Answer: A consent agenda is a tool boards can use to make meetings more efficient by grouping routine, non-controversial items together for approval at one time. Common consent agenda items might include approval of minutes, routine reports, or other matters that are not expected to require board discussion.
When the board reaches the consent agenda, the chair should provide board members an opportunity to request that an item be removed for separate consideration. Any board member may request that an item be removed, without a second or explanation. The remaining consent agenda items can then be approved together with a single motion and vote. Any item that is removed is considered separately as part of the board’s regular business.
Consent agendas are common among Alaska school boards, and many districts use some form of consent agenda regularly. The key is that a consent agenda should be reserved for routine matters that do not require discussion. If a board member believes an item deserves discussion or a separate vote, it should be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately.
