In what situation can the board not take action during a meeting?

The situation in which the board cannot take action during a meeting is when less than three members agree. This is based on the quorum requirements typically set forth for governing boards. A quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present for the board to conduct its business formally. In many cases, especially for decisions that require majority agreement, having a minimum number of members present ensures that there is representation and a degree of consensus among decision-makers.

If there are fewer than three members in agreement, it is likely that no significant decisions can be made, as they may not reflect the views or interests of the entire board. This reinforces the principle that decisions should be made with adequate participation to uphold fairness and representational integrity within the board's proceedings.

The other scenarios mentioned do not inherently prevent action; for instance, having one member present would mean that a discussion could commence, and a postponement request from two or more members could lead to a rescheduling without barring the board's ability to function overall. The need for a public representative, while important for transparency and accountability, does not directly influence the board’s capacity to take action in a meeting setting.