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Board president blocks board member from speaking during public comment; counsel cites Brown Act risk
Summary
A board member attempted to speak during public comment and was denied by the president after the board attorney warned of a Brown Act violation; the episode prompted public criticism about access, Zoom participation and transparency.
The Marin County Board of Education president declined to allow Board Member Nancy McCarthy to speak during the public comment period after board counsel warned that allowing a board member to address an item not on the agenda could violate the Brown Act. "I would recommend that you don't allow it at this time," counsel Danielle said when asked about a board member speaking during open comment.
McCarthy insisted she was speaking as a member of the public and said she had been "effectively silenced" by the superintendent and counsel, alleging earlier actions cost the county federal grants. Public commenters immediately followed with complaints about Zoom access and transparency; one said forcing in‑person remarks "deprives people of time to prepare" and warned of civil‑rights complaints. The board president said the attorney had advised against allowing the comment and moved on after the exchange.
