Governing Document
Inspired Minds Academy Constitution
Version 1/17/2025
The Constitution of Inspired Minds Academy, including the Vision, Mission, Membership requirements, Officer structure, Board of Administration, Member Meetings, Committees, Mentors, Educational Outline, Amendments, and Miscellaneous governance rules.
This is a public, read-only copy provided for prospective families. The official, current version is maintained for members inside Inspired Minds Academy.
1. Name
Inspired Minds Academy; IMA.
2. Vision Statement
Inspired moms inspire families; inspired families inspire the world.
3. Mission Statement
We mentor and facilitate scholar phase within a family school commonwealth model to create a community of scholarly families guided by principles of light, liberty and public virtue with the character of authentic leaders who strengthen and unify our Commonwealth and community.
4. Educational and Religious Philosophy
Inspired Minds Academy espouses a leadership education philosophy as described by Oliver DeMille in A Thomas Jefferson Education. We invite students to join us on the journey of self-education. Inspired Minds Academy was founded and operates upon principles of Providence and a Judeo-Christian worldview. Inspired Minds Academy does not espouse a specific religion and encourages the free expression of religion by its members.
5. Financial Structure
Inspired Minds Academy exists for community impact, not for profit. All Members are expected to contribute to the success of Inspired Minds Academy and no Member shall be paid for their time, skills, or service.
6. Membership
Section 1. Membership Types
Participant Member Voting Member If not otherwise specified, "Member(s)" refers to Participant Members and Voting Members.
Section 2. Participant Member
A family shall be eligible for Participant Member status after meeting the qualifications. Participant Members shall enroll their children in classes, attend activities with their families, observe meetings, participate in debate but shall not vote in meetings nor hold any elected position. Participant Members shall have priority in renewing their membership in the commonwealth before membership enrollment is opened to the public. Participant Members shall receive ongoing Leadership Education mentoring. Participant Member Qualifications: • Read A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille • Read and abide by Inspired Minds Academy Policies and Procedures • Complete a family Membership Application • Pay annual, non-refundable family participation fee
Section 3. Voting Member
A family shall be eligible for Voting Membership after meeting the qualifications. Voting Members shall enroll their children in classes, attend activities with their families, participate in debate, attend and vote at meetings, and may hold any officer position, subject to qualification and election or appointment. Each qualifying family shall have one vote. Voting Members shall have priority in renewing their membership in the commonwealth before membership enrollment is opened to the public. Voting Members shall receive ongoing Leadership Education mentoring. Voting Member Qualifications: • Fulfill Participant Member qualifications and duties listed above • Read A Thomas Jefferson Education for Teens by Oliver DeMille and Shanon Brooks • Re-read and abide by Inspired Minds Academy Policies and Procedures • Complete at least seven months in Participant Status and attend a minimum of four of the immediately preceding six Member Business Meetings.
Section 4. Dues and Tuition
Each family shall pay an annual non-refundable enrollment fee, yearly family dues, and tuition for classes for which they register.
Section 5. Behavior and Dress Standard
At Inspired Minds Academy, we speak a language of freedom, which means that we invite learners to join us on the journey of self-education. Students are not to be coerced, forced, or shamed into academic achievement. Both mentors and students are expected to come to commonwealth ready to learn and to show respect for themselves and others. Parents, mentors, and students are expected to maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance.
Section 6. Child Safeguarding Statement
As a family centered commonwealth, parents retain full responsibility for the safety and behavior of their children while at Inspired Minds Academy.
Section 7. Membership Cancellation
Inspired Minds Academy respects the sovereignty of families and encourages parents to make choices that are needful for their family. A Member may cancel their membership during the school year by communicating their plans to the Board of Administration in writing and shall have no outstanding dues or tuition.
7. Officers
Section 1. Elected Officers
The elected officers of Inspired Minds Academy shall be a President, Administrative Vice President, Member Vice President, Junior Director, and Treasurer. Elected officers shall be qualified Members of Inspired Minds Academy and shall perform duties as prescribed by the Board of Administration and this document. Membership and board service requirements reset upon readmittance.
