FILE:  BCBF

Cf:  BC

VOTING METHOD AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

An affirmative vote of a simple majority of the members present and voting shall be necessary for the passage of any motion, except in such instances as the law or other policies of the DeSoto Parish School Board may require a larger vote.  Every member present, including the President, shall be entitled to one vote.

A member of the School Board may abstain from voting on an issue before the School Board, whereby his/her vote shall be counted neither for nor against the issue voted upon.  In such cases the School Board member shall state that he/she abstains from voting and the minutes shall reflect the member's abstention.

A School Board member may “recuse” from voting because of a personal interest in the proposition or for some other valid reason, he/she shall state that he/she intends to “recuse” from voting.  In such instances, no vote shall be counted for him/her.

All voting shall usually be done electronically.  In time of failure of the electronic voting equipment, votes shall be taken by voice or by a show of hands.  A member has a right to change his/her vote up to the time the result is announced; after that, he/she can make the change only by the unanimous consent of the School Board granted without debate.

Reconsideration of actions shall be according to Robert's Rules of Order, with the exception that matter voted on by the School Board shall not be brought up for reconsideration more than once during the calendar year except by two-thirds (⅔) vote of the School Board.

There shall be no representation by proxy by any member at any meeting of the School Board, including committee meetings.  School Board members present at School Board meetings and all committee members present at committee meetings are authorized to speak on issues, offer and second motions, and vote.

No action shall be taken by the School Board except as taken above at a properly called regular or special meeting.

Approved:  June, 2003

Revised:  August, 2007

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 18:602, 18:603, 42:1120

Board minutes, 7-5-07, 9-6-07

DeSoto Parish School Board