Bob Rhoden

Good Morning: I searched the Forum, and didn't find anything on this. My question is regarding the making or seconding of motions by the president or presiding officer. I have always understood the Presiding Officer can not make or second a motion as long as he/she is in the chair. This morning, I read from the California Department of Education the Presiding Officer enjoys all the privilges of the other members including making and seconding motions. Is that true? I know the Presiding Officer can vacate the chair in order to make a motion, but I'm wondering if he/she can vacate the chair after a motion is made, in order to second that motion. Thank you in advance, Bob

I serve as President of a Non-Profit Board, and we always handle Action Items this way: I read the Action Item as included in the agenda and call on the presenter, The presenter gives some information and makes a recommendation we take the action as prescribed in the agenda, I say "You have heard the recommendation from <Presenter> regarding <Action Item as included in the agenda>, is there a Motion". Assuming we have a motion, I ask for a second. Assuning there is a second, I say, "We have a Motion and a Second, is there any discussion or questions". After questions and discussion, I call for the vote. I've had a request from a member to allow the Board to discuss the information prior to a Motion. I've been doing non-profit work for 30 years, on a number of different boards, and I've always seen discussion coming after the motion and second. Is it proper to allow discussion prior to a motion?