Quorum Court redirects to this page.

Commissioners' Court, or in Arkansas a Quorum Court, is the governing body of county government in several US states, including Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. It is similar in function to a board of county commissioners.

The principal functions of a Commissioners'/Quorum Court are legislative. Although referred to as a court, Commissioners'/Quorum Courts generally exercise only limited judicial powers in Texas and Missouri and none in Arkansas. Those judicial powers in Texas and Missouri include the ability to compel testimony under oath, the ability to issue citations for contempt, and the ability to make findings of fact.

In Arkansas[link]

In Arkansas the Quorum Court of the various counties in Arkansas is the legislative body of that county.^[1]. The Chief Executive Officer of the county is the County Judge. The County Judge sits on the Quorum Court primarily as a moderator but enjoys the power of veto, is in charge of the county road system, and can fill in for Circuit Court Judges in his/her absence^[2]. Each Quorum Court is elected from single member districts, with the number of Commissioners (called Justices of the Peace^[3]) depending on the population of the county^[4].

In Texas[link]

The governing body of each of Texas' 254 counties is the commissioners' court. In Texas, the court has five members: the county judge, and four commissioners.

A sixth official, the county clerk, is an ex-officio member of the court.

In most instances, a simple majority of court members is sufficient to take action. Three voting members of the court constitute a quorum. The commissioners' court operates similar to the "weak" mayor-council system; the county judge has no veto power over the court and votes along with the other commissioners.

Counties are constitutional subdivisions of the state, and as a principal institution of county government, the courts role combines elements of judicial, legislative and executive functions. Other institutions of county government include independent, elected and appointed officials, such as the sheriff, and independent boards, such as the board of judges.

In Texas, the relationship between institutions of county government is designed to be independent and adversarial. In this framework, the principal power of the court is the power of the purse. Each year, the court adopts the county tax rate and the county budget, setting the salary and budget for independent elected officials, as well as outlining expenditures for departments under the direct control of the court. As the administrative head of county government, the court has the authority enact county-wide policies, and to the extent provided by law, to enact legislation in the form of court orders. The court also exercises varying degrees of oversight over subsidiary county boards and commissioners, which may differ from county to county, but which commonly include drainage districts, irrigation districts, housing authorities and the like. In some instances, the court may also serve as the board of directors for these special districts or authorities, as well as fulfill the role of county school board.

Each voting member of the court has one vote. The county judge serves as the presiding officer of the commissioners' court, while the county clerk is charged with keeping the minutes of the court, and attesting any actions it make take. State law requires that, except in cases of emergency, that an agenda of the items to be considered by the court be posted at least 72 hours prior to its meeting. Among counties, the process for placing items on the agenda, and posting it, varies widely, with the task most often falling to the county judge, county clerk or a specially-appointed court clerk.

Additionally, state law provides that the court must designate its 'term,' or the time, place and interval at which it will sit, at the beginning of each fiscal year. Any meeting that is not held according to the term is considered a special meeting. Legal precedent also provides that no action taken by the court may bind the county beyond the term of the court.

In addition to their roles on the court, the county judge, county commissioners and county clerk each have independent roles to play within county government.

The county judge serves as the chief administrator of the county, and as the presiding judge for justice and county courts. In some counties, he exercises judicial functions as a probate and/or county court judge. Even in cases where the county judge does not conduct judicial functions, he retains the power to conduct marriages and may also be called upon to conduct administrative hearings, such as those pertaining to liquor license applications.

Additionally, the county judge is a statutory member of several important boards, including the juvenile board and the county election commission. Finally, the judge is designated by a long-standing executive order of the governor, pursuant to the Texas Disaster Act of 1974, as the executive officer for civil defense within the county. The county judge is elected county wide to a four-year term coinciding with the term of the governor.

Each of the four county commissioners represents an area of the county, or precinct, that is designed to be roughly proportional in population to each of the other such areas. In addition to serving as a voting member of the court, county commissioners are often charged with overseeing county roads and bridges within their precinct, and are sometimes also responsible for solid waste collection, parks and other services within the precinct. In rural counties, the role of the county commissioner outside of the commissioners' court tends to be quite substantial, while in urban counties, the delivery of county services is frequently consolidated in county-wide departments, with the bulk of a commissioner's time being devoted to the commissioners' court. The commissioners are elected to staggered, four-year terms, with two taking office every other year, and are elected by the votes of the precinct represented.

