Voting is currently taking place in a special election within the Coachella Valley Unified School District to fill three board seats. The election follows a significant error in the previous November general election that led to 2,400 affected ballots. Six candidates are competing in three trustee areas, with all incumbents currently facing challengers. The election has generated interest, particularly regarding residency questions surrounding one incumbent.
Voting has commenced in a special election for the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) in Imperial County, where community members will select new Board of Trustees members to serve four-year terms. Mail-in ballots were distributed to registered voters on February 3 for the election scheduled for March 4. This election is vital due to the omission of three contested trustee area races in the November 5 general election affecting approximately 2,400 ballots within the CVUSD boundaries.
Six individuals are competing for three available positions on the seven-member CVUSD board. Each incumbent faces a challenger during this critical period for the District. The candidates for the education board include:
– Trustee Area 1 (Coachella): Agustín Arreola versus Trinidad “Trini” Arredondo, who is pursuing a second term after being first elected in 2020.
– Trustee Area 2 (Thermal): Altrena Santillanes challenging Jesus Gonzalez, who has also served since 2020.
– Trustee Area 4 (Mecca and North Shore): Adrian Rodriguez taking on incumbent Jocelyn Vargas, who was elected in 2020 without opposition.
The teachers’ union has publicly supported Arredondo, Santillanes, and Rodriguez in their campaigns. Notably, Trustee Area 4 has garnered significant attention, particularly concerning questions of Vargas’ residency, prompting an official complaint filed with the District Attorney’s office.
Candidates and political action committees are required to disclose contributions of $1,000 or more within a 24-hour period to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters. Comprehensive reports on campaign funding can be accessed via the following link: https://voteinfo.net/agency/ctriv.
The special election underway for the Coachella Valley Unified School District is a pivotal moment for the community, as six candidates vie for three trustee positions, with incumbents facing challengers amidst controversies. The election’s outcome will be integral to shaping the future of education in the district. Community members are encouraged to participate and stay informed about campaign funding and candidate platforms.
Original Source: ukenreport.com
