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Board delays one hire after split vote on personnel ratification
Summary
The board debated a superintendent-recommended personnel list and failed to approve the full list by roll call. After discussion about legal risk of rescinding offers, the board later ratified the personnel transactions with one hire (Dr. Fong) excluded pending counsel and further review.
The board considered a pulled personnel item (G1) that included multiple hires and ratifications. Trustee Kirby raised concerns about a recommended executive‑level hire (Dr. Fong), noting constituent feedback and personal reservations about the candidate’s suitability for the role. The initial motion to ratify the entire personnel list failed on a 3–3 roll call, with Trustees Dufasi, Kirby and Deator opposing.
Trustees and staff discussed legal risks of rescinding an already‑extended offer, whether the board could suspend bylaws to act differently, and the need for counsel to advise on liability should the board attempt to retract an offer. The board paused the discussion and requested legal counsel to return with advice.
The board later reconvened and approved the personnel transactions with Dr. Fong removed from that ratification; staff said such an action could require rescinding an offer and might carry legal or financial risk if the candidate had declined alternate employment. The board did not provide additional public details and directed staff to proceed according to counsel’s guidance.
