Board Vote Did Not Compute

The Kimball School Board computer program Sparq erroneously stated at the last board meeting that a “motion failed” when in fact the motion passed.

During the meeting, Travis Cook voted against approving the treasurer’s report due partly to the fact that tax receipts had not been updated, while Carrie Tabor abstained and Lynn Vogel, while on the phone, was technically absent.

The Sparq program is relatively new and used for the agenda, minutes and voting. The members of the school board do not do a voice vote but voted on their computers, and the Sqarq program records the vote. Board President Heather Norberg stated that the motion failed and it was recorded on Sparq as “motion failed.”

The Observer reached out to Superintendent Trevor Anderson to get a clarification. Anderson’s email stated:

“The treasurer’s report actually should have passed with the 3-1 vote. There was an error with our Sparq program that board members use for voting. Per board policy 202.08, “The affirmative vote of a majority of those members present at any meeting shall be considered sufficient for action, except for actions required otherwise by law or these policies.The correction and explanation will be made when the previous month’s minutes are approved at the next board meeting.”