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Trustees consider a short "Elmo" protocol and simplified parliamentary guidance for smoother meetings
Summary
Trustees discussed using a short, named call (the "Elmo" protocol) to end looping discussion and asked staff to draft simple reference language on motions and calling the question for the governance handbook.
During the strategic roundtable, Dr. Gibson described several tools boards use to avoid repeated discussion on the same topic, including a locally used device he called the "Elmo protocol": "If any member felt like we were in a loop, one member could say, 'I propose Elmo.' And if another member said, 'I agree,' then it stopped," he said, describing a concise phrase to signal the group to move on.
Trustees and staff discussed the mechanics for calling the question and cutting off repetitive exchanges, and several trustees said they lacked confidence in parliamentary procedure. One trustee asked for cheat-sheet language and examples of what to say when members stray off the agenda. Dr. Gibson suggested a brief refresher on Robert's Rules of Order and a short reference chart for motions and points of order rather than the full manual.
The board asked Dr. Gibson and staff to prepare sample language and a one- to two-page cheat sheet on calling the question and on simple motion flows, to be included with the governance-handbook amendment. No formal vote was taken; trustees instructed staff to return with draft operating-language.
