Argues that it is troubling that a single member of Board can prevent discussion on matters of importance
Representative Toby Payne
Editorial: As one of five members serving on the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board, I am both puzzled and dismayed by Board Chair Deb McCasland’s repeated refusal to permit me to place even a single item on the Board agenda for discussion. It is troubling that one individual can block such a request, particularly when it conflicts with existing Board policy and undermines the collaborative nature of our governance.
I began raising concerns as early as January, when I observed a growing lack of harmony among members of the Board. At the center of this discord was what I saw as a troubling conflict: the role of individual Board members as defined by existing Board policy appeared to be at odds with both state statutes governing Board proceedings and guidelines issued by the Higher Learning Commission. This potential inconsistency warranted serious discussion—and needed to be addressed.
On January 19, I sent Board Chair Deb McCasland a written request to place an item on the next Board agenda, as permitted under existing Governing Board policy. I outlined proposed actions and requested a formal discussion. She denied the request.
Since then, I have repeated my request multiple times, only to be ignored. This is despite clear language in Policy #308, which states that if a Board member believes the Chair has not acted appropriately regarding an agenda request, a matter of Board policy “will be placed on the next Board agenda.”
Why the Board Chair continues to disregard the plain language of our own policy is both troubling and difficult to comprehend. Her refusal raises serious concerns about procedural fairness and the integrity of Board governance.
Toby Payne
Third District Yavapai Community College District Governing Board representative
(Reprinted with permission of the author.)