Board Member Leave of Absence

[Deb Parm]

One of our board members (member at large)  is taking a leave of absence for 6 months. There is nothing in our bylaws or policies to cover this. Should she be replaced temporarily, leave the position vacant or ask her to resign?

[Richard Brown]

38 minutes ago, Deb Parm said:

One of our board members (member at large)  is taking a leave of absence for 6 months. There is nothing in our bylaws or policies to cover this. Should she be replaced temporarily, leave the position vacant or ask her to resign?

There is nothing in RONR regarding a “leave of absence” or how to deal with one. Unfortunately, it is up to your organization to determine for itself how to deal with the situation and whether to permit such a leave of absence at all.  

Eduted to add: there is also nothing in RONR regarding temporary replacements other than the provisions for electing a chairman or a secretary pro tem when the regular chairman  or secretary is absent at a meeting.

Edited May 20, 2020 at 01:30 PM by Richard Brown
Added last paragraph

[George Mervosh]

I agree with Mr. Brown.  RONR does say "If a member who has accepted an office, committee assignment, or other duty finds that he is unable to perform it, he should submit his resignation."  RONR (11th ed.), p. 291  That said, he can't be forced to resign but asking him seems fine if you feel his extended absence is unwarranted and harmful to the board.  He can always just decline to do so.  

[Josh Martin]

1 hour ago, Deb Parm said:

One of our board members (member at large)  is taking a leave of absence for 6 months. There is nothing in our bylaws or policies to cover this. Should she be replaced temporarily, leave the position vacant or ask her to resign?

Replacing this person temporarily is not an option, unless your bylaws provide for it. Whether the board would prefer to just leave it alone or ask the member to resign is up to the board.