Board recognizes outgoing Measure J oversight members after public objections over committee staffing
Loading...
Summary
Following public criticism that the district had prematurely dismissed most Measure J Citizens Bond Oversight Committee members, the board publicly thanked outgoing members, allowed them to remain until successors are appointed, and voted to solicit new applicants.
The Mount Diablo Unified School District board on June 11 publicly thanked members of the Measure J Citizens Bond Oversight Committee and approved a motion recognizing the end of several members’ six‑year terms while allowing any member to continue serving until a successor is appointed.
The motion followed public comment from committee members and community speakers who said the district’s recent removal of six of eight committee members left the oversight committee without its chair, vice chair, meeting schedule or the capacity to carry out work required by Proposition 39 and the Education Code. At least one public commenter said the action appeared to be taken to “silence the concerns of the oversight committee,” and a grand jury report released that week called for an independent Measure J oversight structure.
Trustee Mason moved an item that formally thanked Gina Haynes, John Fronte, Mark Willis, Jay Beddicare, Jim Walsh and others for their service and recognized that their terms conclude on Aug. 21, 2025, but allowed members to continue in their positions until successors are appointed. Board members framed the action as an administrative step to re‑open the committee’s application process and to encourage renewing committee independence.
The board approved the motion 5‑0. During debate trustees emphasized appreciation for the volunteers’ unpaid work and said the district will seek to expand outreach and reconstitute the committee to ensure it meets statutory independence and membership requirements.
No board member moved to reinstate the removed members as a group; the action invites applicants and preserves continuity by allowing outgoing members to remain in place until replacements are named.
