Background and Analysis:

Trustee Patrick Ahrens, representing Trustee Area 2, has submitted his resignation effective December 1, 2024. The current term for Trustee Area 2 is from December 2022 to December 2026.

Under the Education Code of California, Board Policy 2110, and Administrative Procedure 2110 the Board has two options to fill the vacancy, as outlined below.

The Board of Trustees has 60 days, from the date of resignation is filed with the Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools or the effective date specified in the resignation, whichever is later, to either order an election or to appoint a person to fill the vacancy to finish the unexpired term. (Ed. Code, § 5091) If the Board of Trustees fails to act within 60 days, the County Superintendent of Schools must order an election to fill the vacancy. (Ed. Code, § 5091, subd. (a)(2).)

Below is the potential timeline of available processes for the Board of Trustees:

HOLDING AN ELECTION (Ed. Code, § 5091, subd. (b))

December 2, 2024 – the Board will adopt a resolution to call for a special election to fill the vacancy.
April 8, 2025 or November 4, 2025 – special election
May 5, 2025 or December 14, 2025 (estimated) – New Trustee sworn in and takes office.

In accordance with Education Code § 5091 subdivision (b), special elections must be held on the next established election date. The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Office advised that the deadline to order an election on the March 2025 ballot has passed. The next established election date is November 4, 2025.

There may be a possibility of a special election on April 8, 2025, subject to confirmation from the County Registrar of Voters. The last day to submit the resolution ordering a special election to the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters is December 5, 2024.

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT (Ed. Code, §§ 5090, 5091, subd. (a)(1))

December 1, 2024 - Effective date of Trustee Ahrens’s resignation
December 2, 2024 - Special Meeting of the Board: the Board considers the vacancy and decides how to proceed.
December 3 to 10, 2024 – Chancellor’s Office posts notices in three public places in the District and publish in a newspaper of general circulation. Applications accepted until December 31, 2024.
January 2 to 10, 2025 – Chancellor’s Office reviews candidate information sheets and verify qualifications, residence, and the like. Chancellor’s Staff sends letters to the interested persons containing application instructions and information about the District and the Board. (AP 2110)
January 13 to 21, 2025 - Special Meeting for interviews and the Board will make the final selection for a provisional appointment by a majority vote.
1. When there are seven or more applicants/candidates, the Board President and the Board Vice President will conduct an initial screening of the candidates and recommend an acceptable number of candidates to the full Board of Trustees.
Ten days later - Board must post notice of provisional appointment in three public places in the District and publish in a newspaper of general circulation. The notice shall include:
January 30, 2025 - Deadline for Board to make provisional appointment.

Submitted by:	Lee D. Lambert, Chancellor
Additional contact names:	Christopher Dela Rosa, Vice Chancellor, Business Services
Is backup provided?	Yes

Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees

Meeting Information

Supporting Documents