Modifying the Board Agenda

If a member of the Board want to add something to the agenda, how should he/she go about doing this? Does a vote need to be taken?

Usually, it is a simple matter of making a motion.  It is good procedure for a board to include in its agenda a place for New Business, usually at the end.  If so, when New Business is reached, a board member can simply make a motion to take up the item.  If it is desired to formally place the item on the agenda, a motion to do so will be needed.  This should be done at the beginning of the meeting by stating: "Mr. Chairman, I move to add the following to the agenda . . ."  If the board has not yet adopted the agenda for the meeting, this motion is in the form of an amendment and requires a majority vote.  If the board has already adopted the agenda for the meeting, this motion requires a 2/3 vote because it amends something that was already adopted.

Some boards have a policy that the chairman will set the agenda.  If so, it may be necessary to seek the approval of the chairman beforehand.  Otherwise, a motion to suspend the rules will be needed and this requires a 2/3 vote.