Yolo County Board of Education Seeks New Trustee After Resignation

The Yolo County Board of Education is on the hunt for a new trustee following the resignation of President Armando Salud-Ambriz, who represented Trustee Area 5 for three years. His departure was announced during a board meeting earlier this month, triggered by his recent appointment as Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters for Nevada County. This new role necessitated a relocation and registration to vote in Nevada County.

Salud-Ambriz officially took his new position on October 14, 2023, after being elected to the board in November 2022. His term was set to conclude in December 2026. The board took a moment during the meeting to acknowledge his contributions. In his farewell remarks, Salud-Ambriz emphasized the importance of leadership, stating, “Leadership is not about the position you hold. It’s about the legacy you leave in the hearts of people.” He expressed a lasting connection to the communities he served, which include Esparto, Woodland, and Knights Landing.

In response to his resignation, County Superintendent Garth Lewis highlighted Salud-Ambriz’s impact on youth, noting that he inspired young people to see themselves as future leaders. Trustee Shelton Yip also praised his mentorship, stating, “Yolo County is losing a great mentor.”

With the board president’s seat now vacant, Elizabeth Esquivel of West Sacramento has been elected to fill the role, while Melissa Moreno of Davis serves as vice president. Both will hold their positions until the board’s annual organizational meeting in December.

The board outlined a process to appoint a replacement for Salud-Ambriz. According to the state’s Education Code, the board must make a provisional appointment within 60 days of receiving the resignation notice. Interested candidates can submit applications online at www.ycoe.org or in person at the Yolo County Office of Education during regular business hours. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. on November 10, 2023, to be considered.

To qualify for the trustee position, applicants must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of California, a resident of Trustee Area 5, a registered voter, and not disqualified from holding civil office. The board plans to review all applications and conduct interviews during an open session scheduled for November 18, 2023. The appointed trustee will serve until December 2026, when a new four-year term will be available for election.

The Yolo County Board of Education governs the Yolo County Office of Education, approving its annual budget and serving as an appeals board for student expulsions, interdistrict transfers, and charter school petitions. Additionally, the board promotes community engagement and connects the public with YCOE programs and services.

For further details on the trustee vacancy and application process, visit www.ycoe.org.