Published on 9/11/2024.
Special Board Meeting on September 11, 2024
Comments/Board Business
Land Acknowledgement: Acting President of the Board Dr. Mullery read the District's land acknowledgement recognizing our area's Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of the land that College of the Redwoods occupies.
We acknowledge that the land on which we are gathered today is unceded territory of the Wiyot, Hupa, Karuk, Mattole, Tolowa, Wailaki, and Yurok. We honor them and all neighboring tribes by our ongoing commitment to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long-lasting partnerships.
Closed Session: Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code section 54956.9 (one case): The Board convened into closed session to consider the matter as listed on the agenda, regarding Complaint number COM-08262024-02784 from the FPPC concerning Government Code section 1090.
Public Comments: Acting President Dr. Mullery stated that with sincere regret, the Trustees received Dr. Rebecca Robertson's resignation from the Board. Dr. Robertson has served with distinction on this Board for three plus years. She quickly familiarized herself with the District and the roles and responsibilities of the Board. She completed the Excellence in Trusteeship program, and she attended state-wide community college conferences. Dr. Robertson also regularly participated in the Community College League's Webinars. While on the Board she served diligently on its numerous committees. Her hard work, competence and dedication to student success and the District's Mission were recognized by her colleagues who elected her to serve as the Board President just two years into her term on the Board. Dr. Robertson is a person of utmost integrity who cares deeply about education. She is a staunch supporter of ensuring that all have access to education of the highest quality. Her insights, competence, professionalism, and bright demeanor will be sorely missed by the Board. We wish Dr. Robertson the very best as she continues her work as an educator, student advocate, and community leader.
Action Items
Employment of Faculty: I brought this personnel action item to the Board for the trustees to reconsider the employment of Sean Robertson, as a tenure track Assistant Professor in Fire Technology retroactive to August 1, 2024. Sean is an extremely qualified applicant, and his employment was previously considered and approved by the Board in May. His spouse, Dr. Rebecca Robertson, was a Board Trustee at that time and recused herself from that vote. This item was back before the Board to ensure that this critical position is filled and was being considered out of an abundance of caution with Dr. Robertson no longer being a member of the Board.
Board Business
Discussion and potential action regarding trustee appointment following resignation - review of process: Acting President Dr. Mullery stated that, since we are in what is called a blackout period—the period of time between when Dr. Robertson resigned her trustee seat and the November election—the Board must leave the trustee position vacant until December 2024. Since Dr. Robertson is running unopposed on the November election ballot, she has the right to return to the Board on December 17. However, she can resign from the Board for the new term at the December meeting if she chooses.