student body at school, district and civic events and meetings as requested by the Student Body President.
2. Take and publish minutes of all the meetings of the council of representatives.
3. Keep accurate attendance records of all meetings.
4. Provide information to the president and advisor concerning action that should be taken by the council that has been referred to a committee.
5. Write correspondence for the SMHSLC
6. Attend all meetings that call for the Secretary’s presence.
Section E. Duties of the Treasurer Shall Be To:
1. Work with the council of representatives, advisor and the other appropriate personnel in maintaining records and receipts.
2. See that all bills are paid promptly.
3. Make regular reports on the financial status of the SMHSLC at meetings.
4. Oversee major fundraising events.
5. Attend all meetings that call for the Treasurer’s presence.
Section F. Duties of the Dance Commissioner Shall Be To:
1. Plan and oversee all SMHS ASB dances.
2. Attend all meetings requiring the Dance Commissioner’s presence.
Section G. Duties of the Spirit Commissioners Shall Be To:
1. Oversee and preside over the school rallies.
2. Attend sporting events to raise morale.
3. Attend all meetings that require the Spirit Commissioner’s presence.
Section H. Duties of the Publicity Commissioner Shall Be To:
1. Be in charge of organizing and coordinating schemes that will attract attention and publicize council-sponsored events.
2. Assist the administration and other groups within the school in publicizing Events.
3. Photograph all SMHS Student Government activities, school activities, and Sports.
4. Attend all meetings that call for the Publicity Commissioner’s presence.
Section J. Duties of the UASB Representatives Shall Be To:
1. Represent the student population of SMHS in meetings of the UASB.
2. Serve as a liaison between SMHS students and the district.
3. Attend all meetings that call for the UASB Representative’s presence.
Article IV Appointed Positions
Section A. Members
Appointed positions for the SMHSLC include: Kindness Commissioner(s),
Community Service Commissioner(s), Health and Wellness
Commissioner(s), Spirit Gear Commissioner(s), Class Council Commissioner(s), Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Commissioners Sports Commissioners , Tech Team, Dance Commissioners, and Publicity Commissioner(s).
Section B. Duties of the Kindness Commissioner Shall Be To:
1. Plan appreciation activities and similar events.
2. Plan Freshman Orientation, organize Back to School Night, Open House, and 8th Grade Night.
3. Train “ambassadors” for Freshman Orientation and other similar events (stated above).
4. Attend all meetings that call for the Kindness Commissioner’s presence.
Section C. Duties of the Community Service Commissioner’s Shall Be To:
1. Organize and preside over a donation drive (examples: Canned Food and Fund Drive, Holiday Drive, Book Drive, etc.).
2. Establish community contacts.
3. Publicize community events and volunteer opportunities.
4. Organize the Fall Volunteer Fair.
5. Plan, coordinate, and organize at least 2 additional Community Service projects, campaigns and/or lunch rallies in the Fall and Spring Semester.
6. Make all school functions more environmentally friendly (promote recycling, and/or composting at school events)
7. Be a liaison between Green Team and Leadership.
8. To coordinate activities with the Green Team Club.
9. Attend all meetings that call for the Community Service Commissioner’s presence.
Section D. Duties of the Health and Wellness Commissioners Shall Be To:
1. Coordinate health, safety, recycling, and beautification projects.
2. Plan Banner Parties, Decoration Days, Health Awareness Week, Peace Week, and Banner Parties.
3. Address ongoing respect issues, respect policies, and campus clean-up at all ASB events.
4. Assist with events related to health issues including but not limited to the Mutual Respect Assemblies, “Stress Less Days”, or “Stress-Busters”.
