A Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) workshop on California’s Ralph M. Brown Act — the state’s open-meeting law — was canceled just minutes after it began, even though dozens of staff and community members were already in attendance.
Minutes After It Started, Trustees Call It Off
The meeting, held September 17, was intended to educate trustees and staff about public meeting transparency following a Fresno County Grand Jury recommendation earlier this year.
But moments after the session began, Trustee Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas motioned to cancel the meeting because two trustees — Susan Wittrup and Veva Islas — were absent.
Her motion was seconded by Trustee Keshia Thomas, effectively ending the session before it could start.
“This being such an important topic, and a couple of trustees unable to be here today, I’d like us to reschedule to a time when all seven can participate,” Jonasson Rosas said.
Other Trustees Call It a Waste of Time
Trustee Andy Levine voiced frustration over the abrupt cancellation, saying the absent members could have simply watched a recording later.
“A lot of time has been put into this — schedules have been moved around,” Levine said. “This meeting could be recorded and shared.”
The session had drawn around 30 senior administrators, including Superintendent Misty Her, Deputy Superintendent Ben Drati, and leaders from the Fresno Teachers Association (FTA).
District Paid for Overtime and Meals
According to a district spokesperson, FUSD paid for overtime for several employees and provided dinners for those attending. However, the attorney facilitators leading the session did not charge the district, as they were already contracted for other work.
FTA President Manuel Bonilla criticized the decision, saying it wasted taxpayer money.
“A majority of the board wasted public resources by adjourning a workshop after everyone was gathered,” Bonilla said. “Our leaders must remember this isn’t their private company — it’s the public’s time and money.”
What Happens Next
Trustees are expected to reschedule the Brown Act workshop, which was originally recommended by the Fresno County Grand Jury after reports of potential confidentiality issues in board meetings.
The district has not yet announced a new date for the session.