The county clerk is responsible for recording legal instruments, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, deeds and titles, and for keeping the records of county and justice courts. The county clerk is also a statutory member of certain boards and commissions, such as the elections commission, and may also serve in other capacities as provided by law or local practice. He or she is elected county-wide to a four-year term.

In Missouri[link]

The county commissioners' court in Missouri consists of three voting members: One chief county judge, elected county-wide, and two county judges, elected in districts.

In many counties, the sub-county judges are responsible for carrying out functions of county government, such as road projects, within their districts.

US President Harry S. Truman, began his political career as a county judge in Missouri.

References[link]

After School 애프터스쿨
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genres	Pop, Dance, Hip Hop, R&B
Years active	2009 (2009) – Present
Labels	Pledis Entertainment (South Korea) Avex Trax (Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan) Universal Records (Philippines)
Associated acts	AS Red AS Blue Orange Caramel Happy PLEDIS
Website	Korea Official Website Korea Official Facebook Japan Official Website Japan Official Facebook
Members
Kahi Jungah Jooyeon Uee Raina Nana Lizzy E-Young Kaeun
Past members
Soyoung Bekah

This article contains Korean text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Hangul or Hanja.

After School (Korean: 애프터스쿨; Japanese: アフタースクール and stylized as AFTERSCHOOL in Japan) is a South Korean girl group formed by Pledis Entertainment in 2009.^[1] They are the first group to debut with a unique admissions and graduation concept in Korea, where members are added or withdrawn in a “natural” manner.^[2] The band consists of nine members: Park Kahi, Kim JungAh, Lee Jooyeon, Uee, Raina, Nana, Lizzy, E-Young and Kaeun. Former member Soyoung withdrew from the group in fall 2009 and Bekah officially graduated from the group in July 2011.^[3][4]

After School had their first performance alongside label mate Son Dam Bi in 2008 and their official debut occurred on January 2009 with the song "AH!". The group became popular with the release of their hit single, "Because of You", which attained No. 1 and a triple crown on SBS's Inkigayo. After School went on to win various awards at the Billboard Japan Music Awards and the Seoul Music Awards.

Other hits by After School include "Diva", "Bang!" and "Shampoo". Three members of After School have also formed a sub-group with a different concept known as Orange Caramel.

The group began a foray into the Japanese music scene in 2011 under Avex Trax with a remake of their Korean hits "Bang!", "Diva" and "Because of You". The group also released an original Japanese song titled "Rambling Girls" in January 2012. Their debut in Japan^[5][6] was quite a success, as the group managed to enter the Oricon Weekly Chart at number seven.^[7] The group's debut Japanese album, Playgirlz, debuted at number eight on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart.

In April 2012, Pledis confirmed the addition of Kaeun. It was also confirmed that After School will have a comeback in Korea in June.^[8]

Career[link]

2009: Debut, "Diva" and "Because of You"[link]

After School, as a group, made an unofficial first appearance on 29 December 2008 at the SBS Song Festival, performing "Play Girlz" with Son Dam Bi. In the beginning on 2009, a few days before After School's debut, Pledis Entertainment officially announced that the group's music concept is heavily influenced by the Pussycat Dolls.^[9] On 15 January 2009, Pledis Entertainment released a 30-second teaser video on Gom TV, reaching 100,000 views on the first day.^[10] Consequently, the group released their debut single, "AH!" alongside their EP, New Schoolgirl on 15 January'.^[11][12] On 17 January, After School made their live debut on MBC's, Music Core^[13] Following promotional activities for "AH!", After School planned to continue to promote New Schoolgirl with "Bad Guy", the third track from their single. However, the track was deemed unsuitable and was banned to broadcast because a single word of profanity was in the lyrics.

During the month of April, the group announced a new member joining the group, Uee.^{[14][15][16][17]} Alongside the announcement, the group released the second single, "Diva"^[15] on 9 April 2009.^[16] The group performance on 9 April 2009 on M!Countdown.^[18] On 21 May, the group released their third single, a cover of Morning Musume's "Love Machine", entitled "Dream Girl".^[19] In July, it was announced that the group would collaborate with popular artist, Son Dam Bi,^[17][20] for digital single, "Amoled", which was released on the 16th, which was also part of promotions for Amoled, Samsung's phone.^[21]

