The Bylaws and Constitution of ACTABS outline the essential principles, governance structures, and procedures that ensure high standards and accountability for accredited schools. This is a summary; you can download the full Bylaws and Constitution by clicking this button.
Bylaws:
Article I. Officers and Committees
- Officers must have served as a delegate for at least one year.
- Annual nominating committee presents candidates for election.
- Officers include President, Vice-President, Secretary/Custodian of Records, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Standards Committee, elected every two years.
- Officers can be re-elected for one additional term only.
- Specific duties for each officer are outlined.
- The Executive Committee, consisting of key officers, formulates the annual budget, coordinates activities, and ensures accreditation reliability.
- The Standards Committee, elected annually, provides consultative services, reviews applications, conducts site visits, and acts on accreditation applications.
Article II. Meetings and Governance
- ACTABS holds two stated meetings per year and can call additional meetings as needed.
- A quorum requires authorized delegates from at least half of the member schools plus one.
- Each member school appoints two delegates with one vote each; no proxy votes are allowed.
Article III. Fiscal Year
- The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.
Article IV. Accreditation Process
- Schools apply for accreditation with a prescribed application and fee.
- After a self-study and site visit, a visiting team recommends action: accreditation, candidacy status, or disapproval.
- Schools can appeal accreditation decisions.
- Accredited schools must submit annual and interim reports.
Article V. To Add or Change an Accreditation Standard
- Changes to standards require a two-reading process at business meetings and a two-thirds vote for adoption.
Article VI. Amendments to the Bylaws
- Amendments require a majority vote at any stated or called meeting with a quorum, with proposals submitted in advance.
Constitution:
Article I. Description and Membership
- ACTABS is a unit of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools (TABS) and includes schools affiliated with Southern Baptist or evangelical Christian churches.
- Accredited schools appoint two commissioners with voting rights.
Article II. Purpose
- ACTABS promotes high standards in academic, physical, and spiritual programs and maintains recognition as an approved accrediting commission.
Article III. Officers and Governing Structure
- Officers include President, Vice-President, Secretary/Custodian of Records, and Treasurer.
- ACTABS operates with autonomy in budget, standards, officer elections, and accreditation procedures.
- The Standards Committee reviews applications, conducts site visits, and makes accreditation recommendations.
Article IV. Reliability and Autonomy of ACTABS
- The Executive Committee reviews standards, policies, and procedures annually.
- Policies and decisions are reviewed by a panel of educators.
- ACTABS uses its standards to evaluate schools.
Article V. Amendments to the Constitution
- Amendments require a two-thirds vote at a meeting with a quorum, with proposals submitted in advance.