For all the power school boards have over who runs a district, where its money goes and the policies that play out in classrooms where tens of thousands of students learn, most trustee races in the Coachella Valley will have no competition in the Nov. 3 elections.
Four incumbents are not seeking reelection and six are running for another four-year term. Six of the 10 races are uncontested and will not appear on the ballot, leaving voters to decide just four seats: two at Coachella Valley Unified and two at Palm Springs Unified school districts.
Here’s a look at the candidates vying for a school board seat, and which incumbents are preparing to leave office.
Who’s running for Coachella Valley Unified school board?
Three terms on Coachella Valley Unified School District’s seven-member board expire at the end of 2026, but only two will appear on the ballot. The third race is uncontested.
Unlike the two neighboring K-12 districts, CVUSD’s trustees are elected at large, meaning voters across the district can vote in each race.
Who’s running for Desert Sands Unified school board?
Two seats on Desert Sands Unified School District’s five-member board are up for election. Neither candidate faces an opponent, so neither race will appear on the ballot.
Who’s running for Palm Springs Unified school board?
Two seats on Palm Springs Unified’s five-member board are up for grabs in November, while a third race is uncontested.
Who’s running for College of the Desert’s board of trustees?
College of the Desert’s five-member board is set to welcome one new trustee as one prepares to retire from public office. Neither of its two races, however, will appear on the ballot because both candidates are unopposed.
Jennifer Cortez covers education and breaking news in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: See who’s running for school boards across Coachella Valley
Reporting by Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
