Board reviews draft policy on agenda preparation; members discuss 'rule of three' and quorum limits

The Norman Board of Education reviewed an information-only draft policy that outlines district practice for preparing agendas, handling new business and convening executive sessions. Karen Long presented the draft at the board's request and said the document "begins with what is the current practice of the district with respect to preparation of the agenda" and that the sections on new business and executive session are taken "almost directly from the applicable law." Long said the draft was being shared for discussion and that it will be returned for action at a future meeting after board input is gathered.

Board member Alex Regiers asked the board to consider provisions similar to the City of Norman's "rule of 3," which would place an item on the agenda if three council members request it in writing, and cited the Oklahoma City Public Schools' policy that allows four of eight board members to place items on the agenda. Regiers said he would "like to see maybe reflected in our policy" a mechanism to allow board members to have more say in what appears on agendas.

Karen Long and other staff warned that a three-member trigger could create a "rolling board meeting" on Norman's five-member board. Long explained, "In our case, because we only have a 5 member board, 3 board members getting together and deciding on an agenda item would be a majority of the board and would constitute a rolling board meeting." She said the superintendent typically evaluates whether a proposed item is appropriate for the board and may consult with the board president and vice president about timing.

No action was taken; the draft remains an information item and staff said it will return for further review and possible action after additional board discussion and public input.