5. Attend all meetings that call for Health Awareness/ Beatification Commissioner’s presence.
Section E. Duties of the Spirit Gear Managers Shall Be To:
1. Design, order, market and sell spirit items and bearcat apparel.
2. Manage and track inventory of “Spirit Gear Fundraising” items
3. Attend all meetings and events that call for the Spirit Gear Manager’s presence.
Section F. Duties of the Class Council Commissioner(s) (CCC) Shall Be To:
1. Assist and act as an intermediary between Class councils and Student Government.
2. Organize and run Freshman Elections and to assist with spring school-wide elections.
3. Co-host the “Leadership Summit” to recruit new candidates and leaders for Leadership, Class Council and Renaissance Leadership
4. Attend all meetings that call for the Class Council Commissioner(s)’ presence.
Section G. Duties of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Squad (DIB Squad) Shall Be To:
1. Plan Unity Week and Club Fair.
2. Promote awareness and celebration of the diverse student population at SMHS
Examples include, but are not limited to: Selena Day, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian Pacific Heritage Month.
3. Attend all meetings that call for the DIB Squad’s presence.
Section H. Duties of the Sports Commissioners’ Shall Be To:
1. Plan, coordinate, and organize lunch time sports and games
2. Promote and encourage attendance at ALL sporting events throughout the year.
3. Promote sports teams by making banners.
4. Attend all meetings calling for the Sports Commissioners’ presence.
5. Coordinate “Senior Nights” with the Athletic Director, Team Captains, Boosters and/or Coaches
6. Communicate with athletic teams to coordinate team tryouts for the skits/videos/speeches for the seasonal rallies/showcases.
Section I. Duties of the Tech Team Shall Be To:
1. Have extensive knowledge concerning various media-related programs.
2. Act as a liaison with the Performing Arts Center’s director to plan and run assemblies, sports rallies and rehearsals.
3. Operate and maintain SMHS Student Government’s computers and audio systems, and train others to be proficient in them.
4. To attend and supervise all rally rehearsals.
5. Produce slideshows and videos as needed.
6. Attend all meetings that call for the Tech Team presence.
Article VII – Elections
Section A. Student Body Elections
Elections for student body officers shall be held annually under the procedures deemed most appropriate by the SMHSLC and approved by the administration. The election procedure for student body officers shall be recorded in the bylaws.
Article VIII – Amendments
Section A. Amendments
Amendments to the SMHS constitution may be proposed by any student who is legally registered with the SMHS and the SMUHSD.
Section B. Procedure for Amendments
1. An amendment shall be proposed to the SMHSLC.
2. The SMHSLC shall form a committee composed of council members and the individual or group that suggested the new amendment to review the proposal.
3. The Committee is to compile information on the pros and cons of the proposal by a date set by the council.
4. After the arguments for and against the proposed amendment have been presented, a motion must be made to the SMHSLC that the article be Amended.
5. There must be a majority vote of the SMHSLC for it to be approved.
6. Once approved the motion will be passed and the constitution amended.
Article IX – Impeachment
Section A. Eligibility
All Student Body officers shall be subject to impeachment
Section B. Procedures
Impeachment procedure is at the discretion of the class advisor and student body President.
Section C. Vacancies
Any Student Body Office Vacancies shall be filled as follows:
1. If the President resigns or is impeached, his/her vacancy shall be filled by the Vice-President.
2. Elected leadership positions shall be appointed by the SMHSLC. (runner up)
3. Appointed positions shall be reappointed by the SMHSLC.
4. Class council positions shall be replaced by the runner-up; the class council must have at least 6 officers.
5. It is the right of the Executive Cabinet to decide if the position does not need to be filled or reappointed.
Article X – Bylaws
Bylaw I. Standing Rules of the SMHS Leadership Council
A. Parliamentary Authority
Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the Council of Representatives. The President or the Vice-President shall determine the extent it will be exercised.
B. Seating
Each member of the SMHSLC shall sit in their assigned seats by commission, as decided on by the advisor and student body President.
C. Order of Business
1. Attendance – The Student Body Vice President shall take attendance at the start of the SMHSLC Class meetings. In the event of the Student Body Secretary’s absence the Senior Class Secretary shall take Attendance.
2. Treasurer’s Report – The necessity of a report of the class’s finance by the Student Body Treasurer shall be at the discretion of the Student Body Treasurer and the Advisor. Approval of transactions by the class is necessary (see Bylaw VII Section B).
