Caucus Timeline

The Oregon School Board Members of Color Caucus (OSBMCC) was formed in 2016 and the following is a timeline and brief overview of information received, discussion and action taken by OSBA’s Board of Directors regarding the Caucus.

September 2016
The Board heard an update from the president of the School Board Members of Color Caucus, Carlos Castaneda. Materials submitted to the board members included the purpose, membership and officers of the Caucus as well as draft bylaws (attached).

Betsy Miller-Jones, who was the Executive Director, encouraged OSBA’s Governance Committee to incorporate the caucus into the OSBA governance structure, either as an ex officio or voting seat. Ms. Miller-Jones reminded the Board that a voting seat on the OSBA Board requires a change to the constitution and would need to be approved by OSBA membership.

The OSBA Board voted unanimously to support the work of the Caucus.

January 2017
The Board heard an update from the president of the School Board Members of Color Caucus, Carlos Castaneda.

September 2017
OSBA president, Betty Reynolds provided an update on the caucus’s status to date. Donna Tyner has agreed to provide interim leadership. Betty welcomed comments and consensus for an affirmation of support for the caucus.

The Board voted unanimously to affirm the work of the OSBMCC and support their efforts to become a caucus within OSBA.

November 2017
OSBA President Betty Reynolds provided a report on the caucus’s status to date. The Board heard an update on the School Board Members of Color Caucus from Bill Graupp, who provided a summary of the meeting at convention and provided information regarding the officers and directors elected. Discussion was held regarding inclusion of all board members at caucus meetings.

The Board voted unanimously to formally recognize the School Board Members of Color Caucus.

January 2018
The Board heard an update from the OSBMCC co-president Jessica Arzate, who gave an overview of the progress of the caucus to date, including the core values, their mission statement and organizational structure. Jessica shared the caucus wants to move toward getting a vote on the OSBA Board, so they have a say in policies and share in decision-making.

Executive Director Jim Green reminded board members that they have already voted to support the caucus and a voting membership for the OSBMCC requires a change in the bylaws, which requires a vote of the full membership of the association. Jim shared that the board can make the Caucus an ex-officio nonvoting member at any time.

June 2018
As part of the 2018-19 budget, the Board approved, as recommended by the Budget Committee, a $40,000 budget (materials attached) for the OSBMCC with the contingency that their bylaws are finalized and in alignment with OSBA bylaws. The Board directs staff to work with the co-presidents on the bylaws.

The Board also heard an update from co-presidents of the School Board Members of Color Caucus, Jessica Arzate and Ana del Rocio, who shared that they are seeking voting seats on the OSBA Board of Directors and Legislative Policy Committee which requires a resolution to the OSBA membership to amend their bylaws.

August 2018
At a special meeting the Board of Directors voted to recognize the School Board Members of Color Caucus with ex officio non-voting status on the OSBA Board of Directors.

September 2018
The Board of Directors approved a resolution that will amend OSBA’s bylaws and create a voting seat on the Board of Directors for a designated representative of the School Board Members of Color Caucus. A copy of the resolution, the amended bylaws and other appropriate material will be forwarded to the membership as part of the election materials.