Rancho Santiago Community College District leaders in conflict over management issues.
A contentious dispute has emerged within the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Board of Trustees, centering on board president Phil Yarbrough and allegations concerning his conduct. The board convened recently to deliberate on recommendations from an ad hoc committee that called for Yarbrough’s removal from his position. However, during a lengthy session characterized by arguments and confusion, trustees ultimately rejected the suggestion.
The meeting held on July 14 saw public criticism of the recommendation, leading to an intervention by Santa Ana city attorney Sonia Carvalho, who was present to offer guidance on procedural matters. Under existing board policy, trustees can be subject to disciplinary measures, including removal from office, through majority vote if found to breach ethical codes or governance standards.
Yarbrough, who has been the board president since his selection by fellow trustees earlier this year, faces accusations of not adhering to formal board directives and engaging in actions deemed contrary to the ethical obligations expected of a board officer. He has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as baseless. Notably, Yarbrough highlighted that he was not informed of any specific violations prior to the report being included in the meeting agenda.
The ongoing tumult is compounded by an earlier push from Yarbrough for accountability regarding Chancellor Marvin Martinez. Following a forensic audit identifying a million off-the-books insurance rebate fund that had been mismanaged over the years, Yarbrough indicated that Martinez may have been involved in the oversight failures, although the audit confirmed that no money had been misspent. Nonetheless, the implications of the audit raised significant concerns about regulatory compliance within the district.
Tensions peaked further when, shortly after the establishment of an ad hoc committee to evaluate Martinez’s performance, he filed a complaint against Yarbrough, alleging discrimination, harassment, and violations of due process. This resulted in Yarbrough’s removal from the committee responsible for reviewing the allegations against the chancellor.
The committee formed to examine charges against Yarbrough delineated multiple categories of alleged misconduct without providing explicit details. They recommended that the board dismiss Yarbrough from his leadership roles, which would pave the way for the election of a new board president.
Critics of the board’s potential actions, including representatives from various educational advocacy groups, have expressed concerns over the expedited process leading to Yarbrough’s possible removal. They argue that it lacks transparency and due process, asserting that such a move could set a precarious precedent for governance within the district.
Trustees are faced with a dichotomy of opinions as some assert that critical information remains undisclosed, complicating the situation further. Calls for caution in evaluating the committee’s findings underscore the broader implications of the ongoing power struggle within RSCCD. The district continues to maintain its focus on serving students and advancing educational objectives, despite the internal turmoil among its leadership.
