FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
Embattled Fresno Unified School Board President Dr. Tony Vang says he's considering stepping down and walking away from the Central Valley's largest school board.
Dr. Vang says, "It's politics. I never thought education gonna be such politics in this country."
Dr. Vang says he's considering walking away from the district as board president and concentrating only on his Fresno State duties as a professor.
Dr. Vang says, "I have to think and see what I gotta do in the future. But I can tell you my job at Fresno State is equally important, equally important."
Many are calling for the embattled school board president to resign, after documents released by the Fresno County Elections Office confirm Dr. Vang registered to vote and did vote from this Northeast Fresno home.
The home is located in the Clovis Unified School District.
California's education code and government code mandate trustees live within the district they serve.
And Fresno Unified policy requires that trustees reside within the portion of the district they represent.
Dr. Vang's Sacramento attorney told me by phone, there was clearly some confusion in voting, but it should not be confused with any malicious intent. Vang's attorney adds, Vang voted in error from this address, but claims he never lived here.
But several neighbors paint a much different story. They say Vang lived here with his wife and daughter for several years.
Reporter Erik Rosales asks Dr. Vang, "Was there malicious intent?"
Dr. Vang says, "Not at all. I wouldn't do that. I know my area and I know my place. I consistently do that in 2002. I've been here for 10 years."
Rosales asks, "A couple of the neighbors say you lived there for several years."
Dr. Vang says, "They can say whatever they say."
Dr. Vang claims he filled out the voter registration wrong, and meant to only keep it as his mailing address after moving his ailing mother there.
But organizations like the League of Women Voters want an investigation.
The organization is asking the State Attorney General to get involved, and wants Dr. Vang to step down until it's over.
Francine Farber says, "We are not insinuating that Dr. Vang is guilty or anything, but in order to reduce this chaotic scene at board meetings he needs to step aside, taking a leave of absence."
