PUSD Board of Education Regular Meeting, May 22, 2025 (Photo – Screengrab, KLRN)
After a lengthy discussion, the PUSD Board voted not to investigate its member, Yarma Velazquez. Several Board members described numerous complaints about her conduct regarding seating arrangements for herself and others during San Rafael Elementary’s production of The Wizard of Oz in early May.
By Rena Kurlander
After the Board president introduced the item and a motion was made and seconded to begin discussion, Board Member Velazquez stated, “Earlier this month, I attended an event as a parent. I apologize for my behavior.”
Board Member Tina Fredericks acknowledged the complaints and expressed appreciation for them, complimenting the Board president for trying to navigate the issue. She voiced concern about the precedent that an investigation might set, noting that parents could potentially lodge complaints against any board member at any time. Fredericks said she believed the issue could have been resolved informally by mediation. She referenced a restorative justice approach, something more personal than official.
Board Member Scott Harden mentioned the volume of complaints; hesaid that if the allegations were true, “we as a Board violated the code of conduct for the board, and that is heartbreaking.” He hoped that Board Member Velazquez would reach out to the community and work toward healing. He also questioned whether an investigation would be productive and worth the cost.
Board Member Patrice Marshall McKenzie said she did not believe the complaints fell under the Board’s purview. “Any of us are human and could have a bad day,” she said. In her opinion, an investigation would be an “overreach.” She noted that a member of the California Assembly was recently charged with a DUI, and the Assembly had not taken it up as an agenda item. “If our constituents have an issue with us, there are avenues they can take.” She warned against micromanaging colleagues and pointed to a list of pressing priorities for the Board.
Board Member Kim Kenne said, “I would support using our existing policies and procedures, which may have some gaps that we could address.” She referenced past censure proceedings and agreed that the resolution should stay close to its origins—at the school site—rather than escalate to a district-wide matter.
Board Member Michelle Richardson Bailey emphasized the Board’s role in holding each other accountable. She cited existing policy language: “Board members shall at all times communicate with the public, each other, and staff with respect and a civil tone. Each complaint cited a lack of respect and civility. When we don’t look into things the public brings to us, it doesn’t end well,” she warned. Bailey noted the policy requires the board to uphold the highest ethical standards, saying the situation “injures the good name of the district and undermines the board’s credibility.”
Bailey distinguished this situation from the Assembly DUI case by pointing out that this incident occurred on school grounds. “Even if the Board doesn’t investigate, we shouldn’t treat this as acceptable. We wouldn’t tolerate this from staff. Our actions reflect the Board. Once elected, you are seen as a Board Member at all times. There is no off switch.” She referenced specific Board policies and bylaws that call for Board members to act with dignity and uphold proper conduct.
Board President Jennifer Hall Lee urged members to hold one another accountable and elevate the district’s standards. “We are adults,” she said. She asked the Board’s legal counsel what authority the Board has to hold members accountable. He confirmed that the policies Bailey referenced gave the Board such purview.
Board Member Velazquez explained she stood in line for two hours to see her child perform and observed several parents arriving later and saving seats, bypassing others. She said she reached out to a school administrator and an event coordinator but was told they could not intervene. She admitted to removing four coats being used to save seats, acknowledged the disruption this caused, and expressed regret. She said she shared the recovered seats with others waiting in line.
Velazquez emphasized she attended as a parent, fulfilling parental roles, and felt she was being disciplined as a Board member. She added, “This proceeding is how white supremacy is enacted in certain spaces.” She asked whether she needed to recuse herself from the vote, but no answer was given.
The Board then addressed whether the student board member would vote; it was determined he would not. Harden withdrew his motion, which had been questioned by staff for clarity, and then reintroduced it. It was seconded again. Velazquez did not recuse herself. The motion failed.
Reactions from the Community
Some parents expressed disappointment following the Board’s decision. One San Rafael Elementary parent stated, “I am stunned. People are very upset. I don’t know that this will be the end of it for the community.” The parent criticized the Board’s response, suggesting it sent a message that inappropriate behavior could go unaddressed.
Another parent questioned Board Member Velazquez’s explanation that she was acting solely as a parent during the incident. “There is no way someone acting only as a parent would assert themselves the way she did, overruling event planners and site administration,” the parent said.
Previous Incident Involving Board Member Fredericks Not Addressed Under Censure Policy
Concerns about setting a precedent were noted in light of a previous incident involving Board Member Tina Fredericks. During a public meeting earlier this year, following adjournment, the Board president reportedly asked Fredericks to show respect for the Board. In response, Fredericks allegedly used an expletive. Multiple individuals present said the comment was audible in the room. Despite the exchange, no agenda item regarding censure was introduced under the Board’s existing policies.
> Watch the entire PUSD Board Meeting on May 22, 2025, below:
The amount of time spent on this is ridiculous. Especially in light of all the serious issues PUSD really needs to deal with. A “saving seats” at a school play debacle? Come on.