Application period opens for special election to fill vacant Ukiah Unified school board seat

The Ukiah Unified School District Board of Trustees has initiated the application process for a special election to fill the vacancy left by former trustee Rebeca Orozco. The election is set for Nov. 4 and will be consolidated with several local water district elections, including those for Laytonville, Caspar South, and Pacific Reefs water districts. Applications for the vacant board seat will be accepted until Aug. 8, with the district aiming to enhance community engagement through this election process.

Previously, no qualified candidates came forward by the May deadline, which led to the decision for a special election. Dan Dougherty, the district spokesman, highlighted that this election method would be more financially viable by sharing costs with the water districts. If no applications are submitted by the deadline, the election will be canceled, allowing the board to consider other options for filling the vacancy. Orozco’s term was supposed to expire on Dec. 11, 2026, meaning the new trustee will serve until that date.

The district is optimistic that this election will attract a diverse range of candidates from the community.