Section 2. Nominations
At the Annual Spring Meeting, Voting Members nominate qualified and willing candidates from the floor. In the event that a Voting Member wishes to nominate a candidate who is not in attendance at the meeting, the potential candidate's willingness must be confirmed before the meeting.
Section 3. Election process
The President, Junior Director, and Treasurer shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Spring Meeting held in odd-numbered years. The Administrative Vice President and the Member Vice President shall be elected by ballot at the Annual Spring Meeting held in even-numbered years. Any elected officer position that was filled by appointment after the previous Annual Spring Meeting shall also be up for election as described in Article 7, Section 16.
Section 4. Term of Office for Elected Officers
All elected officers shall be elected by ballot to serve for two years. Officers-elect shall officially take possession of their office from the previous officer on June 1st.
Section 5. Concurrent Officer Positions
Members shall not hold concurrent elected officer positions, but may hold concurrent appointed positions in the absence of another qualified candidate.
Section 6. Appointed Officers
The appointed officers of Inspired Minds Academy shall include a Secretary and a Principal Mentor. They shall be appointed by the President after approval by the Board of Administration. Other officers shall be appointed as decided by the Board of Administration. Appointed officers shall be Members of Inspired Minds Academy and shall perform the duties designated by the Board of Administration.
Section 7. Term of Office for Appointed Officers
The Principal Mentor shall serve a term of three years. All other appointed officers shall serve a term of one year.
Section 8. Qualifications and Duties of President
Qualifications: • Current Voting Member of Inspired Minds Academy • Has served on the Board of Administration in any position for at least two fiscal years • Has attended or will have attended LEMI training by September 1 • Has taught a scholar class at Inspired Minds Academy Duties: The President uses this Constitution as a standard to ensure classes, meetings, activities, and administration of Inspired Minds Academy emulates and protects its purpose as stated in this document and the Policies and Procedures. The President must approve all expenditures. Control of the financial account and disbursing moneys shall be under the direction of the President and Administrative Vice President.
Section 9. Qualifications and Duties of Administrative Vice President
Qualifications: • Current Voting Member of Inspired Minds Academy • Has attended or will have attended LEMI training by September 1 • Has been a member of IMA for at least 2 fiscal years Duties: The Administrative Vice President ensures the administration of Inspired Minds Academy is carried out with integrity and honesty. Control of the financial accounts and disbursing money shall be under the direction of the President and Administrative Vice President. The Administrative Vice President reports to the President.
Section 10. Qualifications and Duties of Member Vice President
Qualifications: • Current Voting Member of Inspired Minds Academy • Has attended or will have attended LEMI training by September 1 • Has been a member of IMA for at least 2 fiscal years Duties: The Member Vice President ensures that all members are taught the vision of the membership requirements in creating a community of scholarly families and authentic leaders. The Member Vice President maintains records of membership obligations. The Member Vice President reports to the President.
Section 11. Qualifications and Duties of Treasurer
Qualifications: • Current Voting Member of Inspired Minds Academy • Ability to maintain records • Willingness to learn and use accepted accounting procedures Duties: The Treasurer conducts the finances of Inspired Minds Academy with integrity and precision. The Treasurer maintains financial records, creates reports as requested, and presents an annual accounting report of all receipts and expenditures to the Board of Administration and Members. The Treasurer reports to the President.
Section 12. Qualifications and Duties of Junior Director
Qualifications: • Current Voting Member of Inspired Minds Academy • Has attended or will attend LEMI training by Sept. 1 • Will not be teaching a scholar project during her term as Junior Director • Has served in the Junior Program at Inspired Minds Academy for at least 5 semesters. Duties: The Junior Director ensures the Junior Program follows the principles of a leadership education and is carried out with excellence according to the Inspired Minds Academy Educational Philosophy as described in Article 4 and the Educational Outline in Article 12, Section 1. The Junior Director reports to the President.
Section 13. Qualifications and Duties of Secretary
Qualifications: • Current Member of Inspired Minds Academy • Ability to maintain records • Good organizational skills Duties: The Secretary ensures organization and record keeping. The Secretary reports to the President.
