Board tables plan for student fiduciary fund after members press for oversight details

Staff described initial steps to establish a fiduciary fund and, eventually, a foundation to receive large donations for Mendocino County students. The superintendent explained the idea is modeled on other counties and would provide a place for large corporate or disaster-relief donations to "land," but emphasized additional legal and governance work remains.

Several board members pressed for stronger oversight language and clarity on who would control disbursements. One board member asserted, "I would like to see long term that this elected body be substantially involved in that distribution decision," expressing concern about public accountability. Staff replied that a separate foundation board and director would be created to provide oversight and that initial work is underway with legal counsel, but that further details and Heather’s expertise were needed. A motion to table the item until the next meeting, when additional information and staff (Heather) could be present, was moved and seconded; the board agreed to table the item.

The board emphasized use-of-funds transparency and a desire for a role in distribution decisions even if funds are not public (donated to the foundation rather than the county office). No formal governance structure was adopted at this meeting.