On 29 October 2009, Yoo Soyoung officially withdrew from the group to pursue an acting career. Two new members were added to the group, Raina and Nana.^[11] After School made their comeback on 25 November 2009 with their single, "Because of You",^[11][22] with teasers being released a day before.^[23] Marking a change for the group to a more mature and sophisticated concept,^[11] the song became popular, winning three Mutizen awards^[24][25][26] and topping various online music charts.^[27] A remixed version was released later on.^[28]

2010: "Bang!", Orange Caramel and "Happy Pledis 1st Album"[link]

On 17 March 2010, details surrounding new member, Lizzy, were announced,^[29] following the release of the group's concept photos for the single album, Bang!. Pledis Entertainment simultaneously announced that the album would be released on 25 March 2010.^[29]

The single's concept displayed the group wearing sexy marching band outfits, and it was later revealed that Kahi was the mastermind behind the concept. Kahi stated after watching the American film Drumline, she fell in love with the marching band style and wanted to do a marching band concept ever since she took to the stage as an After School member. The group practiced playing the drums for five months with a trainer for the concept. It was the first release to feature third generation After School member Lizzy. The title track reached number seventeen on the Gaon 2010 digital yearly charts with 2,374,731 copies sold.

Members Raina, Nana, and Lizzy formed a sub-unit Orange Caramel and released their first mini-album on June 2010. Orange Caramel’s concept is more lighthearted and sweet unlike many girl groups that have recently taken on darker, sexier concepts.

On 6 December 2010, Pledis Entertainment released After School's comeback album Happy Pledis 1st Album that consisted of 4 tracks, "Love Love Love" as their album single, "Someone Is You" and 2 instrumentals of the two songs. Pledis had planned a series of "Happy Pledis" albums with their artists After School, Son Dambi and Orange Caramel as a surprise gift for the fans. A portion of the profits from the "Happy Pledis" albums would be donated to the “Save the Children” organization. Bekah did not take part nor participated in the promotions for this album due to her two month break in Hawaii visiting her parents.

[edit] 2011: Virgin, Japanese debut and A.S Red/Blue

On 27 January, Pledis Entertainment stated that they had signed a contract with a Japanese record label in order to begin activities in Japan by the end of March.^[30] After School then kicked off their Japanese activities by collaborating with Japanese singer Namie Amuro; featuring in the song 'Make It Happen' for her collaboration album.^[31] In March 2012, the song was nominated for Best Collaboration at the MTV Music Video Awards Japan 2012.

Pledis Entertainment announced on 13 April that After School would be making a comeback later that month with a full-length album; the title track being composed by Japanese producer Daishi Dance.^[32] Teaser photos for the comeback album were subsequently released on the 18th; the first of the photos were of newcomer to the group E-Young. Pledis Entertainment also said the release date of the album would be on the 29th.^[33] A second photo was released a day after, featuring Lizzy, Raina and Nana (who were dubbed the 3rd generation), and a third featuring Uee (second generation). On the 20th, the album's full tracklist was released along with the title track titled 'Shampoo' and the final teaser photo of the remaining original members.^[34]

	"Shampoo" noicon A sample of the album's lead single, "Shampoo."
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

A music video teaser was uploaded onto the Pledis Entertainment Official YouTube channel on the 25th, and the full audio track for 'Shampoo' was uploaded to the internet two days later. After School's first album Virgin was released on the 29th, with the full music video for 'Shampoo' being released later that day. The music video for 'Let's Step Up', the intro track for the Virgin album was released with After School performing a tap-dance routine, which was praised internationally by tap dancers such as Joseph Wiggan.^[35][36] After School began promotions for the song 'Shampoo' starting with KBS's Music Bank.^[37] On July 23, 2011, the album was released in the Philippines, along with Bang! and Happy Pledis 1st Album, and the album debuted at number one on the Philippines AstroChart with Bang! debuting at number two and Happy Pledis 1st Album debuting at number three.^[38]

It was revealed that After School would officially debut in Japan on 17 August, with a Japanese version of 'Bang!'. They will also perform a solo concert on 17 July at Akasaka BLITZ in Tokyo.^[5] However, Bekah left the group prior to the Japanese debut to become a designer, and has since released her graduation work, a solo track titled Take Me To The Place.

In July, Pledis announced that After School will be separated into two sub-units, A.S. Red & Blue as part of the group's second comeback project for the year.

The group made their debut in Japan on August 17, 2011, with the release of their first Japanese single, "Bang!", which peaked at number seven on the Oricon Weekly Chart.^[39] After School participated in the prestigious 'a-nation' concert tour as part of their Japanese promotions.^[40]

Promotions for After School's second Japanese single, Diva.

