FUESD leadership changes

Through no fault but my own, I was unable to get these comments heard at the FUESD Board meeting Monday, June 21. I sent this email to the board members and my hope is that by sending them in as a Letter to the Editor, the comments will be made known to members of the public as well.

I am writing this email because I was unable to get to a working computer in time to send a request to speak at the board meeting tonight.

I want to add my voice to those who have great concerns about the change in leadership of the elected board of trustees. I am disappointed with the behind-the-scenes machinations played outside the purview of the public that have resulted in the removal of Caron Lieber (as president of the board).

While I am happy that Suzanne Lundin will be serving as president and Ms. Lieber remains on the board to properly represent the voters, I am left very disappointed in what has been allowed to happen here.

I think its important for the public to know that, while obviously confidentiality rules the process of a closed meeting, it is assumed that Mr. Shinoff, the district's general counsel who does not enjoy the trust of many in this community, gave leadership to this process that resulted in Ms. Lieber's removal from the role of president. If that is in fact the case, I think it is imperative that the process be much more transparent.

I think the board should seek legal opinion from an objective attorney as to the legality of this "threat of litigation" that was mentioned in the board meeting. These threats can be viewed as a means of keeping the elected board from doing their job, the job the voters are expecting them to do. It does not appear that due process was followed and that should worry everyone. And if the board isn't allowed to seek outside counsel, then we as the public should do so.

I am writing this during the board meeting so I want to say Thank you, Suzanne, for addressing various things that I have been thinking about – the board responding to questions presented by the public, how to express concerns between meetings, future meetings, etc.

Leticia Maldonado/Stamos