The interim Board of Trustees of the Oakley Union Elementary School District voted Thursday night to appoint new members rather than schedule a special election.
An online petition calling for the members' resignations swiftly topped thousands of signatures as news of the recording spread nationally. Board President Lisa Brizendine and members Kim Beede, Erica Ippolito and Richie Masadas submitted their resignations soon after.
A fifth seat was already open due to an earlier resignation.
In response, Contra Costa County Board of Education President Annette Lewis appointed herself and fellow county board members Mike Maxwell and Consuelo Lara to fill the three board seats to allow for a legal quorum.
The interim trustees will continue until new members are selected in accordance with Education Code 5094.
An attorney advising the district told the interim board Thursday that a special election would cost from $200,000 to $300,000 and the earliest it could be called would be August.
Two public comments made during the meeting voiced support for the appointment route to fill the seats, even though it means local voters won't have their say for another nine months.
"Oakley has had enough negative coverage," said one caller.
Related
