RESOLUTION #19/20-64 BEFORE THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT DENOUNCING BOARD MEMBER STATEMENT WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9000, “Role of the Board,” recognizes that Board Members are elected to “provide leadership” and that the Board shall “ensure that the District is responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of the community;” WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005, “Governance Standards,” states that the Board’s “primary responsibility is to act in the best interest of every student in the District;” WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that the Board “also has major commitments to parents/guardians, all members of the community, employees, the State of California, laws pertaining to public education, and established policies of the District;” WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that “To maximize Board effectiveness and public confidence in District governance, Board members are expected to govern responsibly and hold themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct;” WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that each individual Board member shall “Recognize and respect differences of perspective and style on the Board and among staff, students, parents and the community;” WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that each individual Board member shall “Act with dignity, and understand the implications of demeanor and behavior;” WHEREAS, Board Bylaw 9005 further states that Board members “shall assume collective responsibility for building unity and creating a positive organization culture,” and “Govern in a dignified and professional manner, treating everyone with civility and respect;” and WHEREAS, on or about June 20, 2020, former Trustee Richard Atkins posted on his personal social media page the following statement: “If you don’t Love the Country you live in, then go back to the country you or your ancestors came from. I am SICK of this Shit.” WHEREAS, Mr. Atkins’ social media post was widely circulated, the subject of news and media reports, and caused outrage and frustration within the community and beyond; WHEREAS, Mr. Atkins' issued an apology statement on June 21, 2020 and resigned from the Governing Board effective on June 24, 2020. NOW, THEREFORE, THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT HEREBY STATES AS FOLLOWS:   1. The Board denounces Mr. Atkins’ social media statement as referenced herein, and on the basis that this statement was insensitive and does not represent the views and mission of the District. 2. The Board proclaims its pride of the diversity of the District’s students and staff and the experiences they bring to the educational environment. 3. The Board commits to participating in District provided diversity training and/or anti-racism training. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the following vote of the members of the Governing Board of the Central Unified School District of Fresno County, State of California, this 30th day of June, 2020. AYES: NOES: ABSTENTIONS: ABSENT: APPROVE: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT By: ______________________________ Yesenia Z. Carrillo President of the Board of Trustees of the Central Unified School District ATTEST: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CENTRAL UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT By: ______________________________ Naindeep Singh Chann Clerk of the Board of Trustees of the Central Unified School District