WVM District has Board Vacancy in Trustee Area 5
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTA CLARA, CA -- The West Valley-Mission Community College District announces a vacancy for Trustee Area 5 on its Board of Trustees following the passing of Trustee Jack Lucas on January 24, 2024. Dr. Lucas, who was re-elected in November 2022 to serve through November 2026, devoted nearly 70 years of public service to the community, including more than two decades on the West Valley-Mission Community College District Board.
At the Regular Board of Trustees meeting on February 13, 2024, the District took action to fill this vacancy by making a provisional appointment rather than holding a special election, which would have cost the District an estimated $600,000. The Board approved a timeline and process for the appointment in accordance with California Education Code section 5091 et seq., which mandates the Board to make a provisional appointment by March 26, 2024.
“I remain optimistic about our future,” Chancellor Bradley Davis shared, “I am confident that we will find a dedicated individual to fill this vacancy, someone who can continue the legacy of excellence and commitment that Dr. Lucas embodied. This is an opportunity to honor his memory by advancing the mission he was so deeply passionate about.”
The District is now inviting applications from residents of Trustee Area 5 who meet the below qualifications and are interested in serving on the Board of Trustees. Applicants are asked to send their resume, 3-5 professional references, and a letter of interest detailing their reasons for seeking the board seat.
The application period will be open for three weeks, starting February 15, 2024, and ending March 7, 2024. All eligible residents residing in Trustee Area 5 are welcome to apply. Pursuant to California Education Code 72103(a): Any person, regardless of sex, who is 18 years of age or older, a citizen of the state, a resident of the school district, a registered voter, and who is not disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office, is eligible to be elected or appointed a member of a governing board of a school district without further qualifications.
The Board will publicly review applications and interview finalists during a Special Governing Board meeting on March 9, 2024. If necessary, an additional public meeting may be held on March 14, 2024, to interview the remaining finalists. The selected candidate will be publicly appointed at the Regular Governing Board meeting on March 19, 2024, and will assume office immediately upon the administration of the oath of office.
The appointed Trustee for Area 5 will hold office until the next governing board member election, scheduled for the Statewide General Election in November 2024. For application details and further information: https://www.wvm.edu/trustees/Pages/trustee5.aspx
About WVM District
The West Valley-Mission Community College District (WVMCCD) comprises two colleges – West Valley College and Mission College – serving the educational and community needs of approximately 350,000 residents within its boundaries, including the town of Los Gatos and the cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, Santa Clara, Saratoga, as well as a portion of San Jose. Supporting over 15,000 students annually, the District offers a diverse range of academic and vocational programs, fostering an inclusive environment that caters to students of varied backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education and skill development.
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About Mission College
Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing
accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.
With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers
a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services
to foster a thriving educational community.
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