Dr. Jeffrey Tooker guest editorial: Placer Union High School District to switch to by-trustee area election

Great communities have great schools. The communities that the Placer Union High School District (PUHSD) serves are incredibly supportive of our high schools, and we are extremely grateful for our partnerships in creating healthy, safe and engaging learning environments for all of our students. Like our communities, each of our schools are unique and, to some degree, need varying opportunities, programs and representation. PUHSD's five Board of Trustee members are currently elected under an at-large system, where trustees must reside in a designated trustee area but are elected by voters of the entire district. Under the 2001 California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), at-large elections are impermissible if they result in racially polarized voting or take away voting rights from a protected class. The only election system that affords safeguarding against a CVRA claim is a "by-trustee area" election system. Under a by-trustee area election system, the district is divided into geographic areas - Trustee Areas – and a board member residing in each Trustee Area is elected by the registered voters who live in that Trustee Area. Although PUHSD has not faced a CVRA claim and does not suspect racially polarized voting, the board has decided it is beneficial for the PUHSD communities to switch to a by-trustee area election process. The board anticipates this change will encourage active voter participation in selecting board members as well as provide more candidates an opportunity to run for office. Additionally, this transition will guarantee compliance with the CVRA and prevent the need to address expensive legal challenges many school districts in California have faced. At the Jan. 16, 2024, PUHSD Board of Trustees meeting, our board adopted a resolution to voluntarily initiate the transition of its governance election method from an "at-large" to a "by-trustee area" system. As we begin the process of transforming the election method, contributions by our community partners will play a critical role. To ensure our district's governance aligns with the values, aspirations and unique needs of our diverse communities, we invite you to participate in the following ways: ● Learn more: Visit our district's webpage (https://www.puhsd.k12.ca.us/home/redistricting-trustee-boundaries) dedicated to this topic to gain a deeper understanding of the trustee area redistricting process, timelines and key developments. ● Join us for a public hearing: The first pre-map public hearing will be held Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Lynn MacDonald Education Center at 3775 Richardson Drive, Auburn. A workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5. All other public hearings will be posted as required and are listed in the "Timeline" on the redistricting webpage.● Review submitted maps: Take a close look at the maps as they are submitted (listed under Maps for Consideration on the webpage) and share your perspective to refine and improve them. ● Submit feedback: Share your thoughts, concerns or suggestions. Your feedback will be instrumental in shaping the final district trustee area boundaries. All feedback can be emailed to redistrict@puhsd.k12.ca.us. The final public hearing and consideration of map adoption will take place at the June 4 Board of Trustee meeting. If adopted, the map will then be reviewed and voted upon by a county committee under the direction of the Placer County Office of Education's Superintendent, Gayle Garbolino-Mojica. PUHSD has requested this meeting take place following the June meeting but before the County Elections Office deadline at the beginning of July. The change in the election process will take effect for the November 2024 election, with full implementation in 2026. We are hopeful you will join us in our process to ensure our district's governance aligns with the values and unique needs of our diverse communities. Please note: This transition does not change attendance boundaries for PUHSD students/schools, it only changes the trustee area maps for election purposes. Dr. Jeffrey Tooker is superintendent of the Placer Union High School District.