Section 14. Qualifications and Duties of Principal Mentor
Qualifications: • Current Voting Member of Inspired Minds Academy • Has attended or will attend LEMI training by Sept. 1 • Has taught a Scholar Project for at least 2 years at Inspired Minds Academy • Experienced with leadership education principles in their home Duties: The Principal Mentor ensures that the principles of a leadership education are taught and practiced at Inspired Minds Academy by sharing and protecting the vision of Inspired Minds Academy. The Principal Mentor mentors the parents and scholar mentors through trainings and other interactions. The Principal Mentor reports to the President.
Section 15. Qualifications and Duties of Torchbearer
Qualifications: • One of the two Inspired Minds Academy founders or a Member appointed by the Torchbearer that is qualified to fulfill the duties Duties: The Torchbearer is one of the two founders of Inspired Minds Academy and is an indispensable asset to the Commonwealth. The Torchbearer is a valuable resource of information, inspiration, and provides vision and historical context that supports the Board of Administration's ability to make decisions founded on principles from the Purpose, Vision and Mission Statements of Inspired Minds Academy. The Torchbearer provides ongoing mentoring and training to the President and Principal Mentor.
Section 16. Removal from Office
The membership shall have the power to remove any officer from their position with a vote of three-fourths of the Voting Members.
Section 17. Filling Officer Vacancies
Officer vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the Board of Administration. The term of office for an elected officer appointed to fill a vacancy shall be until the next election at the Annual Spring Meeting, regardless of an odd or even-numbered year.
8. Member Meetings
Section 1. Member Business Meetings
Member Business Meetings of Inspired Minds Academy are used to conduct commonwealth business. The President conducts the Member Business Meetings according to Robert's Rules of Order. If the President cannot attend, the Administrative Vice President shall conduct the meeting. A minimum of six (6) Member Business Meetings shall be held each fiscal year unless otherwise decided by the Board of Administration.
Section 2. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the Board of Administration or shall be called upon the written request of six Voting Members of Inspired Minds Academy. At least 48 hours email, phone call, or written notice shall be given to each Member stating the purpose for the meeting. The business to be transacted at any special meeting shall be limited to that included in the notice.
Section 3. Summer Registration Meeting
A Summer Registration Meeting shall be held in the summer before classes begin. The purpose of this meeting shall be to hear class offerings, register for classes, and meet the selected mentors.
Section 4. Annual Spring Meeting
The Member Business Meeting held in March shall be called the Annual Spring Meeting and shall be for the purpose of conducting commonwealth business, electing officers, and hearing reports of officers.
Section 5. Quorum
A minimum of 30% of the Voting Members must be in attendance at a Member Business Meeting or Special Meeting to conduct commonwealth business.
9. Board of Administration
Section 1. Membership of the Board of Administration
The following officers of Inspired Minds Academy shall constitute the Board of Administration: President, Administrative Vice President, Member Vice President, Treasurer, Junior Director, Principal Mentor, and Secretary.
Section 2. Duties
The Board of Administration collectively shall have general supervision of the affairs of Inspired Minds Academy between Member Business Meetings and fix the hour and date of meetings. The Board of Administration approves appointed officers and shall update and write Policies and Procedures as needed for the school year in which they serve in accordance with the Vision, Mission, and Educational Philosophy of Inspired Minds Academy as described in this document. The Board of Administration should seek consensus when making decisions.
Section 3. Board of Administration Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Administration shall be held regularly at the discretion of the Board. Other elected or appointed officers may be invited to the meetings as needed.
Section 4. Quorum of the Board of Administration
A quorum of the Board of Administration shall consist of a majority which must include at least three elected officers.
Section 5. Limitation of Power
The Board of Administration is charged with operating Inspired Minds Academy within the bounds of this Constitution and the Policies and Procedures. If a Member has cause to believe that the Board of Administration is operating outside these bounds, the Member shall arrange a meeting to discuss the concerns with the Board of Administration and together seek resolution.
