Officer Report from School Principal

[Guest SarahBray]

Hi!

During a PTA meeting, our agenda includes a report from the school Principal.  During his report he asks the group for ideas and input on different topics (no recommendation or motion is made).  This can, at times lead to a large chunk of time devoted to accomplishing, well... nothing except brainstorming.

How as the chair of the meeting do I cut this short, in an effort to keep meeting short and concise?

 

[Joshua Katz]

Assuming you aren't using small board rules, simply remind the group (ahead of the problem) that debate is out of order without a motion pending, and that, when reports are made, you'll be entertaining requests for information and motions, not out of order discussion.  Alternatively, you can adopt an agenda limiting the time for such reports.

[Greg Goodwiller, PRP]

This sounds to me like a problem that should be dealt with in ways other than through parliamentary maneuvers. I would suggest that you sit down with the principal and discuss the matter - perhaps including ways to obtain "ideas and input" from parents other than taking up time in PTA meetings.

[Transpower]

RONR (11th ed.), p. 356, ll. 5-8:  "If an officer, in reporting, makes a recommendation, he should not himself move its implementation, but such a motion can be made by another member as soon as the officer has concluded his report."

[Richard Brown]

I was going to suggest exactly the same thing Dr. Goodwiller did. Perhaps first make sure some other members agree with you, then sit down one on one with the principal to discuss it. 

[Rev Ed]

Or move the Principal's Report to the end of the meeting.  Then once the report is given (and any business arising out of it taken care of), you can formally adjourn the meeting and the Principal can stay behind with any owners who are interested in having an informal discussion.  But at least you know that any business required has been taken care of.

[Dan Honemann]

It is not at all in order for an officer, when making his report, to ask the assembled members for their ideas and input on different topics. I agree that it would be best to first attempt to resolve this problem outside of the meeting context, but if these efforts fail it is the duty of the presiding officer to put an end to such conduct by interrupting and reminding the officer that asking questions of the assembly as a part of his report is not in order. Reports of officers are made for the information of the assembly, not for the information of the reporting officer.

[SaintCad]

On 11/12/2017 at 11:53 AM, Daniel H. Honemann said:

It is not at all in order for an officer, when making his report, to ask the assembled members for their ideas and input on different topics. I agree that it would be best to first attempt to resolve this problem outside of the meeting context, but if these efforts fail it is the duty of the presiding officer to put an end to such conduct by interrupting and reminding the officer that asking questions of the assembly as a part of his report is not in order. Reports of officers are made for the information of the assembly, not for the information of the reporting officer.

Would it be appropriate for the officer to use their report to solicit feedback later like "Email me if you have any ideas for fundraisers for the new gym." and leave it at that?

[Rev Ed]

2 hours ago, SaintCad said:

Would it be appropriate for the officer to use their report to solicit feedback later like "Email me if you have any ideas for fundraisers for the new gym." and leave it at that?

Yes.