Board Basics
The Board must take action in this type of meeting — not behind closed doors.
What is an open meeting?
During public comment, speakers must talk to this group — not the audience.
What is the board?
The board president may use this tool to regain order.
What is a gavel?
A disruption is any behavior that stops or slows down this.
What is the meeting?
Before taking any action, the board must always give this first.
What is a warning?
This group is responsible for working together with the superintendent to support all students.
What is the school board?
Anyone can speak during public comment, even if they don’t live in this area.
What is the school district (or LEA)?
If many people want to speak, the board may vote to do this to give more time.
What is extended public comment?
Refusing to leave the podium or constantly interrupting others is considered this type of behavior.
What is disruptive behavior?
The board can take a short break to calm things down. This is called a…
What is a recess?
Board members should work as a team toward a shared direction. This is called having a “unity of ______.”
What is purpose?
This type of meeting only allows public comment on items that are already listed.
What is a special meeting?
Asking a speaker a simple question to better understand what they mean is called this.
What is a clarifying question?
Speaking to the audience instead of the board is an example of this kind of disruption.
What is a speech-related disruption?
If the disruption is serious, the board may ask this person to leave the meeting.
Who is the disruptive individual?
To pass a motion, the board needs a majority of this group — not just the ones who showed up.
What is the whole board?
The board can set these to make sure everyone has a fair chance to speak.
What are time limits?
The board must always make decisions in public, so this type of secret vote is not allowed.
What is a secret ballot?
Doing this with your body or hands (like hateful gestures) can also be a disruption.
What is inappropriate conduct?
In very serious cases, the board can remove everyone and then continue the meeting.
What is clearing the room?
A board member who avoids a vote because of a conflict of interest is doing this.
What is abstaining?
A person asking for something to be put on a future agenda is making this kind of request.
What is a formal request?
This written record must show all actions taken during open session.
What are the meeting minutes?
Online meetings can also have disruptions—one way to prevent this is to turn off this feature.
What is the chat?
If the meeting can’t continue, the board can end the meeting and finish it later. This is called doing this.
What is adjourning to another day?