Last night I was at school till 9:30 pm. Why was I there? I was there because the Board decided to have a special closed meeting. The meeting was held in the President's office. After the CSEA pointed out that any meeting must start with an open session and the board must report out their decision the Board under the direction of our "Dear Leader Ted" hastily opened the meeting in public. Henry V.P. of student services lead us in the pledge of allegiance. As usual Dr. Martinez did not say the pledge but just stood there. The only trustees present in person were Maria Elena and Madeline Shapiro. Two Trustees were present for the roll call on the phone and Gary Mendez was not present for the roll call. (Gary contacted me and told me that he was there but missed the roll call due to a prior engagement.).
Students past and present, the CSEA and a few faculty member all dressed in red waited till the President of the Board Maria Elena returned at 7:56 PM to report "No Action was taken".
After she left the room there was a discussion that lasted till 9:00 PM. Many students past and present including Fernando (Area Two Candidate for the Board of Trustee) spoke about how we can protect the family feeling at Rio Hondo College. I could sense the frustration of the 40 or so people present in the room. It was agreed that we do not wish for this place to be run as a a corporation but we wish to be a family where we stand united for our weakest brothers and sister. I was truly impressed by the unity that I observed last night.
Correction! I was contacted by Gary Mendez. He was there at the closed meeting. He arrived late due to a Karate class. He was absent when the board took roll call but according to Gary, he was there when they met in closed session.
Correction! I was contacted by Gary Mendez. He was there at the closed meeting. He arrived late due to a Karate class. He was absent when the board took roll call but according to Gary, he was there when they met in closed session.
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