Classical Connections Bylaws

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ARTICLE I – NAME, PURPOSE, LOCATION, STATEMENT OF FAITH

Section 1 – Name

The name of this organization is Classical Connections, also referred to as Connections.
 

Section 2 – Purpose

Connections is organized to provide home education families an opportunity to enrich their children's academic learning and social experience within the context of a Christian-based, classical co-operative organization. Therefore, our heart is to “walk in the light, as He is in the light, to have fellowship with one another.” (1 John 1:7)

Connections does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit, incidental or otherwise.
 

Section 3 – Location

The principle location of Connections shall be in Lake County, Florida. The organization may have any number of spaces at such places as the Board may determine.
 

Section 4 – Statement of Faith

This statement of faith expresses what unifies us and is intended to both protect and limit what aspects of our faith can be referenced in classes. All families are required to sign the statement of faith under the agreement that they believe it and will uphold it as a condition of membership.

At Connections we believe:

1. Christ followers practice faith in various Christian denominations.
2. The Bible is the infallible, divinely inspired Word of God, the supreme and final authority for all faith and life.
3. In one God, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
4. In God the Father, creator of heaven and earth.
5. In Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He is fully God and fully man without sin. He suffered, was crucified, died for the forgiveness of our sins, and was buried. On the third day he rose again from the dead to bring us new life, resurrection, and the gift of eternal life.
6. In the Holy Spirit, guiding us into all truth and sealing us for the day of redemption.
7. The true Church is composed of all persons who through individual faith in Jesus Christ are united together in the body of Christ.
8. Mankind is created in God’s image, both male and female.
    

 

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1 – Participation 

All parents, students, and contracted tutors will be required to sign the parent agreement, student agreement, or contracted tutor agreement (according to their role), as well as the statement of faith before becoming a member. Participants will also sign these agreements and statements at the renewal of their membership every year.

See the Connections Handbook for details of these agreements.
 

Section 2 – Responsibilities

1. At least one parent per family must fulfill the responsibility of tutoring a class, assisting in a class, and/or filling another volunteer position as determined by the Director.
2. A non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot in Connections. The deposit will be applied to any remaining fees due for the school year.
3. All fees are due by the posted deadline or as otherwise determined by the Board. Signing the registration form constitutes an agreement to pay all applicable fees on time. Membership is contingent upon any outstanding balances being paid in full prior to the start of the school year. All fees are non-refundable. 
4. Members shall comply with participation requirements established in the statement of faith, parent participation agreements and student participation agreement. 
5. Parents are fully responsible for their children while at co-op and should be present for each meeting to supervise their children as agreed upon.
6. Parents are the primary teachers of their student(s).
7. Parents should ensure their student(s) complete(s) weekly class assignments to the best of their ability.
8. Parents are personally responsible for children under program age during class time. Childcare is not provided by Connections.
    

Section 3 – Co-op Meetings

1. Meetings shall be held August through May.  The dates shall be determined by the Director, who will also set the time and place.
2. Special member meetings may be called by the Board of Directors or the Director. 
3. Notice of all meetings shall be provided to co-op members by e-mail and/or Connections’ communication platform with as much notice as possible prior to the meeting date.
    

Section 4 – Termination 

Upholding the above responsibilities maintains membership in the co-op. If a member does not abide by Connections’ bylaws, and issues are not resolved in a reasonable amount of time, membership may be terminated by a vote of the Board. The goal will always be to do what is best for the whole of the co-op with the hope and desire to work things out. 
 

 

ARTICLE III – OPERATIONAL SUPPORT ROLES

Section 1 – Tutors

Tutors are Connections members who facilitate approved classes or instructional times under the operational oversight of the Director and in accordance with the curriculum, policies, and expectations established by Connections. Tutors serve as lead learners and instructional facilitators in support of classical and conversational learning, while parents remain the primary teachers of their students. Tutors shall not receive salaries for services, but may be reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses in accordance with Connections’ financial policies. Serving as a tutor does not create any additional voting rights beyond those granted through membership.
 

Section 2 – Independent Service Providers (ISPs) 

Independent Service Providers (ISPs) may be Connections members or non-members, who are approved to offer a specific service to Connections families outside of Connections’ official program offerings. ISP services are not Connections classes or programs, and approval to offer such services does not create an employment, representative, Board, or officer relationship with Connections. ISPs must comply with applicable Connections policies, agreements, Statement of Faith requirements, liability waivers, and facility expectations. Unless otherwise approved by the Board, payment for such services shall be arranged directly between participating families and the provider. The Board or Director may deny, limit, suspend, or discontinue an ISP arrangement when deemed necessary. Approval to offer services as an ISP does not create membership status, voting rights, or any additional governance authority within Connections.

