Quorum rules for virtual attendance draw split reaction; policy left for fuller board review
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Summary
Committee discussed Policy 006.1 (electronic attendance). Members split on whether a physical majority should be required for quorum during inclement weather or emergencies; the committee declined changes and will discuss the policy at a future committee-of-the-whole meeting.
The committee debated Policy 006.1, which governs attendance via electronic communications and the quorum required for scheduled meetings.
Superintendent (Speaker 2) noted the policy was revised in July 2020 and currently specifies that a majority of school directors "shall be physically present at a board meeting when a school director attends through electronic communications." Board members questioned whether a quorum could be virtual in emergency cases such as a snowstorm.
One board member argued that requiring physical presence "protects the integrity of the board" and cautioned against moving to fully virtual scheduled meetings. Another member raised the hypothetical of a true emergency where in-person attendance is impossible and asked whether the policy would prevent necessary action. The superintendent said urgent executive-session meetings can be scheduled, and that for advertised scheduled meetings the policy would require a physical quorum.
The committee did not alter Policy 006.1 at this meeting and agreed to bring the matter to a full committee-of-the-whole meeting for broader discussion and legal review if needed.