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CHAIR MCCASLAND ABRUPTLY SHIFTS YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEETINGS TO ZOOM BECAUSE OF UNSPECIFIED “SAFETY CONCERNS”

By R. Oliphant
Friday, February 7th, 2025

Provides no evidence or examples  to Board members supporting the decision; Representative Payne asks for information regarding the nature of the concerns and fears that the zoom mode of communication may interfere with Board open discussion of issues

On Thursday afternoon, February 6, 2025, members of the Yavapai Community College Governing Board were notified via email that, due to unspecified “safety concerns,” future Board meetings would be held on Zoom. The notice stated that Chair McCasland “believes this will allow all meeting attendees, including the public, to participate in a safe setting.”

McCasland provided no examples or further explanation for the abrupt and somewhat alarming decision. Third District Representative Toby Payne sent an email to Chair McCasland requesting clarification about the “safety concerns” that prompted the switch to Zoom meetings. So far, there has been no reply.

When questioned by the Blog about McCasland’s safety concerns, Payne indicated he was unaware of any. When asked if he had received any threats, he responded, “No.”

It is noteworthy that so far the Governing Board has held two workshops with each lasting around six hours in the month of January. There was no opportunity for the public to speak at either meeting.  There were few, if any, members of the public at either meeting.

The relevant portions of the two emails are set out below:

(Email from Yvonne Sandoval, Executive Assistant to the President & District Governing Board)

Sent:  Thursday, February 6, 2025 2:15 PM

Subject: Important Statement from Board Chair McCasland

“Good afternoon, Board Member,”

“Per Board Chair McCasland’s directive, letting you know that after learning of safety concerns related to our board meetings, she has decided that governing board meetings will be held virtually only until further notice.  Meetings will be live-streamed and recorded in the same way governing board meetings were handled during pandemic closures.  We will provide notice of this change to the public on our website, and the information will also be included on all meeting agendas.  She believes that this will allow all meeting attendees, including the public, to participate in meetings in a safe setting.“

Mr. Payne’s response:

“Chair McCasland:

“Please explain to all the Board members what your “Safety Concerns” are that have prompted you switch to a Virtual Meeting for the Yavapai College Board.  I believe this will hinder the free flow of discussion.”

Toby Payne

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