Who has the authority to call a special meeting of the board?

The correct answer indicates that a special meeting of the board can be called by a petition signed by four or more members. This aligns with principles of governance and accountability within board structures. Requiring multiple members to come together to request a special meeting ensures that there is a collective interest or concern that warrants immediate attention. This process allows for transparency and prevents any single individual from unilaterally deciding to convene a meeting, which could lead to misuse of authority or lack of broader representation of members' interests.

Additionally, this approach ensures that significant issues are deliberated upon with the involvement of a substantial portion of the board, fostering a collaborative environment for decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of participation and shared governance among board members.

In contrast, options that allow only a single individual, such as the president or the executive director, to call a special meeting may limit the democratic process within the board, reducing opportunities for input from other members. The involvement of the collective membership in calling for meetings tends to lead to better governance and responsiveness to the needs and concerns of the organization as a whole.