Members of the school group can put money into the group for a variety of purposes; however, if the group ever dissolves, the group must have a plan for distributing the resources. For example, the group could distribute the resources evenly across the members of the group, or they could give the resources to the local government for a public purpose. Groups must also designate who will manage the finances, keep records of finances, approve expenditures and prepare the financial statement at the end of the year. These actions are usually carried out by a treasurer.
School groups sometimes have bylaws that provide the geographic location where the school group will operate and the purpose that the group will serve. Over time, new members might come into the group who might seek to shift the aims of the group, so bylaws can help keep the group's aim stay consistent.
The school bylaw can determine who will be allowed to join the school group. Making membership exclusive ensures the group remains committed to its aims and is not influenced by members with other aims. Members of the organization often have different titles and positions in the group, such as officer, board member and committee members.
To make decisions effectively, a group needs to have a structure that designates which members hold which titles and what authority these titles have. The bylaws must also include the responsibilities and restrictions placed on each position in the group. This allows the group to make decisions even when the group runs into conflict. Also, the organization should outline how a member reaches a particular position. The group must also have plans regarding what the group does when there is a vacancy in a particular position and how long a member can remain in office. The group might also have a procedure through which leaders can be removed from their positions. The bylaws must change as the needs of the group change, and the group must have rules regarding how the bylaws are changed.
Bylaws sometimes include a code of ethics designed to ensure that members of the group get along. By clearly defining the code of ethics, the group can have procedures that allow the organization to have consistent ways to deal with members who interfere with the operations of the group.