 

 

ARTICLE IV – GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Section 1 – Governance Structure & Leadership Model

Connections leadership shall consist of five (5) Board Members and two (2) Directors. The Board Members shall serve as the governing body of the co-op and shall be responsible for preserving the mission, vision, policies, and general direction of the organization. The Director shall oversee the administrative and operational functions of the co-op as delegated by the Board.

Connections shall maintain a volunteer-led structure intended to promote shared responsibility, sustainability, and broad community participation. In recognition that certain administrative and operational duties may be most effectively managed through centralized oversight, the Board may authorize one compensated Director position to oversee the primary operational functions of the co-op.

The purpose of this leadership structure is to preserve the accountability, mission alignment, and community representation provided by volunteer Board leadership while also ensuring operational continuity and administrative efficiency. Any compensated Director position shall function in support of the volunteer-leadership structure and shall not alter the volunteer-driven nature of the organization.

Connections shall remain a community-centered, volunteer-supported organization in which participating families are expected to contribute to the life, function, and service of the co-op.
 

Section 2 – Board Composition 

The five (5) voting Board Member positions shall be President, Secretary, Treasurer, Upper School Representative, and Lower School Representative. 

The Director and Assistant Director shall serve in operational leadership roles and shall not be considered voting members of the Board unless otherwise specified in these bylaws. 
 

Section 3 – Board Member Roles

These roles are not person-specific, but rather designed to be peacefully passed from member to member. These roles function best when motivated by love.

1. President – The President helps the Board provide oversight and direction for Connections. The President supports the Director in organizational structure and wellness, oversees HR processes and filing systems, holds the Director team accountable, leads Board meetings and major organizational processes, and helps ensure the co-op operates responsibly and in alignment with its mission.
   
   The President must have served in a leadership role within Connections, such as tutor, care coach, or Board member, for at least one year and must have at least two years of experience providing a classical education within the home. 
    
2. Secretary – The Secretary helps keep the Board organized, accountable, and aligned with the mission of Connections. The Secretary oversees important records, supports compliance with bylaws and policies, and helps ensure clear communication and follow-through within the leadership structure.
   
   The Secretary must have served in a leadership role within Connections, such as tutor, care coach, or Board member, for at least one year and must have at least one year of experience providing a classical education within the home. 
    
3. Treasurer – The Treasurer helps the Board oversee the co-op’s finances and ensure funds are handled responsibly. The Treasurer provides financial accountability, reviews financial records, and helps ensure wise stewardship of the organization’s resources.
   
   The Treasurer must have served in a leadership role within Connections, such as tutor, care coach, or Board member, for at least one year and must have at least one year of experience providing a classical education within the home. 
    
4. Upper School Representative – The Upper School Representative helps the Board support the Upper School program by overseeing curriculum, academic rigor, graduation readiness, and the three-year academic cycle. The Upper School Representative supports tutors and families as they navigate the unique expectations of the Upper School program and helps ensure the program remains aligned with the classical and Christian mission of Connections.
   
   The Upper School Representative must have served in a leadership role within Connections, such as tutor, care coach, or Board member, for at least one year and must have at least two years of experience providing a classical education within the home.
    
5. Lower School Representative – The Lower School Representative helps the Board support the Lower School program by overseeing curriculum, Memory Master standards, virtues, and the three-year academic cycle. The Lower School Representative supports Lower School tutors and families and helps ensure the program remains strong, consistent, and aligned with the classical and Christian mission of Connections.
   
   The Lower School Representative must have served in a leadership role within Connections, such as tutor, care coach, or Board member, for at least one year and must have at least two years of experience providing a classical education within the home.

Exceptional Circumstances Provision: In the event no nominee fully meets the stated qualifications for an officer position, the Board may, by majority vote, approve a nominee who does not fully meet those qualifications when deemed necessary for the continued functioning of the organization. 
 

Section 4 – Director Roles

1. Director – The Director serves as the paid operational leader of the co-op, providing oversight and accountability across all areas of the organization. The Director shall work to ensure that programs, communication, operations, and community culture remain aligned with the mission and vision of Connections. The Director oversees the Assistant Director, co-op committees, and tutors, while organizing and supporting volunteer teams that foster a strong and connected community.
   
   The Director is responsible for implementing the policies and decisions established by the Board and shall serve under the authority and supervision of the Board. Oversight and governance responsibilities shall be shared among Board Members according to their respective leadership areas, and Board Members may provide direction, accountability, and feedback to the Director within those areas. The Director’s primary accountability shall remain to the Board collectively.
   
   The Director shall retain reasonable discretion over the day-to-day operational leadership of the organization consistent with the mission, policies, and direction established by the Board.

