Fresno Unified trustees on Sept. 17 canceled a workshop on California’s Ralph M. Brown Act because two trustees were absent.

Trustees present for the planned workshop knew that Trustees Susan Wittrup (illness) and Veva Islas (traveling abroad) would not be present for the meeting but still gathered together 30 top administrators, Superintendent Misty Her, new Deputy Superintendent Ben Drati, and representatives from the Fresno Teachers Association.

Minutes after everyone gathered, Trustee Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas motioned to cancel the meeting, seconded by Trustee Keshia Thomas. Trustee Andy Levine said that canceling the workshop  was a waste of the district’s time because absent board members could watch the recording.

“A lot of time has been put into this, schedules have been moved around,” Levine said. “I imagine this meeting, if it does move forward, can be recorded.”

Jonasson Rosas countered that all board members should be present.

“This being such an important topic, and a couple trustees that aren’t able to be here today, I’d like us to consider leaving and rescheduling this workshop to a time when all seven of us can participate,” Jonasson Rosas said.

Fresno Unified Paid OT, Meals for Some Staff

The district paid for overtime for some staff as well as dinners and several days of preparatory work. A Fresno Unified spokesperson said that the attorney facilitators absorbed the cost of the meeting.

Trustees are expected to schedule another workshop of the Ralph M. Brown Act, as recommended by the Fresno County grand jury.

Related Story: Why Did Fresno Unified Cancel Its Brown Act Workshop Minutes After Starting It?