It’s difficult to convince first-rate citizens to run for local school boards. School trustees earn little or no pay. In the best instances, board members are rewarded with the sense of a job well done accompanied by community gratitude. They can also endure insults and bullying that will dissuade normal Marin residents from even considering school board service.

Unacceptable behavior was experienced last week at a special meeting of the Tamalpais Union High School District Board of Trustees. The topic was a follow-up public hearing on a prior board vote. The issue was whether to renew a $250,000 one-year, part-time contract to oversee the Black Student Success Team at Mill Valley’s Tamalpais High School and to monitor student test, attendance and academic data.

Last year, the contracts were awarded to Tenisha Tate-Austin and Paul Austin, a married couple with deep Marin City ties.

Trustees voting not to renew were board president Cynthia Roenisch, Kevin Saavedra and Jennifer Holden. Casting votes to renew the Austins’ contract for another year were trustees Emily Uhlhorn and Ida Times-Green.

Note that Austins aren’t the only members of the BSST. The programs will continue at a substantial financial saving, just without the Austins’ participation. Staffing will come from existing Tam Union staff.

The statement below, read by Holden at the meeting, demonstrates what occurs when some members of the public lose personal control and exhibit shameful disrespect for others who come to different conclusions.

“The sheer vitriol my fellow board members and I have received for making an informed decision that some of you may not like is astounding. I have been threatened, harassed and bullied. I have been called names and have been accused of horrible things. I have been called a liar, uninformed, lacking empathy, heartless and racist. … I would like to be clear: I did my homework and am confident in my decision.”

One backer of renewing the Austins’ contract demonstrated that racism shows no bounds. Saavedra said, “I’ve been asked if I would support this program if the cost was lower or even free. My answer was: I don’t support programs that are targeted towards people based upon skin color instead of need.” After that, a racist audience member shouted at Saavedra, “Go back to Mexico.” Saavedra was born in San Francisco. He is an American of Latino heritage.

Holden’s statement points out a clear conflict that should have been disclosed to the public.

After a series of racist incidents by Tam High students, a coalition was formed to address that disgraceful behavior. It was this coalition that initially recommended the Austins’ contract. Holden’s statement indicates that among the coalition members were Uhlhorn, Times-Green (before being elected to the board), outgoing district Superintendent Tara Taupier, along with both Tate-Austin and Austin.

The fate of the Austins’ contract has been resolved. After rejection by a board majority, the decision could have been reconsidered only if a member of the majority requested. None did. The time for reconsideration has expired.

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Elected offices aren’t the only way for citizens to serve their community. Last year Heather McPhail Sridharan ran for Marin County’s Board of Supervisors in District 2 representing Ross Valley, Kentfield and Larkspur. Out of four first-rate candidates, she made the top-two runoff, but then lost in a close contest to Brian Colbert.

Now Sridharan has been selected as the Marin History Museum’s new president succeeding past San Rafael mayor Gary Phillips.

Sridharan’s vision for the museum: “Our programs should deepen the understanding of our county’s history by honoring narratives of Marin’s pioneer families alongside indigenous histories, immigrant contributions and communities whose stories have often gone untold. The museum can become a hub of connection, reflection and shared heritage for all of Marin.”

Columnist Dick Spotswood of Mill Valley writes on local issues Sundays and Wednesdays. Email him at spotswood@comcast.net.