Parliamentary Procedures Policy 2340

Purpose

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) Board of Trustees is committed to conducting meetings in an orderly, efficient, and fair manner that allows for effective governance and public transparency.  Because ENCSD is a K-12 residential school serving students who are Deaf and hard of hearing, the Board also recognizes the importance of maintaining meeting procedures that support clear communication and accessibility for all participants.

This policy establishes the parliamentary procedures that guide the conduct of meeting of the ENCSD Board of Trustees.

Policy Statement

Meetings of the ENCSD Board of Trustees will be conducted in accordance with generally accepted parliamentary procedures to ensure that Board business is conducted in a fair, orderly, and efficient manner.

The presiding officer will apply parliamentary procedures in a manner that facilitates discussion, protects the rights of all members, and supports the effective transaction of school business.

Definitions

• Parliamentary Procedure: A system of rules used to conduct meetings and make decisions in an organized, fair, and democratic manner.
• Presiding Officer: The Chair of the Board of Trustees, or the Vice-Chair or other designated member serving in the Chair’s absence, who is responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that meetings follow established procedures.

Role of the Presiding Officer

The presiding officer will:

1. Preside over all meetings of the Board
2. Ensure meetings are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner
3. Recognize members who wish to speak
4. Rule on questions of parliamentary procedure
5. Facilitate discussion while ensuring that Board business proceeds efficiently

The presiding officer may consult with legal counsel or the Superintendent when questions arise regarding procedure or legal requirements.

Motions and Debate

Board action will occur through motions made and seconded by Board members and approved by a majority vote unless otherwise specified by law or policy.

During discussion of a motion:

• Members must be recognized by the presiding officer before speaking.
• Debate should be limited to the topic under consideration.
• Members are expected to maintain professional and respectful conduct.

Voting

The Board will vote on motions during properly noticed meetings.  Voting methods may include voice vote, show of hands, roll call, or other appropriate method determined by presiding officer.

The results of all votes will be recorded in the official meeting minutes.

Suspension of Parliamentary Rules

Board members may suspend parliamentary rules when necessary to facilitate the efficient conduct of business, provided that the suspension does not conflict with state law or Board policy.

Accessibility Considerations

As a school serving students who are deaf and hard of hearing, the Board will strive to ensure that meeting procedures allow sufficient time and clarity  for interpretation, visual communication, and other accessibility supports necessary for participants and members of the public.

Legal References

• N.C. Gen. Stat. §143-318.9 through §143-318.18 (Open Meetings Law)