Gustine Unified School District has begun its search for a new board of trustees member following the resignation of a recently elected member.
Andrew Bloom, a former member who represented Area 4 for the GUSD, announced his resignation in a statement; mentioning that he felt it was best for the interest of both parties to move on and resign from his position after believing he was perceived as having a conflict of interest by being involved with two organizations, GUSD and a Farmer Power Team Volunteer within Gustine High School’s FFA chapter.
“Unfortunately, it became clear that some members of the community perceived serving on two boards as a conflict of interest, opting to escalate the matter by threatening legal action. While many individuals have successfully, honorably and legally served on multiple boards, staff within Gustine Unified pursued the issue until their desired opinion was secured. Continuing down this path would have undoubtedly drained the district’s limited resources - both time and money - resources that should be focused entirely on supporting our students’ education and success,” the statement read.
In last year’s general election, Bloom won his race against Loretta Rose to represent Area 4 for GUSD. According to Merced County election results, Bloom secured 218 of the 377 total votes for the board of trustees spot on GUSD.
Bloom is currently a board director for the Central California Irrigation District, according to the irrigation district’s website. He was first elected to the board in November 2015 and his current term is set to expire in December 2028.
In a phone call interview with the Westside Connect, Bloom said that he decided on the decision to resign following the Dec.18 school board meeting.
As the resignation occurred in December, the school district had 60 days to fill the spot in compliance with California Education Code 5091. The code states that a school district or community college district governing board has to fill a seat on the board within 60 days of which a vacancy or resignation occurring through a special election or provision appointment. If the governing board fails to order an election or make a provision appointment within the 60-day period, an election will happen.
With a plan to move forward, GUSD voted unanimously to hold a provisional appointment through the search for the next board member during last Wednesday’s school board meeting. They’re hoping to have the spot filled out before their Feb.12 board meeting.
An advertisement for the position is already posted on the school district’s website with the application being available soon. The application deadline will be Jan.31 at 2 p.m. with interviews scheduled for Feb.5 at 6 p.m. at the district’s office. Individuals interested in applying can contact Sara Gomez, Secretary to the Superintendent, at (209) 854-3784. They must be at least 18 years old, a California citizen, a registered voter, resident of Area 4 and must not disqualified from holding civil office by the Constitution or state laws.
GUSD Superintendent Bryan Ballenger is confident they will find a candidate to take over Bloom’s position before February’s board meeting.
“I’m pretty confident somebody is going to apply,” Ballenger said.
Navtej Hundal is a freelance journalist in Stanislaus County
