Board debates Robert's Rules language for discipline policy, tables revision until May 11

Trustees spent a prolonged portion of the meeting debating a proposal to replace language in board policy 2303 with the parliamentary rules found in Robert's Rules of Order. Proponents said Robert's Rules better protects minority rights and brings clarity to discipline and removal procedures; opponents urged more preparation and detail before wholesale substitution.

"Robert's Rules protects the minority," Trustee Mitch Powers said, arguing that returning to established parliamentary provisions would prevent ad hoc or majority-only decisions that stifle debate. Several trustees detailed how adopting Chapter 20, Section 61 (discipline of members and guests) could be a focused, immediate fix for language they characterized as vague.

Other trustees asked for more background and suggested tabling the major change until the next meeting so the policy and specific rule citations could be presented clearly. The board agreed to table the full policy overhaul for additional study and to substitute Chapter 20 Section 61 in place of the current proposed language for immediate consideration; the item was placed for further review May 11.

The exchange became heated at times; the chair called a short recess amid sharp back-and-forths before the board reconvened and continued debate. Several trustees described the move as part of broader efforts to restore orderly procedures and transparency.

What's next: the trustee who offered the change agreed to return with specific citation and background at the next meeting; the board paused action on replacing the policy entirely and will reconsider on a specified follow-up date.