Trustees amend minutes to note an unexplained abstention; board approves donated track and gift list with one abstention

Trustees approved a motion to add language to the minutes that notes Trustee John Ortega abstained at a prior meeting and “declined to explain” his reason when asked. The modification was proposed by Trustee Yamasaki, seconded by Trustee Kelly, and passed 6–0–1 after staff indicated they would check meeting recordings to place the text in the correct section of the minutes.

Parent Dan Rothenberg had earlier urged the board to post draft minutes with agendas and asked that the record reflect Ortega’s refusal to explain the abstention, citing Board Policy 9323a. Rothenberg said that recording the exchange is important for public accountability.

On facilities and gifts, the board heard public comment and approved a donor‑funded track project at Prospect Elementary. Public speaker Jolene Lang urged that the district maximize use of the track for before‑school activities and ensure the investment is not forgotten; district staff described the planned track as 360 feet long and 10 feet wide with an estimated cost of about $151,000, said the project will need Division of the State Architect (DSA) review and estimated 4–6 months of construction once cleared.

The board also voted on gift item 9b, which included a coaches stipend from Fletcher Elementary PTSA. Trustee Kelly announced an abstention on that item because of her role with the PTSA; the motion passed 5 yes, 1 abstain, 1 absent (recorded 5–1–1). Board members confirmed donation funds are audited and earmarked for the stated purposes and cannot be repurposed.