Board Of Trustee Vacancy Created By Trustee Area 3 Retirement Announcement

Press release from Murrieta Valley Unified School District:

Board of Trustee Vacancy Created by Trustee Area 3 Retirement Announcement

On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, Board of Education Trustee Kenneth Dickson tendered his resignation from his board position effective November 21, 2021. Dickson’s resignation creates a vacancy on the Murrieta Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) Board of Education. The Board discussed options to fill the vacancy at the September 23, 2021, meeting, and unanimously agreed to make a provisional appointment to fill the vacant position.

The term of the provisional appointment will expire in November 2022.  At that time, the appointed candidate may seek election to fill the remainder of the trustee's term through November 2024.  

BOE Vacancy Application Packet

Trustee 3 Area Map

BOE Vacancy Timeline

Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story.

Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is there a vacancy?

Board of Education Trustee Kenneth Dickson has announced his retirement and subsequent relocation to the East Coast to be with family.

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

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

3. What is Trustee Area 3?

In 2018, the Board of Education moved from at-large election to by trustee area election. This means the appointed candidate must reside within the trustee area indicated. Trustee Area 3 includes the following schools: Antelope Hills Elementary, Vista Murrieta High School, Rail Ranch Elementary, and Alta Murrieta Elementary.

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

Individuals meeting the qualifications noted in question 1, must apply to the Governing Board which includes a complete Qualification Form and Application. These materials are available online using this linked text or in person at 41870 McAlby Court, Murrieta, CA 92562. Applications must be submitted by noon on October 12, 2021. Applicants must be available for interviews with the Board at an open meeting on October 28, 2021.

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 October 28, 2021. The appointment will become effective November 21, 2021, and the new member will attend his or her first full Board meeting after being sworn in on December 14, 2021.

During the initial 10 days after the October 28th appointment, the Board will notify the community 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 Riverside 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 November, 2022, at which time he or she may run for election to complete the former Board member’s original term, until November 2024.

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 an annual stipend of $6,852.00 and they are eligible to receive $9,675 towards participation in a benefit package made available to all eligible district employees.

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.

District Board Bylaw 9000 outlines the role of the board and candidates may also refer to the Board's Governance Standards.

For more information, contact the Executive Assistant to the Board of Education and Superintendent, Julie Diaz at 696-1600 ext. 1002.

This press release was produced by the Murrieta Valley Unified School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.