Meetings
In what document are your required delegate meeting months listed?
Bylaws
Article VII, Section 1
What is the authority used when the rule is not found in PTA bylaws?
Robert's Rules of Order
What is the term used to describe a proposal or recommendation made by a member during a PTA meeting?
A motion.
What constitutes a majority in voting?
Majority is simply more than half.
It is NOT half plus one (ex: half plus one of 11 is 6.5 and one might erroneously say that a motion wasn't adopted with a vote of 6 because it did not receive at least half of the vote plus one when it is clearly a majority vote)
How many days' notice must you give for a virtual special meeting?
10 days.
Who may NOT serve on the nominating committee?
The current president (and president-elect if applicable) and anyone who served on the committee for the previous election.
What DELEGATE meetings MUST be held IN PERSON?
First and election delegate meetings must be held in person.
Can the president make motions and vote?
The president must remain impartial in all business. The president does not make motions. The president may vote when the vote would change the outcome (to make or break a tie) or when the voting is by ballot.
What is the purpose of a motion?
A motion is used to propose an idea or course of action for consideration and decision by the assembly.
If a vote requires 2/3 majority approval and 17 members are present, how many people voting to approve are needed to pass the motion?
12
A 2/3 majority of 17 is 11.3 - if a vote of 11 is achieved you have not gotten AT LEAST 2/3 of the majority so the motion fails.
If you need to change your virtual meeting date, how many days' notice are you required to give?
5 days.
How is the nominating committee formed?
By election through plurality vote of the members present and voting at a membership meeting prior to the election date.
Can you conduct a meeting without quorum?
Yes, but no business can be transacted. You take minutes, but you can not approve minutes, financials nor vote on any business.
Is a second required for a nomination?
A nomination is not a motion and, therefor, no second is required.
What is the required vote threshold for MOST motions to pass during a meeting?
Majority Vote
(Bonus 10 points: 2/3 vote required on items already adopted - budget, bylaws, etc)
Do proxy votes count?
(when someone authorizes another member to vote for them in their absensce)
Per Texas PTA bylaws, proxy voting is not allowed
Article VIII, Section 8
What details must a virtual meeting notice include?
1) Link to register
2) Explanation of meeting technology
3) Meeting rules
How many days prior to a Council election meeting must the slate be posted?
At least 15 days in advance through regular publicity channels.
For what purposes are meetings allowed to be recorded and by whom?
Meetings may be recorded by one executive board member, preferably the secretary for the purpose of accurately documenting business.
A. The voting body shall be notified the meeting is being recorded at the start.
B. Members of the voting body may request recording be paused during discussion.
C. Recordings shall only be used for the purpose of accurately documenting business conducted at the meeting.
D. Recordings shall be permanently destroyed after minutes are documented.
E. All other attendees are prohibited from recording meetings.
Can the chair expedite the meeting by saying, "If there is no objection, we will..."?
Yes. When no apparent opposition seems to exist in relation to a question or item of business, the chair can save time by using unanimous or general consent. However, if even on member objects, then the question must be decided by vote.
What information needs to be recorded in the minutes when a motion is made and seconded?
The secretary records who made the motion and that it was seconded (not the name of who seconded)
Is the executive board allowed to vote on items outside of a board meeting?
In an emergency, the executive board may vote by phone, email, or other electronic means if authorized by the president or a majority of the executive board. Most emergencies are items of business that need approval before the next regularly scheduled executive board meeting, and the president believes that no discussion will be necessary. However emergency voting via electronic means is required to be done through a process that allows for all voices of the executive board to be heard.
A) Executive board members have at least 24 hours to cast their votes.
B) A two-thirds vote of the entire executive board is required for the motion to pass.
C) No discussion is allowed. If it is determined that discussion is needed, a special meeting needs to be called and the current motion withdrawn.
D) The chair announces the results by the same electronic means as the vote was held.
E) The results of the vote are recorded in the minutes of the next regular executive board meeting.
What is the deadline for attendees to register for a virtual meeting?
Attendees must register no less than 5 days prior to the meeting to allow time for membership verification.
Can a student serve on the nominating committee?
Yes, but they can not serve as chair or constitute a majority of its members.
How many days' notice must be given for a virtual meeting?
10 days.
During a meeting, what is the purpose of a "point of order" in parliamentary procedure?
The purpose of a point of order is to correct a violation of the rules or procedures during the meeting.
How many times can a member speak to each debatable motion?
No member can speak more than twice to each debatable motion. The second time takes place after everyone wishing to debate the motion has had an opportunity to speak once.
Is a nominee allowed to serve on the teller's committee?
No, a nominee may not be appointed to the teller's committee.
What are the technology requirements for virtual meetings?
The technology must allow for all members in attendance to communicate with all other members in attendance at the meeting.
In a contested election, who speaks first to their qualifications?
The slated candidate speaks first to their qualifications followed by the candidates running from the floor.