Entire school board resigns after hot mic comments

A California school board is under fire after members made a series of comments mocking parents who are pressing for in-person classes, with one member claiming such parents just "want their babysitters back" and another suggesting parents want their kids out of the house so they can smoke weed.

"We were having a private conversation because we were really struggling at that moment with all the Board comments coming in because we want what's best for the kids so badly", she said.

"They forget that there's real people on the other side of those letters that they're writing", Brizendine says.

Until a new Oakley Union Elementary School District board is seated, the county board of education will serve as interim board members, according to Hetrick.

Parents who are calling for schools to be reopened posted the video of the board meeting at which its members were apparently unaware parents were watching virtually.

At one point, member Kim Beede expressed frustration over a complaint against her that was posted on social media, before she said, "You know what?"

Oakley Union Elementary School District enrolls about 5,000 students and has not reopened to students despite a push from Gov. Gavin Newsom, Politico reported. Previously to this recording they began talking bad about parents of kindergartners, which prompted me to begin recording. Sorry! That's just me, ' Beede can be heard stating as the other board members laugh.

When the board isn't aware that they are broadcasting to the public. "For them to say we are doing nothing and sitting home and smoking pot is far from the truth".

In his letter, Hetrick also shared a joint statement from Beede, Ippolito and Masadas, saying they "deeply regret" and apologize for the comments made in the meeting. We are asking that the board members to resign immediately due to their egregious behavior. They want their babysitters back, ' she stated.

Last night at the Oakley Union Elementary School District Regular Board Meeting there were unfortunate and truly inappropriate comments made that were heard by many.

"This was a hard decision, but we hear the community's concerns, and we believe yielding to your request that we step down will allow the district to move forward", they said. "As trustees, we realize it is our responsibility to model the conduct that we expect of our students and staff, and it is our obligation to build confidence in district leadership; our comments failed you in both regards, and for this we offer our sincerest apology". I know that we lost trust with the community. "As governor I will do everything in my power to make sure our children and teachers safely return to the classroom". I am responsible and accountable and I am truly sorry for what took place.

"I know that our students deserve better from us", Hetrick continued. I pledge to work collaboratively with stakeholders and community members to begin doing the important work that is needed to rebuild community trust in our district'.