Bring Failed Resolution back at Another Meeting

[Guest Todd T]

We recently had a resolution at our school board meeting that required a 2/3 vote of the elected body, and we have 5 elected members.  One member did not attend the meeting, three voted "Yes" and one voted "No." Based on this, we did not have a 2/3 affirmative vote of the elected body, and the resolution failed.  The next week at another school board meeting, the resolution was placed on the agenda again.  This time all five members were in attendance. The vote was four "Yes" and one "No," and received the needed 2/3 vote.  We are being questioned on "reconsideration" of a failed voted.  Is there a problem with bringing the same resolution that failed at one one meeting, again at another?

Thanks

[George Mervosh]

Under the rules in RONR, a motion that was defeated may be renewed (made again) at the next session.  See RONR (11th ed.), p. 336ff for full details.  

You should check with your board's attorney (or solicitor if you're in PA or some areas of the Free State of Maryland) to see if each meeting constitutes a new session.

(edited to add that not only may the motion be made at the next session it could be made at any subsequent session, whether it's the next one or months/years down the line)

Edited August 1, 2017 at 02:59 PM by George Mervosh

[Guest Todd T]

Thank you Mr. Mervosh.

[SaintCad]

And double check if passage actually needs 2/3 of the whole body including absences or simply 2/3 of those present.

[Tom Coronite]

..or a 2/3 vote, period.

[Guest Todd T]

The official resolution from our attorney stated "...not less than two-thirds of all members elected thereto concurring..."