Thursday, 28 March 2024

Middletown Unified School District announces board vacancy due to resignation

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — On Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, Board of Education Trustee LaTrease Walker tendered her immediate resignation from her board position. Walker’s resignation creates a vacancy on the Middletown Unified School District, or MUSD, Board of Education.

As the term of this position is longer than four months, protocol requires that the position be filled by election or provisional appointment.

The board has chosen to make a provisional appointment to fill the vacant position. The term of the provisional appointment will expire on Dec. 9, 2022.  

At that time, the appointed candidate may seek election to the position in the scheduled general election.

Board of Educational vacancy timeline

— Oct. 29, 2021: Public notice of vacancy; application period opens.
— Nov. 15, 2021: Application period closes at 4 p.m.
— Nov. 17, 2021: Special Board Meeting. The board shall, in compliance with the Brown Act:
1. Interview candidates during this public meeting.
2. Accept oral or written public input.
3. Select a provisional appointee by a majority vote.
4. Newly appointed board member takes the oath of office and immediately assumes all powers and duties of a board member. Appointee holds office until Dec. 9, 2022.
— Dec. 14, 2021: Sixty day deadline to fill vacancy, appointment goes into effect.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why is there a vacancy?

On Oct. 15, 2021, Board of Education Trustee LaTrease Walker tendered her immediate resignation to the Lake County superintendent of schools.

2. What are the qualifications for serving on the board?

A person must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Middletown Unified School District Trustee Area 3, at least 18 years old, and a California registered voter.

3. What is the time commitment for serving on the board?

Board members are expected to attend regular board meetings on the second Wednesday of each month, as well as special meetings as needed, and board workshops/study sessions as scheduled. Prospective board members should plan to allot time to study board packets thoroughly and be informed of the items they are voting on or discussing. They should plan to attend school events throughout the year and may be asked to participate in committees.

4. What do I need to apply for the position?

Individuals meeting the qualifications noted in question one, must apply to the governing board which includes a complete candidate information sheet. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15. Applicants must be available for interviews with the board at an open meeting on Nov. 17, at 6 p.m.

5. If I am selected by the board, when do I take office and when do I run for election?

The board anticipates making selection on Nov. 17. The appointment will become effective on Nov. 17 after being sworn in. Following the appointment, the board will notify the community of the date of the vacancy and provisional appointment, including the name of the new board member. The appointment will become final in 30 days unless a petition is filed with the Lake County superintendent of schools requesting an election, in which case a special election will be called to fill a vacancy.

After the appointment becomes final, the board member will serve until Dec. 9, 2022, and may run for election to the position in the November 2022 regular election.

6. What other information should I consider?

Serving on the school board can be a valuable and satisfying way to make a significant contribution to the community. The board, staff, parent, and student community enjoy a professional, collaborative relationship.

As public officials, board members do have to comply with certain restrictions not encountered in their private lives. Upon assuming office, a board member must file a statement of economic interest which is a public document that discloses the board member’s financial holdings and other economic interests within the boundaries of the district (excluding a personal residence).

Board members must refrain from board activities which constitute a conflict of interest or which are incompatible with their role as board member.

Election campaigns are separate from district activities and the candidate must fund their campaign with private contributions in accordance with the rules of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

7. Is there compensation for serving as a board trustee?

Yes, Board trustees receive a monthly stipend of $240 and they are eligible to receive $15,000 annually towards participation in the district’s employee health benefits package.

8. Where can I get additional information on the role and responsibility of a board member?

The California School Boards Association offers several publications on School Board Leadership, New Member Orientation and Governance Briefs.

To apply, please procure a candidate information sheet from the District Office located at 20932 Big Canyon Road, Middletown.

Candidates must submit a completed Candidate Information Sheet to the District Office by 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15.

For more information, contact the Superintendent’s Assistant Janel Woodruff at 707-987-4100 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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