Board confirms advisory appointments amid public questions over oversight and process

The board considered and approved appointments to two advisory bodies: the Child Care Planning and Advisory Council (CPAC) and the Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC). Chief of Early Education Minu Yasher described CPAC’s statutory role under the Education Code in assessing early‑care supply and demand and recommended appointees; the board voted to confirm Maria Duran, Nina Kim and Brooke Geissen.

Later, Chief of Facilities Don Kamalenath presented recommended members for the CBOC (Proposition A oversight). Members recommended included Lex Leifheit, Rex Ridgeway, Richard Rothman, Anne Hsu, Jamie Corubin and Kimmy Haddadhan. During public comment multiple callers raised conflict‑of‑interest concerns, saying that the appointing or spending office should not appoint people who will oversight its expenditures. One caller also questioned whether a candidate matched the seat category they were listed for.

Board discussion acknowledged the concern and several commissioners said they are working to increase transparency about advisory appointments and will return with a staff position or job description to support advisory committees and tracking of recommendations.

Votes: both appointment packages were approved by roll‑call vote (transcribed tallies recorded).