Rescind a motion

[Guest debra]

At my school, we follow a school Charter which outlines our decision-making process. We recently had a proposal brought to our Site Council. A motion was made, seconded, discussion held, and voted to accept the proposal and take it to staff. Now, the person who brought the proposal wants to change it. How do we rescind the motion so the amended proposal can be brought forth?

[hmtcastle]

At my school, we follow a school Charter which outlines our decision-making process. We recently had a proposal brought to our Site Council. A motion was made, seconded, discussion held, and voted to accept the proposal and take it to staff. Now, the person who brought the proposal wants to change it. How do we rescind the motion so the amended proposal can be brought forth?

You don't have to rescind it before amending it. As long as the action authorized by the motion has not been completed, a motion to amend something previously adopted (ASPA) can be made. It requires the vote of a majority of the entire board, a two-thirds vote, or, with notice, a majority vote.

[Guest debra]

You don't have to rescind it before amending it. As long as the action authorized by the motion has not been completed, a motion to amend something previously adopted (ASPA) can be made. It requires the vote of a majority of the entire board, a two-thirds vote, or, with notice, a majority vote.

Thank you. Your knowledge is much appreciated.

[Guest Sara Barnes]

Does this mean that only the current board of a club votes to rescind motions made by previous boards as well and not the members? Can they go through the past several years worth of motions rescinding any they do not like? Are they allowed to make and second a generalized motion "to rescind any past motions that no longer apply"? This is for a club, not a school. Thanks!

[hmtcastle]

Does this mean that only the current board of a club votes to rescind motions made by previous boards as well and not the members? Can they go through the past several years worth of motions rescinding any they do not like? Are they allowed to make and second a generalized motion "to rescind any past motions that no longer apply"?

The current board is the only board there is. But the general membership (the current general membership) can also rescind motions adopted by the board. See Official Interpretation 2006-13.

But there's no need to rescind motions that no longer apply, since they no longer apply. You can only rescind a motion if the action authorized by the motion hasn't been completed. For example, you can't rescind a motion to paint the clubhouse red once the clubhouse has been painted.

Other than that, there's no time limit (though a blanket motion like the once you describe would likely be ruled out of order as too vague).

[Guest Sara Barnes]

The past motions being named are more ones that prevent things and not motions that approved things. Does this still apply that they can just rescind any they want?

The board did pass their motion to "rescind any past motions that no longer apply", so can a member rule this out of order? This was done at a board meeting and members are not allowed. (The members only meet once a year and that was last month.) If so, is there something in RRO that I can quote? If this vague motion to rescind is allowed to stand, can a future board determine different motions not specifically rescinded "no longer apply" and not abide by them and another board two years later consider those same motions applicable since they were never named in a motion?

Thank you very much for your help.

[hmtcastle]

The board did pass their motion to "rescind any past motions that no longer apply", so can a member rule this out of order?

The board can only rescind motions that were adopted by the board, not any that were adopted by the general membership. And, as I indicated, such a blanket motion was improper because it leaves open the question of which motions "no longer apply". Further, as I indicated, it was improper because, if the motions no longer apply, there's no need to rescind them.

But you understand the problem with failing to be specific about which motions are being rescinded.

On the other hand, it's not such a big deal, just a waste of the board's time. At the next election, replace these board members with people who understand the role of the board and what it can and can not do.

[Josh Martin]

The past motions being named are more ones that prevent things and not motions that approved things. Does this still apply that they can just rescind any they want?

The board may still rescind any motions adopted by the board which are still in effect.

[Guest Sara Barnes]

Thank you both for your answers.