After School's second Japanese single, "Diva", was released on November 23, 2011. The single was accompanied with a new Japanese song called "Ready to Love".^[41]

"Happy Pledis 2012", a follow-up of "Happy Pledis" charity single, was released on December 1, 2011. It is a family album that features all Pledis artists, including Son Dambi and an yet-to-debut band named Pledis Boys. A portion of the ‘Happy Pledis’ earnings will be donated to UNICEF to help look after those in need, and the album is also a gift to the fans who have shown the artists so much love and interest.^[42] The group will team-up with SHIBUYA109 for a “Christmas Campaign”, which includes an upcoming concert.^[43][44][45]

After School ended the year by headlining the MTV EXIT Live concert along with American band The Click Five on 17 December 2011 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.^[46][47]

[edit] 2012: Playgirlz, Japanese tour, "Lady Luck/Dilly Dally" and 5th and 6th Korean single

After School's third Japanese single was a double A-side single consisting of two songs, "Rambling Girls" and a Japanese remake of their 2009 hit "Because of You". The single was released on January 25, 2012, and debuted at number six on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart.

After School's first Japanese album, Playgirlz, was released on 14 March 2012.^[48] The album contains all their Japanese singles plus a Japanese version of their latest Korean single, "Shampoo", and 6 original Japanese songs. The regular edition of the album also includes a Japanese version of Orange Caramel's, a sub-unit of After School, "Shanghai Romance" as a bonus track. On February 29, 2012, After School digitally released a promotional single, "Just in time", to promote the new album which was released the following month.^[49] "Just in time" is also used in a Samantha Thavasa commercial featuring After School themselves. After School are also models for Samantha Thavasa.^[50]

In March 2012, After School, who are keeping busy in both Korea and Japan, were recently selected as representatives for the Japanese food company Hanryuen. The company presents Korean food, including Bibimbap (boiled rice with assorted mixtures) and a variety of fusion foods.^[51][52]

On March 14, 2012, After School's first Japanese album, Playgirlz, was released in Japan. The album debuted at number six on the Oricon Daily Album Chart, with estimated sales of around 13,000 on the first day, and number nine on iTunes Japan.^[53] The album debuted at number eight on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart with sales of 16,000.^[54]

After School will be starting their first Japanese tour titled Playgirlz in April. With a total of four dates, the tour is scheduled to kick off at the Zepp Tokyo on April 27, followed by the Zepp Nagoya on April 28 and Namba, Osaka on April 30. The tour will then finish on June 17 at Tokyo Dome City Hall.

On April 9, 2012, Pledis revealed a brand new member would be added to the group. The following day, the member was officially revealed to be Kaeun, who would join them for their fifth single, released on June 21, 2012.^[55] It was also confirmed that After School would release their sixth Korean single, in the Autumn.

Avex Trax announced through After School's official Japanese website on April 23, 2012, that they will release their fourth Japanese single, "Lady Luck/Dilly Dally", on June 13, 2012. The single is a double A-side single and the regular edition also contains an additional track, "Slow Love", which is the song used on the Eyefull Home commercial.^[56]

Members[link]

After School have a admission-graduation system, where members are added or withdrawn in a “natural” manner.^[57]

• Park Kahi started her career in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer for artists under SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment,^[11] most notably for BoA. Park was also part of a Korean American girl group called S.Blush. Since her debut, Kahi has released a solo album,^[60] and was cast in the reality-variety series Yeongunghogeol (영웅호걸, "Heroes"). She recently acted in the new drama Dream High Season 2.^[61]

• Kim Jungah was a member of former girl group Kiss Five. She has participated in the soundtrack for SBS's Pasta, titled You're Cute.

• Lee Jooyeon is an ulzzang and was featured in Tony Ahn's Yutzpracachia and Taegoon's Betrayed music videos as well as various commercials. She made her acting debut with the drama, Smile, Donghae and was a member of G7 in the variety show Invincible Youth.

• Uee was a member of girl group Five Girls, along with G.NA, Wonder Girls’s Kim Yubin, Secret’s Hyosung and former T-ara member and now member of girl group Spica, Yang Jiwon, but the group disbanded right before their scheduled debut in 2007 due to financial troubles. Uee joined the group in April 2009^[62] with the release of the single, "Diva". She has since been cast in various dramas, including the historical drama Queen Seon Duk, You're Beautiful (TV series) and Birdie Buddy. Uee also joined the reality show, We Got Married and was paired with Park Jae Jung.^[63] Uee made her debut as a solo artist^[64] with the release of her solo track, Sok Sok Sok.

