Workshop Meetings: These meetings are the first meeting of the month, at which initial information is provided regarding action items for the upcoming business meeting.
Business Meetings: These meetings are the second meeting of the month, at which the board takes action on agenda items. The board can take action at two points--board action items and board consent agenda. Board action items generally include issues that require additional discussion. The board consent agenda includes routine business items that likely do not require additional discussion (resignations, hires, accepting minutes of previous meetings, etc.). By using the consent agenda format, the board takes action on a group of items in one motion, rather than having individual motions for each item, which streamlines the meeting. Board members do, however, have the option to remove items from the consent agenda for discussion, by a majority vote. The board thoroughly reviews agenda items before they go to a meeting. Supporting documentation is provided and questions can be asked of the administration in advance so that board members are prepared to take action. Please note that a full board discussion legally cannot happen prior to / outside of a board meeting.
Closed Meetings: A closed meeting is an “executive session” that, by statute, is not open to the public. Topics that legally can be addressed include: personnel and employment, consideration of personal information, and conferring legal counsel with respect to litigation--a full explanation is available in Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1). With certain limited exceptions, no official action can be taken on issues discussed in closed session without first returning to open session.
Public Hearing: Certain district matters, such as budget adoption or tax exemptions, require a public hearing (as directed by law or district policy). These matters tend to be the sole agenda item. Similar to workshop and business meetings, the community can participate in a hearing. The difference is that, by law, allowing participation is required at a public hearing, while allowing participation at regular meetings is optional. However, Whitnall allows participation at all meetings. Any related action will occur during a future business meeting.