COMPTON—Embattled Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees member Skyy Fisher hosted a forum on Saturday, May 19, for community members concerned about his recent controversial remarks during a Pigzradio podcast.
Fisher took a 60 day leave of absence from the Board of Trustees after he made remarks about Trayvon Martin, interim School Superintendent Karen Frison and a CUSD student and family who accused a Davis Middle School teacher of sexual misconduct.
The National Association of Equal Justice in America attended the forum. President and CEO Royce Esters wanted Fisher to explain his remarks.
“I play a character on the show called the Compton Martian,” Fisher said. “There are a lot of controversial topics and discussions. The Martian has a foul mouth all the time, not me. ”
A group is trying to organize a recall petition against him, he said, and they are supporting a defeated school board candidate from the NAACP.
“Civil rights groups do not endorse or recall politicians,” Esters said. “Call the NAACP national office.”
Fisher received a vote of confidence from Esters, but he reserved the right to follow up with him and make sure he continues moving forward in a positive manner.
“Everybody makes mistakes at some point,” Esters said. “We condemn the remarks but support your reconciliation efforts.”
Fisher said he is an advocate for the children of the Compton Unified School District, and a recent passage of funding that sent high school students on a college trip ranks as his most rewarding success to date.
“We approve travel expenses for administrators at almost every meeting,” he said. “I wanted to use $20,000 for a college trip for Dominguez High School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students. They organized a fundraiser, but it was not going to raise enough money.”
The idea spurred an hour-long debate between trustee members, Fisher said, but the group did approve the funding.
“The kids went, and 15 of them came back with scholarships,” he said. “There is never a debate about giving money for administrative travel, but it was a huge problem for the students.
Fisher said things got out of hand when he asked why the CUSD Police Department is necessary.
“I asked why, and everyone started accusing me of wanting to end the department,” he said. “I had a question. The school district is operating with a deficit.”
Esters explained the history of the force, calling it a vital link for school security.
“The CUSD Police watched over the district because the Compton Police Department could not patrol the city and schools at that time,” he said. “Schools were burned and equipment was stolen during that era, and the district needed additional support.”
Esters said Fisher should address that issue.
“People will get mad at you if they think you want to disband the CUSD Police,” he said. “The crime committee makes sure the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and CUSD Police work together and keep everyone safe.”
Fisher agreed, but considered the question appropriate because he graduated from the Lynwood School District and did not understand.
There are still groups that do not want to engage in dialogue with Fisher, and NAEJA stands ready to arrange meetings.
“Encouraging communication is part of what we do,” Esters said. “We are happy to help.”
Fisher said he planned to return to his school board position on Tuesday, July 10.
