Can a board member be considered present at a meeting if they cannot be heard by all others?

A board member must be able to be heard by all other attendees in a meeting to be considered present. This ensures that all members can actively participate in discussions, contribute to decision-making processes, and engage in the overall dialogue of the meeting. The requirement for being heard supports the principles of transparency and accountability in governance.

When all members of the board can hear each other, it fosters a collaborative environment where thoughts and opinions can be expressed clearly and freely. If a board member is unable to be heard, it diminishes their ability to contribute effectively, leading to potential misunderstandings and reduced engagement from that member, which can impact the meeting's outcomes.

It's important to note that simply being on the agenda or participating through written correspondence does not equate to active participation in a meeting. Observing without the ability to contribute limits the governance processes intended in such meetings. Therefore, being able to be heard is an essential aspect of being considered present at a meeting.