10. Committees
Section 1. General Committees
Committees shall be appointed by the President or elected by Inspired Minds Academy Voting Members or the Board of Administration from time-to-time as deemed necessary to carry on the work of Inspired Minds Academy.
Section 2. Mentor Selection Committee
The Mentor Selection Committee is a special committee appointed at a Member Business Meeting early in the second semester. The Mentor Selection Committee selects mentors for the Scholar Projects and Junior Program classes for the following school year. The Principal Mentor serves as the chair of the Committee which shall include the President, the Junior Director, and two or three other Members of the commonwealth as needed to ensure the Committee has an odd number of members.
Section 3. Auditing Committee
The Auditing Committee shall be a special committee elected at the Member Business Meeting in April. The committee shall be composed of two persons who are not currently serving on or related to anyone currently serving on the Board of Administration. The Auditing Committee audits the annual Treasurer's report and shall report at the Member Business Meeting held in June.
11. Mentors
Section 1. General Mentorship Requirement
All mentors at Inspired Minds Academy are Members who shall receive no compensation for their service. The Principal Mentor oversees the mentors. All mentors have the freedom to teach how they choose provided they adhere to the Vision, Mission, and Educational Philosophy of Inspired Minds Academy. Students are not to be coerced, forced, or shamed into academic achievement.
Section 2. Scholar Program Mentors
Scholar Program Mentors are adult Members who mentor scholar classes. Scholar Program Mentors shall be trained for their project.
Section 3. Junior Program Mentors
Junior Program Mentors are adult Members who mentor junior classes. Junior Program Mentors shall be trained for their class.
Section 4. Student Mentors
Student Mentors are children of Members who may or may not have completed the project and assist the mentors in the classroom as requested.
12. Educational Outline and Class Approval
Section 1. Educational Outline
Inspired Minds Academy creates an environment where scholarly families who share a similar vision can meet for classes once a week and participate in mentoring for the moms and phase-appropriate classes for their children taught by other Members. Inspired Minds Academy espouses a leadership education philosophy as described by Oliver DeMille in A Thomas Jefferson Education. We invite learners to join us on the journey of self-education. The purpose of Inspired Minds Academy is to inspire moms by: • Mentoring them as home educators through interaction with other moms, • Encouraging them as they engage in their own learning phases, • Developing their leadership capacity through service in classes, committees, and Boards.
Section 2. Approved Scholar Classes
Inspired Minds Academy offers Scholar Projects created by Leadership Education Mentoring Institute. Any scholar classes that are not created by LEMI must be approved by the Principal Mentor, President, and Junior Director. Classes are approved based on their adherence to the pattern of LEMI Scholar Projects and the principles of learning and development as described in A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille and Hero Education by Oliver DeMille.
Section 3. Approval of Core, Love of Learning, and Transition-to-Scholar Classes
Proposed Core, Love of Learning, and Transition-to-Scholar classes must be approved by the Junior Director, Principal Mentor, and President. Classes are approved based on their adherence to the principles of learning and development as described in A Thomas Jefferson Education by Oliver DeMille and The Phases of Learning by Oliver DeMille and Rachel DeMille.
13. Parliamentary Authority
The current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern Inspired Minds Academy in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution and any special rule of order the Academy may adopt.
14. Amendments
This Constitution may be amended at any Member Business Meeting of Inspired Minds Academy by a two-thirds vote of the Voting Members, provided notice has been submitted in writing by a Voting Member at the previous Member Business Meeting at least 21 days prior.
15. Ratification
This document shall be ratified by two-thirds of Voting Members of Inspired Minds Academy on April 19, 2018. Proxy votes shall be submitted in writing to a member of the Board of Administration by the end of the Member Business Meeting.
16. Family Capacity
The capacity of Inspired Minds Academy shall be thirty (30) families.
17. Miscellaneous
Section 1. Fiscal Year
Inspired Minds Academy fiscal year begins June 1 and ends May 31.
Section 2. School Year
Inspired Minds Academy seeks to supplement, not replace, families' educational endeavors. Regular classes begin no earlier than September 1 and run no later than April 30, meeting once a week for 30 weeks.