Board meetings should balance efficiency and democracy
Effective school board meetings require a balance of democracy and efficiency, says educational consultant Donald B. Owen.
At a Monday morning workshop for board support professionals, Owen said efficiency is important so boards can accomplish a lot in the least amount of time. Democracy is important, too, so board members need to take the time needed to reach a consensus.
To keep meetings running smoothly, Owen recommends "old business" -- items postponed from a previous meeting -- be considered before a board takes up "new business."
Owen recommends boards use the concept in Robert's Rules of Order that allows large numbers of routine items to be grouped together on the agenda in a "consent calendar." But every board member has the right to pull one or more of these items for individual consideration.
To avoid confusion, Owen advised all motions to be structured in the affirmative.
A motion to "call the question" requires a board member to second the motion and a two-thirds vote, he said. If the motion fails, it can be made again by anyone after a reasonable amount of time. A motion to "limit debate" on a topic -- for 10 minutes or so -- also requires a two-thirds vote.
If a motion is defeated, should those who supported it have the right to have it considered again at the same meeting? As a good example of the balance of efficiency and democracy, Owen suggests the proposal be reconsidered at the board's next meeting under new business.
Robert's Rules apply to board meetings only if the board's policy says so, Owen said. He reminded the audience that boards can modify Robert's Rules, and that the rule book itself states that "no rule can take the place of tact and common sense on the part of the chair."
"A board that rarely bickers about process is probably blessed," Owen said. "A board that invokes Robert's Rules frequently is likely to be contentious, like nine scorpions in a bottle."
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