MANTECA - An embattled Manteca school board trustee has resigned, as another is facing a recall campaign organized by district teachers.
The board of trustees cancelled it's regular meeting Tuesday night after internet access went down, leading to concern the trustees might violate the Brown Open Meeting Act if it took any action.
Before the opening of public comment, District Superintendent Jason Messer announced the resignation of board trustee Alex Bronson. Bronson is facing criminal charges for allegedly using a false address to run for office last fall. Bronson did not attend the meeting.
As public comment began, Manteca Educators Association Vice President Ericka Meadows took the podium to make an announcement.
"We are proponents of a recall petition and, we intend to seek the your recall and removal from the office of trustee, and to demand election of a successor," Meadows said, looking directly at board trustee Ashley Drain, who is also facing charges for using a false address to run for office last fall.
An investigation into alleged food stamp fraud led to the discovery that Drain had allegedly used a false address, bringing felony charges of election fraud and perjury.
Moments later, teacher Jeanine Pacheco spoke for scores of teachers angered over derogatory remarks Drain allegedly posted on Facebook about teachers at Weston Ranch.
"(I'm) Insulted and offended and appalled as a 15-year teacher in Manteca Unified. Weston Ranch is a wonderful place," Pacheco said to applause.
Drain said she couldn't comment on the proceedings based on her lawyer's advice.
"Everyone is entitled to their perspective and I will never be upset at someone's perspective. That's their right," Drain said.
Asked if she regretted using an inaccurate address, Drain replied, "Again, you're asking questions of things I cannot answer."
Both Drain and Bronson are scheduled to be in court in the next few weeks as the criminal cases against them continue.