The Director position may be compensated as approved by the Board. 

While the Director may delegate responsibilities to volunteers, committees, tutors, or the Assistant Director, the Director shall retain primary responsibility for ensuring that organizational responsibilities and operational functions are carried out appropriately and in alignment with Board expectations.

The Director shall not have independent authority to amend bylaws, establish Board policy, or obligate the organization financially except as authorized by the Board.

The Board shall have the authority to evaluate the Director’s performance, establish expectations for the role, and provide operational oversight as deemed necessary for the health and function of the organization.

The Director may be hired by a majority vote of the Board and removed by a supermajority vote of the Board.

In the event of a vacancy or temporary inability of the Director to fulfill the responsibilities of the role, the Assistant Director shall serve in the role on an interim basis until the position is filled or the Director resumes duties. If the Assistant Director is unable to fulfill this role, the Board may appoint a Board member or another interim individual to temporarily fulfill the responsibilities as deemed appropriate.

2. Assistant Director – The Assistant Director is a volunteer leadership role that directly supports the Director in the operation of the co-op. This role provides consistent operational support by assisting with the execution of key functions, with a primary focus on supporting co-op day flow and reinforcing established systems and procedures.

The Assistant Director serves as an understudy to the Director, helping strengthen operational execution through delegated responsibilities while remaining aligned with the leadership, direction, and vision established by the Director and the Board.

Responsibilities of the Assistant Director may vary based on the needs of the co-op and shall be assigned by the Director.

The Assistant Director may be appointed or removed by the Director with the majority vote of the Board. 

The Assistant Director shall not receive monetary compensation for services rendered in this role unless otherwise approved by the Board. The Board may, however, authorize tuition assistance, tuition credits, or other non-monetary support for participating students of the Assistant Director in recognition of the volunteer leadership responsibilities associated with the role. 
 

Section 5 – Board Qualifications 

1. In order to be eligible for the Board, a member must have the following qualifications: 
2. Maintain membership in good standing with Connections, including compliance with community policies and expectations.
3. Demonstrate the ability to participate respectfully and cooperatively in group decision making and leadership responsibilities.
4. Have homeschooled at least one child for the minimum number of years designated for the applicable Board position.
5. Have participated in Connections classes and fulfilled the responsibilities associated with co-op membership.
6. Be willing and able to serve a full two-year Board term.
7. Support and uphold the mission, purpose, and policies of Connections.
8. Serve as a tutor during each year of the Board term.
9. Remain current on all financial obligations owed to Connections, with no outstanding balances or unpaid fees.
10. Attend at least seventy five percent (75%) of scheduled co-op days during each school year and attend the majority of scheduled parent meetings.
     

Section 6 – Board Selection

The process for selecting Board members during an election year or in the event of a mid-term vacancy will be implemented as follows:

1. Members will be made aware of Board vacancies and asked to make nominations for the vacant Board role(s).
2. The Board will review the nominations to verify if the nominee(s) meet the qualifications to be on the Board and meet the strengths of the position(s).
3. Nominee(s) who meet qualifications and the strengths of the position will be presented to the members. Members will then vote anonymously on whether or not the nominee(s) should be added to the Board.
    

Section 7 – Resignation, Removal, & Vacancy

1. Any member of the Board may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President.
2. Any member of the Board may be removed from their position by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the remaining Board members, excluding the member in question. This action may be taken if, in the judgment of the Board, such removal serves the best interests of Connections. Removal from the Board does not preclude continuing participation in the co-op.
3. If a mid-term vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Board shall appoint a current Board member to serve as Acting President until a new President is selected in accordance with the procedures outlined in Article IV, Section 7.  
    

Section 8 – Terms 

1. Members of the Board shall each serve a two-year term and all members are eligible to serve consecutive two-year terms without limit.
2. Board member terms shall be staggered to avoid the potential for complete Board turnover at one time. During the initial formation of any completely new Board, approximately one-half of the positions shall be assigned an initial one-year term and the remaining positions shall be assigned an initial two-year term, as determined by the Board. After the initial terms expire, all subsequent terms shall be two years in length.   
3. Each term of service shall begin on the first day of the month following the annual members’ meeting and shall conclude at the end of the month of the annual members’ meeting in the year the term expires, unless otherwise necessary to accommodate staggered terms, mid-term appointments, transitional leadership changes, or other circumstances approved by the Board. 
    

