With the start of a new biennial election within Capistrano Unified School District’s Board, four seats are open to new members and trustees. As every even-numbered year passes, locals in the community can vote on who they want to be elected for the next two years if they meet the requirements on the area code and school district’s map. General election seats will be open for election on Nov 5, 2024.
By using the My School Locator provided by the CUSD Website, each trustee area and zone can be located based on which local school in the district is nearest to locals when voting during the election season. Only registered voters in specific areas can vote for a certain seat. However, this is in regards to the election “at-large,” where registered voters can vote despite geographical location.
Based on the Trustee Compensation code, “The board members of Capistrano Unified School District view this elected position as one of service to the students and families, and they do this work in the spirit of volunteerism.” This work implements benefits to making the schools and the faction surrounding the world of education both a safer and more friendly environment. An example of this volunteerism would be the attendance and inquiry towards the monthly board meetings, discussing how the district can further set directions, develop education policies, consider policies, and appoint new student board members.
The seven elected board members in their designated trustee areas who can be re-elected for an additional term include Amy Hanacek of Trustee Area 1, Michael Parham of Trustee Area 2, Lisa Davis of Trustee Area 3, Gary Pritchard of Trustee Area 4, Krista Castellanos of Trustee Area 5, Gila Jones of Trustee Area 6 and Judy Bullockus of Trustee Area 7.
The board meetings are open to the public, typically held at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month lasting about 2 hours long. Agendas for each Board Meeting are available on the CUSD Website and Education Center about 72 hours before each regular Board Meeting, and 24 hours before each Special Board Meeting.
These board members and school representatives have paved the way on many problems and recurring subjects, helping to create new district resolutions at each meeting.
If there is room for discussion in regards to topics the district can implement or increase on, locals within the area code guidelines can inquire and request new regulations.
Although, each public comment and speak card must be filled out and requested to a board trustee prior to the beginning of closed or open sessions from board meetings.
These methods allow the locals in the community to communicate and contribute to the district’s construct a friendly environment, granting the public to open discussion and to agree on their own terms and laws best suited for the students of CUSD.
Additional information regarding the Board members and local trustee area and zone to vote can be found on the CUSD Website.
