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Trustees appoint two directors and an alternate to Cypress Education Foundation after open application process
Summary
After timed interviews and forced‑ranking by trustees the board selected Jeanette James and Donna McDougal as directors and Christine Barnes as an alternate to the Cypress Education Foundation, citing a desire to strengthen district‑foundation ties and broaden fundraising capacity.
The Cypress School District Board of Trustees on May 6 appointed two new directors and one alternate to the Cypress Education Foundation after conducting timed interviews of applicants and using a forced‑ranking process.
Jeanette James emerged as the board’s consensus top pick. Following discussion of point totals and forced rankings, trustees selected Donna McDougal as the second director and named Christine Barnes the alternate. Trustee Hayashida moved the slate and Trustee Needham seconded the motion, which the board approved by voice vote.
Board members said the open application process — the first conducted this way in recent years — aimed to increase transparency and give trustees a stronger voice in who serves on the foundation. Trustees and applicants repeatedly pointed to declining enrollment and tighter state funding as priorities the foundation can help address through additional fundraising, grant pursuit and strategic partnerships.
During interviews, applicants described long histories of community service and nonprofit or fundraising experience, and several said they supported evolving the foundation’s role from a primarily advisory body to a strategic partner that helps the district seek and manage new funding sources. Trustees emphasized the need for the foundation to be an effective, independent partner while maintaining cooperative relations with the district.
President Sande said trustees intend to invite the new directors and alternate to future workshops to discuss the foundation’s bylaws, partnership structures and expectations. The board also asked staff to ensure a clearly defined onboarding schedule and to report back on how the trustees and foundation will coordinate going forward.
