I get an occasional call from either an executive or a board member inquiring about special board meetings without the executive present. Usually these meetings focus on the executive's job performance. Some executives have contracts that prohibit the board from meeting without the executive. Meeting without the executive divides the team. The executive is part of the policy-making team.
Meetings excluding the executive destroys the sense of team.
The executive needs to be present to explain his or her decisions. To do otherwise is undermining the executive. The executive should be the board's number one resource for information. Evaluations should be between the executive and the board, upfront and documented. There are some individuals who bring personal agendas to board meetings.