Special Meeting

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Introduction

  • Special Meeting held in 2024 focused on leadership transitions, fiscal accountability, and community trust.
  • Key themes: Superintendent’s retirement, workplace misconduct investigation, and public criticism of board transparency.

Agenda Items

Public Comment on Closed Session Items (3.4)

  • Description:
    • Community members addressed concerns about Superintendent Dr. Penelope DeLeon’s absence, alleged contract violations, and fiscal mismanagement.
    • Criticisms included lack of transparency, unchecked spending (e.g., office renovations, credit card use), and failure to track sick leave.
  • Decisions made or actions taken:
    • No formal action taken during public comment.

Closed Session Items

  • 3.2 Conference with Legal Counsel (Litigation Exposure):
    • Description: Discussion of potential litigation risks.
    • Decisions made or actions taken:
      • Board voted unanimously (5-0) to direct the Deputy Superintendent to investigate workplace misconduct.
  • 3.4 Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release:
    • Description: Review of Superintendent Dr. DeLeon’s status.
    • Decisions made or actions taken:
      • Board accepted Dr. DeLeon’s retirement effective April 29, 2024, via unanimous vote (5-0).

Public Comments

  • Key themes:
    • Lack of Transparency: Multiple speakers criticized closed-session hiring practices and the board’s failure to communicate Dr. DeLeon’s absence.
    • Fiscal Mismanagement: Concerns over deficit spending, high executive salaries, and unmet student/staff needs.
    • Leadership Crisis: Calls for community involvement in selecting a new superintendent and distrust in the board’s decision-making.
    • Equity and Accountability: Spanish-speaking parents emphasized demands for transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Follow-Up and Commitments

  • Workplace Misconduct Investigation: Deputy Superintendent tasked with leading the inquiry.
  • Interim Superintendent Search: Urgent need to appoint leadership to address unresolved tasks (e.g., budget, LCAP, staffing).
  • Community Engagement: Requests to involve unions (NTA, CSEA), families, and staff in decision-making processes.

Conclusion

  • The board finalized Dr. DeLeon’s retirement and initiated an internal misconduct investigation.
  • Next steps include appointing interim leadership, addressing fiscal stability, and rebuilding community trust through transparency.
  • Upcoming challenges: Completing the 2023-24 school year with unresolved budget and staffing priorities.