CEC District 28 clears two seats, debates chancellor town hall date and reviews reimbursement procedures

During its business meeting the District 28 Community Education Council took several internal actions and heard administrative briefings, including a vote to vacate a council seat, discussion about scheduling the Chancellor27s annual town hall, and a training on member reimbursement procedures.

The council voted to vacate the seat of a member who had not completed an oath and had consecutive absences. The motion to vacate passed after roll-call voting and the vacancy will be advertised; council leaders said applications will be accepted with interviews and a selection at the October meeting.

Council members had an extended discussion about a Chancellor27s town hall date the chancellor27s office offered: Monday, Feb. 23 (the Monday after the district27s winter recess). Several council members objected to holding the town hall immediately after a break and said that timing would reduce public attendance. Administrative staff said dates are constrained by the chancellor27s availability and explained the office27s normal process: the council selects an accessible school site, administrative staff prepares language and interpretation, and outreach begins as soon as a date is confirmed. The group voted on whether to accept the Feb. 23 date as proposed; the majority opposed keeping that date, and staff said they would return with alternatives.

The treasurer, Alicia Bauer, provided a step-by-step walkthrough of the member reimbursement request form and the required childcare-expense log used to claim the $125-per-month member reimbursement for childcare, transit, mileage and other allowable council-related costs. She explained required attachments and urged members to submit monthly claims rather than waiting until year-end. An administrative staff member reminded councilors that monthly IPR (activity) reports are required and should list school visits, meetings and other council-related activities.

Council leaders said two council seats are now vacant (the recently vacated seat plus an earlier resignation). The council will publish a notice, accept applications, interview candidates and vote at the October meeting. Leadership also said they will create a simple, accessible process for selecting a town-hall host school and agreed to consider a Google form to collect available, accessible school sites in the district.

The meeting adjourned after routine minutes approval and scheduling business.