1450: Absence of a Board Member

Whenever possible each board member will give advance notice to the president or superintendent of his/her inability to attend a board meeting. A majority of the board may excuse a board member’s absence from a meeting if requested to do so.

The board may declare a board member’s position vacant after four (4) consecutive unexcused absences from regular board meetings, if the absences were for reasons other than illness, authorized by resolution of the board, or active or training military duty.

If a board member is on active duty or training status with the military, the board will grant an extended leave of absence to cover the period of service or training. The extended leave of absence may not have the effect of extending the board member’s term. The board also has the authority to appoint a temporary successor to the absent board member’s position. The temporary successor shall serve until the board member returns or until the end of the board member’s term.

Cross References

• Board Policy 1114 Board Resignation and Vacancy
• 1220 Board Officers and Duties of Board Members

Legal Reference

• RCW 28A.343.390 Directors — Quorum — Failure to attend meetings
• RCW 42.12.010 Causes of vacancy
• RCW 73.16.041 Leaves of absence of elective and judicial officers

Management Resources:

• Policy News, October 2001 Law Grants Board Members Military Leave