Share
The Central Unified Area 4 seat formerly held by Richard Atkins, who resigned this week in response to public outcry over his Facebook post that urged U.S. critics to “go back to your country,” will remain vacant until the November election.
The elected candidate will serve out the remainder of the term, which expires in 2022.
State education code dictates that the board may not make a provisional appointment or hold a special election if the resignation occurs between 130 days and six months before a regularly scheduled election.
Atkins, who announced his resignation during Tuesday’s special board meeting, made it official when he submitted it in writing the next day, which is 132 days prior to the Nov. 3 general election, attorneys Kevin R. Dale and Andrew M. Aller told the district in a memorandum.
Adding to November’s Ballot
The next step is for the district to coordinate with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools and the county clerk to add the Area 4 seat to the other three Central Unified seats up for election on Nov. 3.
The guidance from the attorneys will be reviewed by the trustees as an information item on the agenda of next Tuesday’s special board meeting.
Also at the meeting, trustees will consider a formal resolution denouncing Atkins’ Facebook post, proclaiming pride in the diversity of Central Unified students and staff, and committing to participating in diversity and anti-racism training.
The resolution directly quotes Atkins’ Facebook post — “If you don’t Love the Country you live in, then go back to the country you or your ancestors came from. I am SICK of this Shit.” — and says the post was widely circulated and “caused outrage and frustration within the community and beyond.”
Resolution Denouncing Atkins’ Facebook Post
G 1 Resolution192064DenouncingBoardMemberRichardAtkinsStatement 0 (Text)
RELATED TOPICS:
Ancient DNA Reveals a New Group of People Who Lived Near Land Bridge Between the Americas
19 hours ago
Cabrera, Three Relievers Combine to Lead Marlins to Win Over Giants
1 day ago
Spike in Steel Tariffs Could Imperil Trump Promise of Lower Grocery Prices
1 day ago
Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
1 day ago
California Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton Vows to Repeal Transgender Athlete Law
2 days ago
Trans Athlete Competes in California Championships in Clovis Despite National Controversy
2 days ago
Tim Walz Urges Democrats to Fight Back Harder Against ‘Bully’ Trump
2 days ago
Townsizing? Land Snorkeling? A User’s Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo
18 hours ago
Categories

Townsizing? Land Snorkeling? A User’s Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo

Trump Trade War Has Already Had Huge Effect on California Ports

Cambodian American Chefs Are Finding Success and Raising Their Culture’s Profile. On Their Terms

Ancient DNA Reveals a New Group of People Who Lived Near Land Bridge Between the Americas

Cabrera, Three Relievers Combine to Lead Marlins to Win Over Giants

Spike in Steel Tariffs Could Imperil Trump Promise of Lower Grocery Prices

Dodgers’ Mookie Betts Out With Broken Toe After Late-Night Bedroom Mishap
