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Rules of Order

Rules of Order and Procedure

To promote ethical behavior and civil discourse each council member shall:

  •    Attend council meetings on time and prepared
  •    Make decisions with the needs of students as the main objective
  •     Listen to and value diverse opinions
  •     Be sure the opinions of those you represent are included in discussions
  •     Expect accountability and be prepared to be accountable
  •    Act with integrity

 

Rules of Procedure:

  • All meetings are open to the public and the public is welcome to attend.
  • The agenda of the upcoming meeting and draft minutes from the previous meeting will be made available to all council members and posted on the school website at least 1 week in advance. 
  • Minutes will be kept of all meetings, prepared in draft format for approval at the next scheduled meeting.
  • The council will prepare a timeline for the school year that includes due dates, activities/tasks and the timeline will be followed to make sure the council accomplishes their work in a timely manner.
  • The Chair conducts the meeting, makes assignments and requests reports on assignments. If the chair is absent, the vice-chair shall conduct meetings.
  • The council must have a quorum to vote. A quorum is equal to a majority of council members.
  • If a parent member is absent 2 consecutive meetings, the chair will notify the member that if the member does not attend the next meeting, the council will consider the seat vacant and the remaining parent members will appoint a parent to fill the unexpired term.
  • The council must determine a procedure for a council member to disclose a conflict of interest if required by the local school board.
  • Meetings shall be conducted and action taken according to very simplified rules of parliamentary procedure. Council actions will be taken by motions and voting and motions recorded in minutes.
  • The council shall annually elect a secretary to assist in recording minutes for community council meeting

 

Simple Motions of Parliamentary Procedure

  • A motion or an action to be taken by the council is stated as a motion.
  • Someone else on the council “seconds” the motion.
  • Council members may provide input and discussion as called upon by the chair. 
  • When discussions seem complete, the chair may call for a vote on the motion.
  • When a council member “calls the previous question” a second is required.
  • The council votes and the vote must pass by ⅔. 
  • If the vote fails, the council goes back to discussion. The “calls” and voting happens again.
  • To adjourn a meeting, a call must be made by the chair and seconded with a vote following.