Pasadena Unified School Board President Tina Fredericks on Friday, May 22, under fire for her alleged role in a controversial proposal to merge campuses in the district, said the the school board is evaluating allegations that trustees violated the state law that governs public access to meetings.
Fredericks and Trustees Kim Kenne, Scott Harden and Yarma Velázquez have been the subject of additional public pressure after public records revealed communication between the trustees coordinating about the school consolidation process before the full board voted to begin the process late last year.
The records included a consolidation plan presentation created by Fredericks before consultant Total School Solutions was hired to lead the process.
The apparent correspondence among the trustees jolted many district stakeholders’ trust in the process, with some concerned the consolidation process was pre-determined before it every really got off the ground.
“The Board is evaluating the allegations and determining appropriate next steps to ensure continued transparency in the governance process,” Fredericks said in her first public statement on the matter since it came to light. “However, because this is an ongoing matter, I cannot provide additional comments at this time.”
Fredericks acknowledged what has become a fierce discussion in the district, which is reeling from fiscal woes and looking for ways to cut costs amid declining enrollment.
“We understand this process has raised strong feelings and important questions in our community,” she said in the statement, which was conveyed through the district’s public information office. “Furthermore, we respect the concerns that have been raised and remain committed to a thoughtful process as the Board considers school consolidation.”
- Also see: ‘No confidence’– Pasadena Unified merger panel members cite a ‘breakdown in trust’ for ‘no’ vote
The latest development came one week ahead of the regular meeting scheduled to be where the committee’s findings and an equity analysis report will be presented to trustees.
On Thursday, May 21, the Board of Education met in closed session for about three hours to “conference with legal counsel” over anticipated litigation related to an alleged Brown Act violation related to school consolidation.
The Brown Act is a California law that governs how government boards are to conduct public business. It is intended to provide public access to local government meetings.
Afterward, Fredericks reported that: “Regarding agenda item C1, the board provided direction to the superintendent,” Board President Tina Fredericks said when trustees reemerged in open session.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.