Proposed Changes in Elysian Bylaws

Dear Staff:

On January 28 at the Chili Dinner, the Board of Trustees has called a Special Member Meeting to vote on 2 changes to the Bylaws:
1. To increase the term limits of Board members from 2 to 3 terms (terms remain at 2 years)
2. To allow nonparent Board members to vote in Board member elections

At our staff meeting the changes were discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why can't this wait until the regularly scheduled March meeting?
Because we need to know who will be eligible to run before the meeting so the ballot can be prepared.
2. Will this result in the Board members becoming entrenched?
The community retains the right to reject this proposal and to vote against individual board candidates. The tradeoff of keeping more experienced, better informed and more knowledgeable Board members is balanced by the benefits in trustee knowledge gained over 6 years versus 4. This is a relatively minor increase in Board member longevity. We are not talking about unlimited terms. (By the way, many NJ charter schools have appointed, not elected, Board members with unlimited terms. Often this longevity and depth of experience results in successful facilities aquisition.) There are many discussions of the pros and cons of term limits for trustees of nonprofits online if you care to research it in the next three weeks.
3. What is the issue of nonparent Board members voting?Pam Cushing, as a retired and not a current staff member or parent, was not eligible to vote in the last board election. The board agrees that Pam or any other nonparent Board members should be eligible to cast her vote in the elections given her dedication to the school.
4. Why is the Special Members meeting being held at the Chili Dinner?
Since it can be difficult to obtain enough attendees for a quorum it seemed an opportune time, since the Chili Dinner is expected to be well attended.

If anyone has other thoughts and comments, please feel free to submit them and I will post them on the blog so that they may be shared with your colleagues.

Kathy Mone