3. Committee Reports – Committee Chairpersons of standing committee shall give a comprehensive report of their activities.
4. Reports to the class – Reports on new/old business shall be presented as necessary by signing up on the board. When signing up on the board the speaker must note their name, their subject, and the amount of time they plan on using.
5. Adjournment – The Student Body President will adjourn the meetings at the time of their or the advisor’s discretion. A class saying (which shall be year-specific) shall be established and used throughout the year. Example: “Woo on me, woo on 3…”
Bylaw II. The required participation in the San Mateo High School Leadership Council:
A. Attendance – Attendance of meetings is required of all Student Body officers, Senior Class Council Officers, and appointed positions. Guests shall speak as necessary.
B. Discipline – If any of the aforementioned officers do not attend the regular meetings of the SMHSLC for reasons within their control they may be subject to be removed from their position. Disciplinary measures will be at the discretion of the advisor.
Bylaw III. Monetary Concerns of the San Mateo High School Leadership Council
A. Right to Raise Funds
1. The SMHSLC shall have the right to raise and maintain funds.
2. All funds of the SMHSLC shall be controlled by the executive council and the advisor.
3. All funds shall be raised and maintained in accordance to guidelines set forth by the SMHS Administration, the SMUHSD, and California
State Law (FCMAT)
B. Right to Appropriate Funds
1. The SMHSLC shall have the right to appropriate funds for purposes deemed appropriate.
2. A record of all allocations shall be kept and published by the Treasurer.
3. The Executive Council shall have the right to approve the allocation of money:
i. Allocations of money must be approved by the Advisor, Student Body President, and Student Body Treasurer.
ii. A record of all allocations of money shall be maintained by the Student Body Treasurer.
Bylaw IV. Club Charters:
A. Any student who is a legally registered student at SMHS shall have the right to apply for a club charter.
B. Application
1. A uniform application for Club Charters, approved by the Leadership Council shall be available upon the request of an student/group of students who ask.
2. The application must be completed and submitted with the signature of an advisor to online submission form.
3. The application must be approved by the ASB Vice President, Activities Director, Financial Office Accountant and other admin (if necessary).
C. Chartered Clubs
1. Shall abide by any and all rules established to govern club activities.
2. Shall respect and adhere to all regulations, policies and laws set forth by the SMHS Administration, SMUHSD, FCMAT and California State Legislature.
3. Will not prohibit and student(s) from being members of the club for any reason.
4. Shall have the right to raise funds:
i. They must receive the approval of the SMHS Administration.
ii. Shall Maintain Accurate records of fundraising records and all other monetary interests. Such records shall be subject to
inquiry at any time upon request of the SMSHLC, SMHS Administration, or the SMUHSD.
5. Shall have the right to elect club officers in such a manner that gives all club members an equal right and opportunity to be such an officer.
6. All Club Charters shall expire at the close of the academic year in which they were issued.
i. Any clubs that have remaining funds at the close of the academic year shall automatically be issued an extension to their club charter which will be in effect until the ASB Vice President, as well as the Activities Director, approve or reject the new application submitted by the club in question.
ii. A new application must be completed and filed by the club in accordance to the previously mentioned rules.
Bylaw V. Appointments
A. All appointments to the San Mateo High School Leadership Class shall be made by Activities Director in conversations with the Executive Council.
B. All appointments shall be made in such a manner that is fair and open to all students at SMHS who meet the qualifications set forth by the SMHS Administration.
1. There shall be an application process that discriminates against no one except those not meeting the requirements of the SMHS Administration.
C. In the event of the impeachment or resignation of a Student Body Officer who is required to be in the leadership class, the Executive Council shall be obligated to appoint an interim officer who is fully qualified to act in place of the removed officer. This interim officer shall serve the remainder of the term to which the vacated officer was Elected.
