The TCUSD Board of Education voted unanimously to change three administrative positions on Wednesday night. Ms. Marianne Sarrail, the current Chief Business Official, will take over as Acting Superintendent. Dr. Art Cunha will return to his position as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, and Dr. Soomin Chao will assume the Interim Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services position.
The Board also voted 4-1 to approve the resolution drafted by the Board’s legal counsel to cure and correct an alleged Brown Act violation. Board Member Mr. Vinson Bell cast the sole vote in opposition.
Speakers at the meeting included Superintendent Ms. Kathy Perini and former Board member Ms. Rachel LaSota. Ms. Perini addressed the board’s claims against her and the manner in which they formed and enforced their decisions about her position. Ms. LaSota discussed the Brown Act violation and the personal injury it has caused her.
“Even though they cured their illegal action, it was not done in a satisfactory manner,” Ms. LaSota said. “I’m also going to pursue a tort claim against them under the California Tort Claims Act.”
The California Tort Claims Act is used to file a personal injury lawsuit against an employee of the state of California. It covers most claims against the state for money or damages, with a few exceptions. Generally speaking, a tort is a wrongful act or infringement of a right outside of a contract.
The board’s next meeting will be on May 23 unless a special meeting is announced.