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Board rejects closed-session motion on bargaining; asks counsel whether members with family in bargaining units must abstain
Summary
A motion to enter closed session for bargaining preparation failed 0-7 at the Kenowa Hills Committee of the Whole meeting on May 6. The board then requested a written legal opinion on whether trustees who have family members in bargaining units must abstain from related deliberations and votes.
A motion to move into closed session for bargaining preparation and strategy failed unanimously at Monday’s Kenowa Hills Board of Education Committee of the Whole meeting.
Member Gustinis moved, and Member Turner supported, a motion to go into closed session under Michigan statute MCL 15.268 §8(c) for bargaining preparation and strategy. Secretary Courtade conducted a roll call vote; the motion failed, 0-7.
Following the failed motion, the board requested a written legal opinion from district counsel to assess whether board members who have a family member in a bargaining unit must abstain from participation, deliberation and voting on items related to contract negotiations.
The request seeks clarity on whether the presence of family members in bargaining units creates a required abstention under applicable law and board policy; meeting minutes indicate the board will receive a written legal opinion before taking further action on that procedural question.
