Tag Archives: Board Meetings

“SMALL BOARDS” AND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER

Dear Dawg: I heard that Robert’s Rules of Order has a special section for “small boards.”  One of our board members insists that this is what applies to our school board. But everyone on our board is taller than six feet, and our average is 6’2”.  Do we qualify as a “small board”? BIGGER THAN MOST.

DEAR BIGGER THAN MOST:  The Dawg claims no particular expertise on Robert’s Rules. We generally try to avoid getting embroiled in parliamentary disputes.  When a school board member starts quoting Robert’s Rules, this is usually the first sign of trouble.

I’ve heard the same thing you heard—that there are simpler procedures for small boards. We are pretty sure, though, that “small” refers to the number of members, rather than the average height.   So we think you should seek guidance from your parliamentarian on proper protocol, but in the meantime, how about adopting a mission statement in keeping with your stature: STANDING TALL FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION!

DAWG BONE: A BOARD THAT IS TALL IS NOT NECESSARILY LARGE.