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Trustees split over public appointment process; motion for fully open interviews fails 2‑4
Summary
Trustees debated whether the board should hold publicly open interviews and deliberations to fill an at‑large trustee vacancy. Trustee Davis moved to conduct the entire appointment process in open session; the motion failed on a 2‑4 vote after trustees questioned logistics and fairness for applicants.
Elizabeth Cox presented a timeline for filling an at‑large board vacancy and said staff would begin a public call for letters of intent and resumes. Trustee Jeremy Davis moved that the board conduct the full appointment process — including interviews and deliberations — in open session to maximize transparency and public trust.
Davis said the public would be able to see interview questions, responses and trustee deliberations and that transparency would address past community concerns. "I move that the board will conduct the appointment process completely in open session, including interviews, and discussion, and the final vote," he said. Other trustees objected, raising operational concerns (how to prevent later applicants from gaining an advantage by hearing earlier interviews and whether hearing deliberations publicly would affect board relationships). Board counsel and staff noted prior practice of conducting interviews and deliberations in closed session followed by a public vote. The motion for a fully open process failed on a roll call recorded in the transcript as 2 in favor and 4 opposed. Trustees discussed ensuring every applicant is interviewed and confirmed that application materials will be public records when submitted.
Staff will proceed with the timeline; administration and legal counsel will work with trustees to schedule interviews and provide process details.
