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Board debates changing meeting rule to preserve shared facilitation
Summary
Members debated whether to repeal Rule 1-70 and amend Policy 1-70 regarding co-presiding/facilitation at work sessions. Proponents said shared facilitation supports distributed leadership; opponents argued the elected president should preside. The matter will be brought back as a formal amendment at the next meeting.
The board debated proposed revisions to Policy 1-70 and its accompanying rule governing how board meetings and work sessions are facilitated.
Member Lynn proposed repealing Rule 1-70 and amending Policy 1-70 to remove a clause requiring two board members to preside over discussion. Member Andrew offered a compromise amendment to retain a shared facilitation rotation for certain agenda blocks while removing language that could be read as creating committee-like authority.
Supporters of shared facilitation argued it gives more board members leadership opportunities and provides a check against overly centralized chair control. Opponents said the board elects a president who should ordinarily preside and expressed concern that the proposed language adds complexity without clear benefit. Several members supported retaining shared leadership in some form but favored clarity that the role is facilitative rather than creating a parallel committee structure.
No final vote was taken; staff and board members agreed the proposal(s) will be advanced as amendments at a future meeting and that Andrew’s language would be circulated to the board for clarity before that consideration.
