Community raises governance and ethics concerns amid ongoing investigations

Public comment at the Jan. 15 board meeting included pointed criticisms from residents and community groups about governance, contract oversight and personnel matters.

A series of speakers accused board members and staff of failing to form legally required oversight bodies and of enabling contract overpayments. Joel Schlossman leveled direct accusations about the timing and content of district emails and urged resignations of specific trustees; the board president asked him to refrain from profanity and emphasized meeting decorum. Jim Pastante and other speakers urged the board to explain why the Measure ABC facilities oversight committee was not convened within the timeline established after that bond’s approval and asked how $30 million in bond funds were spent before the committee was seated.

Trustees responded publicly by noting that personnel investigations are proceeding and that some records have become public due to choices made by an employee; the president said an independent investigation into allegations about a former employee was completed and did not sustain claims against the superintendent. Several trustees underscored the need to follow complaint procedures for individual employee matters and the legal counsel’s guidance on confidentiality.

The board pledged to continue transparency where permissible and to return with further reports — including the investigative Sobel Group’s findings when available — while maintaining confidentiality for personnel matters where the law requires it.

No formal board action was taken on personnel accusations raised during public comment; trustees said they would address process and oversight improvements in upcoming meetings.