The Bush School
2001-2002 Student/Faculty Senate


MINUTES
April 30, 2002

Excused Absences: 10
Unexcused Absences: RW
Excused Tardiness: MV
Proxies: MG (10)

The April 23 minutes were ratified (8-0).

We began by discussing reasons for which there few students and faculty who attend Senate. Question was raised as to whether attendance is a measure of effectiveness.

Motion (12):That, beginning with the 2002-2003 school year, students and faculty are invited to each Senate meeting in such a manner as to invite each student and faculty member at least once per academic year.

It was mentioned that a motion affecting a different Senate would be considered out of order in the U.S. Senate. Concern was expressed about having people come to Senate due to necessity rather than desire.

The motion failed (1-5)

Discussion turned toward ways of getting more members of the community interested in the Senate. It was recommended that, rather than reading the agenda for the coming Senate meeting during Town Meeting, the secretary recount the action of the previous meeting. Someone pointed out that in the United States as a whole, the percentage of citizens involved in democracy is small, and that legislative bodies are not generally loved. It was suggested that the Senate discuss issues beyond the Bush School, such as existing or potential issues facing the world, nation, or community, and the school's response to them.

MV arrived.

Someone questioned the procedure during Open Forum. Seven minutes per topic may be too short, as there is not time enough for people to get engaged enough in the discussion for a true polylogue to develop. In addition, voting on discussion extension by Yeas and Nays may be intimidating to some members of the community.

Motion (9):That we abolish the yea/nay voting system in open forum and use show of hands.
Passed unanimously (11-0)

The question was brought up of what to do on a close vote. It was suggested that the discussion should be extended if any significant interest exists, whether or not there is a majority.

Motion (11):That in open forum a topic be extended at the discretion of the leader based on whether or not sufficient interest exists.
Motion (9):That the pending motion be amended by inserting the phrase “, where ten people constitute sufficient interest” at the end.

It was brought up that the majority may grow bored if only ten people are interested in a topic.

The amendment passed (7-4)

Motion (11):That the pending motion be amended by striking out “ten” and inserting “twenty.”
Passed (5-2)

The pending motion passed (6-5)

Several in attendance reiterated some of what they felt to be the most important points from and implied by the meeting. Here they are: Democracy in America is not used by a large percentage of the populace; Senate must be made enticing due to the fact that the Senate period is a free market for activities; There is a complacency in the school; Senate lacks an ultimate goal; Inviting advisories to bring themselves and topics to Senate is a good idea; The lonely voice must be heard.




Respectfully Submitted,


12
Back
to Minutes Index            to Cross-Reference