Trustees praise foundation goals but split over appointments and transparency
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Summary
Speakers urged strict adherence to recently approved bylaws for the CCSD Education Foundation and transparency about a Meeting Street MOU; trustees approved several foundation nominees but rejected at least one, prompting debate over appointment authority under the bylaws.
Several public commenters urged the board to ensure the CCSD Education Foundation is launched with clear, narrow authority and public transparency. Dr. Shar Fitzwater told trustees the foundation "has tremendous potential" but warned against overly broad scope language and urged the board to "launch this foundation in a manner that is transparent, faithful to the bylaws, and positioned for broad community support." (Dr. Fitzwater)
Andy Massey, a District 9 constituent, asked the board to review and approve the articles of incorporation publicly before submission, noting that articles could supersede bylaws if conflicts arise.
During the agenda item for CCSD Education Foundation board appointments, trustees nominated and voted on multiple district nominees. The board approved nominees for Districts 1–6 and others by voice vote; one District 8 nominee failed to gain approval and will be reconsidered at a future meeting. The board and trustees debated whether bylaws require that each trustee's nominee be approved by a majority of the board, with counsel and trustees citing differing interpretations. Board counsel (Mister Frampton) recommended recording votes and confirmed the bylaws require appointment approval by majority vote.
Trustees expressed frustration after a rejected nominee, with one trustee stating repeatedly, "I get an appointment," arguing the bylaws allow the trustee to present a nominee. Other trustees said the board has the responsibility to scrutinize nominees and vote. The chair directed that nominees not passed would be brought back at a later meeting and noted upcoming board meetings in February.
Meeting materials referenced a Meeting Street memorandum of understanding (MOU) discussed earlier in an Audit and Finance executive session; Dr. Fitzwater asked whether any MOU material should be publicly available before board action to allow community feedback. The transcript does not record a specific decision to release MOU documents at this meeting.
Next steps: trustees will revisit outstanding nominations at the February board meeting; counsel and staff will clarify bylaws language and voting procedure as requested.