Parliamentary Procedure

Linford Burkholder explains the purpose and basic tools of parliamentary procedure so small school boards can conduct orderly, fair meetings without unnecessary formality.

• Purpose: maintain decorum, ascertain the will of the majority, protect minority rights, and ensure decisions are carried out.

• Quorum, officers (chair, vice-chair, secretary, treasurer), and meeting order (call to order, minutes, treasurer’s report, old/new business, adjournment).

• Motions: how to make them properly, the importance of specific wording, secondary motions, and voting methods (general consent, voice, show of hands, ballot).

• Practical notes on conflicts of interest, minutes as official records, and the balance between Spirit-led informality and orderly process.

Presented by Linford Burkholder at CASBI 2026, Strasburg Mennonite Church, Strasburg, Virginia.