D. Confirmation of appointments shall be by the Executive Council.
Bylaw VI. Elections
A. Student Body Officers
1. Annual elections shall be held for the offices required by Article III section A.
2. There will be a time period preceding elections that shall be provided for the registration of candidates with the help of the Class Council Commissioner(s) along with others of the SMHSLC.
3. There shall be a meeting in which all candidates will be required to attend in order to receive election rules, instructions and schedules.
4. Elections shall be under the control of the Class Council Commissioner(s) and the Election Steering Committee.
B. Basic Eligibility Requirements:
1. MUST currently have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in at least five classes and must be earning 25 credits. If you are currently enrolled in 7 classes, you must be passing 5 classes.
2. MUST be a student of good standing; meaning no suspensions, not on contract, no “T-3” (36 cuts) the entire school year. If you were not a student of good standing in the fall semester, it is mandatory to schedule an appointment with the administration to discuss your behavior.
3. Each candidate may run for only ONE OFFICE
4. Candidates running for the ASB President role must be a one-year leadership student, unless there are no returning leadership seniors.
5. ASB President candidate must be a senior.
C. Class Officers (Grades 10-12)
i. Each class shall elect:
1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. Activities Commissioner
6. Publicity Commissioner
7. Two Site Council Representatives.
ii. Elections shall take place concurrently with the annual elections held for Student Body Officers.
1. Elections for class officers will follow the same provisions of those outlined in Article IX, Bylaw CI,
Section A.
iii. Class Officers (grade 9)
1. Shall elect officers for the same positions as outlined in Article IX, Bylaw VI, Section C, Clause i.
2. Class Council Commissioner(s) will be responsible for Elections, with assistance from executive student body officers.
3. Elections shall be held within the first month of the Fall semester.
4. Rules for the elections shall be modeled after those of the student body elections.
Bylaw VII. Elaboration of San Mateo High School Leadership Class Procedures
A. Acts of the San Mateo High School Leadership Class
1. A motion shall be made on the floor of the San Mateo High School Leadership Class.
2. Such a motion shall be seconded on the floor of the San Mateo High School Leadership Class before being considered.
3. Such a motion will be considered a proposed bill.
4. The bill shall be named.
5. The named bill shall be discussed for a time period determined by the presiding officer.
6. The Presiding officer shall reserve the right to “table” the discussion or voting of any proposed bill in an effort to adhere to the agenda of the meeting and more urgent business.
7. When discussion is finished, a vote shall be taken by the San Mateo High School Leadership Class.
8. A majority vote shall be attained to pass any bill.
9. Such a bill shall be considered an act of the San Mateo High School Leadership Class.
10. All failed bills and passed acts shall be recorded and published by the Secretary in the minutes of the meeting.
11. The Secretary shall record both the purpose/intention of the act and any pertinent information of the act.
B. Acts of the San Mateo High School Leadership Class that involve money
1. Any passed motion made for the purpose of allocation money shall be considered an act of the San Mateo High School Leadership Class involving finance.
2. Any such motion shall specify the exact amount of the proposed allocations and shall have a specific reason(s) for allocation of money.
3. Any financial acts must be approved by the SMHSLC, and students must have a positive balance in their club account before the student council may approve an expenditure before the Treasurer executes the provisions.
Bylaw VII. Elaboration of San Mateo High School Leadership Class Procedures
C. Discipline of Leadership Students
1. Any member of the San Mateo High School Leadership Class who violates the SMHS constitution or is involved in behavior unbecoming of a class representative shall be subject to disciplinary action.
2. At the first instance, with respect to the severity of the infraction the Officer will have formal conversations with the Advisor and/or administration and be issued a warning.
3. If the behavior continues or escalates beyond two warnings, the officer may be suspended or dismissed from the class at the discretion of the Advisor.
4. The Officer is also subject to all rules of the SMUHSD, SMHS Administration, and State of California.
Bylaw VIII. Other:
A. The school colors of San Mateo High School shall be orange and black.
B. The School mascot shall be the Bearcat
Edited Summer 2024 (2024-2025 school year)