THE PETITION TO REMOVE School Board member Tom Mooers was discussed during public comment of the Sierra County Board of Education meeting held Tuesday, June 21st. A Circulation Declaration was supposed to be submitted along with petition and was found to be legally insufficient. From the public, Kelly Champion stated she was disappointed and feels the public is completely disregarded and “flat out ignored”. Superintendent James Berardi explained he complied with the law which said if he could not verify all the items listed to be done in the petition he shall not verify the petition itself. He felt he followed the law to the letter of the law. Champion remarked it could be argued and stated the board had done something that the public did not approve of or like. She was unhappy her letter was ignored and this petition was not listed as an agenda item.
Parent and criminal attorney, Darcy Cameron reported she sought out a civil attorney to see if Berardi’s opinion was accurate to which she found out the petition was in fact sufficient. She explained the Declaration document was considered a separate document from the petition but was still provided before Berardi’s determination was made. Cameron stated their voice will be heard with their vote in November. She addressed Mooers and told him she initiated the petition adding it wasn’t necessarily against him but his appointment violated the Brown Act as well as the Board’s own bylaws. She encouraged board members to do research to learn what is required to be board members. Berardi said he did talk to their attorney and they disagreed with Cameron’s attorney and felt he did what was required.
Parent and criminal attorney, Darcy Cameron reported she sought out a civil attorney to see if Berardi’s opinion was accurate to which she found out the petition was in fact sufficient. She explained the Declaration document was considered a separate document from the petition but was still provided before Berardi’s determination was made. Cameron stated their voice will be heard with their vote in November. She addressed Mooers and told him she initiated the petition adding it wasn’t necessarily against him but his appointment violated the Brown Act as well as the Board’s own bylaws. She encouraged board members to do research to learn what is required to be board members. Berardi said he did talk to their attorney and they disagreed with Cameron’s attorney and felt he did what was required.
