The board discussed item 9c, a proposal to authorize a representative to attend a national ‘coast to coast’ federal advocacy event organized with the California School Boards Association. Several members of the public and trustees opposed using scarce board development funds while the district reviews proposed budget cuts.

Public commenters described the expense as discretionary and urged the board to prioritize tutoring, classroom supports and local advocacy. One public speaker said the board’s remaining annual board development budget of $15,000 had only $1,100 remaining, and estimated the cost of a single trip (airfare, lodging and fees) at several thousand dollars, arguing those funds could be reallocated to tutoring hours.

Trustee Conley defended the value of in-person, statewide federal advocacy, noting that mass visits to the U.S. Capitol can influence federal policy affecting Title I funding, Medi-Cal reimbursements for student mental-health services, and E-Rate broadband support. She said she would not push to use district funds this year but argued the board should not leave California’s voice unrepresented. Several trustees said they would not attend and would not support using district money at this time.

After public comment and trustee discussion, board members expressed openness to authorize an individual to represent the district if they could travel without using district funds and with a subsequent formal board vote. There was no motion approving board-funded attendance, and the discussion concluded without a vote to expend district funds for the trip. The meeting recessed because of translation and technical difficulties before any further action.