• Raina joined After School in November 2009 with the release of the single, "Because of You". Raina is one of the three members in After School's sub-group, Orange Caramel. She is also a lyricist, having written the lyrics for 이곳에 서서 (Standing Here), Not Yet in Orange Caramel's second mini-album and the Happy Pledis single, Love Love Love.^[65]

• Nana joined After School in November 2009 with the release of the single, "Because of You". She is also one of the three members in After School's sub-group, Orange Caramel. Prior to her debut in After School, Nana was a contestant in the 2009 Asia Pacific Super Model Contest. While in Japan promoting 'Bang!', Nana was also chosen as a main model for 'Tokyo Girls Collection'. She has her first solo song for Orange Caramel Shanghai Romance single album called 눈을 감아 (Close Your Eyes).

• Lizzy joined After School in March 2010 with the release of the single, "Bang!" and is one of the three members in After School's sub-group, Orange Caramel. In July 2010,she was featured in the music video for Teen Top's debut single "Clap" (박수).Lizzy was a former long-term guest of the popular variety show, Running Man^[66] and was a regular in the MBC sitcom, All My Love.^[67] She participated in the soundtrack for the sitcom itself, titled Beautiful Girl.

• E-Young, a multi-instrumentalist, who was first introduced into the group on 31 December 2010 at the MBC Song Festival where she showcased her ability to play an electric bass. E-Young is best friends with Hello Venus' leader Yoo Ara.

• Kaeun, the current maknae, was first introduced to the public on April 10, 2012. She will join the group for their Korean comeback in June.^[8] She is fluent in Japanese, having lived in Japan for 3 years, before joining Pledis as a trainee at the age of 14. It was also revealed that she had the best vocal ability among all the Pledis trainees.

Graduated members[link]

• Yoo Soyoung joined After School in its' debut with the release of the single, "AH!" and also participated in the group's subsequent single, "Diva". Soyoung "dropped out" from After School on 29 October 2009. She is an actress and has been cast in KBS's daily drama Women Of Our Home. She also acted in the new drama Dream High Season 2.^[68]

• Bekah is a Korean American born and raised in Hawaii. She debuted with After School with the release of the single, "AH!". She was featured in Seo In Guk's song, At First Sight, Lee Hyori's Bring It Back, along with 4minute's Jiyoon, and Tei's Mr Lonely. On 16 June 2011, Bekah announced that she will be departing from the group in order to fulfill her dreams of being a designer^[4][69] and officially left After School on 1 July 2011. However, she hopes to design an album for After School in the future.^[70]

Timeline[link]

Sub-units[link]

Trivia[link]

• Official Fanclub Name: Playgirlz/Playboyz
• Official Balloon Color: Yellow

Endorsements[link]

After School has endorsed many produces since their debut. In 2009, After School participated in promotions for Samsung's Amoled phone with label-mate Son Dam Bi. To promote the phone, they produced a song titled "Amoled" and an accompanying music video. The group was chosen chosen as commercial models for cosmetics brand The Saem in 2011, as well as promoting a new range of shoes by Landrover.

In Japan, they've collaborated with Hello Kitty for the release of their Japanese debut single "Bang!", and again in 2012 for their first Japanese album, Playgirlz. After School were models for SHIBUYA109, starring in a Christmas campaign commercial which featured their third Japanese single, "Rambling Girls/Because of You". In 2012, the group were representatives for the Japanese food company Hanryuen, and starred in a commerical for the deodorant brand Rexena,^[71] which featured a preview of After School's fourth Japanese single, "Dilly Dally".

After School's commercials with Samantha Thavasa have featured the songs "Just in Time" from their debut Japanese album Playgirlz and "Lady Luck" from their upcoming second double A-side single "Lady Luck/Dilly Dally".^[72]

Discography[link]

Filmography[link]

Reality shows[link]

• 2009: MTV Diary of After School
• 2010: Playgirlz School
• 2012: Playgirlz School: Season 2

Dramas[link]

• 2009: You're Beautiful
• 2011: Okagyo Brothers

Movies[link]

• 2011: White: Cursed Melody

Tour[link]

• 2012: After School 1st Japan Tour "PLAYGIRLZ"

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: After School (band)

• Official website (Korean)