Section 9 – Board Meeting Protocols 

1. Board meetings shall generally operate according to Robert’s Rules of Order unless otherwise modified by these bylaws or by Board consensus for the practical needs of the organization.
2. The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly at an agreed-upon time and location.
3. Board meetings may proceed when a quorum, defined as a simple majority of Board Members, is present.
4. The President shall preside over Board meetings and guide the flow and timing of discussion. Motions may be brought forward by Board Members, and votes may proceed once sufficient discussion has occurred.
5. Votes, excluding bylaw amendments, shall be decided by a simple majority vote. Bylaw amendments shall require a supermajority vote, defined as two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors. Motions that pass shall take effect immediately unless otherwise specified at the time of the vote.
6. Amendments to the bylaws that materially affect the governance structure, mission, membership expectations, or rights and responsibilities of members shall require review and adoption by the membership. Such amendments shall be presented to the membership at a time determined by the President to be appropriate and timely based on the nature and scope of the proposed amendment.
    

Section 10 – Compensation 

Members of the Board shall not receive any stated salaries for services on the board. Nothing herein stated shall preclude any member from being reimbursed for actual and reasonable expenses incurred while fulfilling board duties, i.e. office supplies, lesson supplies, subscriptions, etc. 

Nothing in these bylaws shall prohibit the organization from employing or contracting individuals to provide operational, administrative, or support services to the organization. Such individuals may receive reasonable compensation as approved by the Board. 
 

Section 11 – Conflicts of Interest

Any Board Member or Director with a personal or financial interest in a matter under consideration shall disclose the conflict and refrain from participating in related discussion, decision-making, or influence regarding the matter beyond what is reasonably necessary to provide requested information or clarification. Board Members with such a conflict shall additionally abstain from voting on the matter.

 

 

ARTICLE V – FINANCIALS & BUSINESS

Section 1 – Fees & Funds Collected

1. Supply fees are collected, allocated towards class budgets, and dispersed based on those specified needs.
2. Budgets will be made available to tutors as needed.
3. Budgets are balanced to $0 each new school year.
4. All overages are pooled together and allocated towards items/events that benefit the community as a whole and/or continue the advancement of Connections. This allocation may include a portion given to the host facility as a thank you or put into an operational co-op reserve fund.
5. Overages are not refunded or used for purchases that are not a benefit to the whole community.
    

Section 2 – Financials

Classical Connections’ desire and goal is to be wise stewards of all money coming in and going out, as well as to manage the finances well and keep accurate records. We commit to working towards this goal as much as is in our power, understanding, and ability.

1. Connections financial reports will be shared at the quarterly Board meetings and annual members’ meetings.
2. Administrative purchases exceeding $500 shall require prior approval from the Treasurer.
3. Class purchases using class supply fees that exceed $300 shall require prior approval of the Director along with the applicable Upper or Lower School Representative.
    

Section 3 – Corporation Registration

1. Classical Connections, Inc. is registered with The Florida Department of State as a non-profit corporation.
2. Connections will renew its corporation with the Florida Department of State annually, as required by the state if it is an active organization.
3. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer will be listed on non-profit corporation filings.

 

 

ARTICLE VI – BYLAWS: EFFECTIVE DATE, AMENDMENTS & DISSOLUTION 

Section 1 – Amendment Proposal & Adoption 

Bylaw amendment proposals may be submitted in writing to the Board by any active Connections member. Proposals will be considered by the Board and adopted as proposed amendment(s) if approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote. Further, the approved proposed amendment(s) will be anonymously voted upon by the general membership at the next annual meeting.
 

Section 2 – Minor Changes 

The President and Secretary together shall be authorized to revise these bylaws to correct punctuation, grammar, cross-references, article and section designations, and to make such other technical changes as may be necessary, where these changes shall be minor in detail and shall not alter the meaning or intent of the bylaws.
 

Section 3 – Dissolution, Distribution of Assets 

1. A motion to dissolve Connections would be presented to the membership after a majority vote of the Board. The motion will be presented at a general membership meeting and will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present to be enacted.
2. Upon the dissolution of Connections, assets shall be distributed at the discretion of the Board.
3. Should there be funds left at the dissolution, those funds will be given to either the host facility or an agreed upon charity by the majority of the Board.
    

Section 4 – Prohibitions

No part of the net earnings of Connections shall adjust to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article First of these governing documents.

No substantial part of the activities of Connections shall consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. Furthermore, Connections shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, Connections shall not engage in any activities that are not permitted to be carried on by an incorporated organization operating under the terms and expectations of the host location.

 

 

ARTICLE VII – BYLAW ADOPTION & RATIFICATION 

These bylaws of Classical Connections were adopted and ratified by a majority vote of the general membership on April 11, 2024.

Amended on May 20, 2025 by the Board of Directors. Amendments adopted by majority vote of the general membership on May 27, 2025.

Amended on May 18, 2026 by the Board of Directors. Amendments adopted by majority vote of the general membership on June 8, 2026.