BECOMING A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

Any person is eligible to be a member of the Board of Trustees, without further qualifications, if he/she is:

18 years of age or older
a citizen of California
a resident of the school district
a registered voter
not legally disqualified from holding a civil office

A person is disqualified from holding any office upon conviction of designated crimes specified in the Constitution and laws of the state. (Government Code 1021)

An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district’s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee. If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. (Education Code 35107)

Please visit the Humboldt County Registrar of Voters website for updated information.

Current SHJUSD Board Members:

Brandy Bremer – 2026
Christine Doyka– 2026
Stephanie Steffano-Davis – 2026
Tony Wilson – 2028
Thomas Lasbury - 2028

Additional Information:

Humboldt County Registrar of Voters Website
School Board Leadership – The role and function of California’s school board (download pdf)
Humboldt County Candidate Guide 2024 – This candidate guide is intended to be a general-purpose resource for those seeking county, state, and federal offices in the Presidential General Election on November 5, 2024
Humboldt County Candidate Calendar for the November 5, 2024 Election

CANDIDATE PROCESS & IMPORTANT DATES

Declaration of Candidacy
July 15 – August 9

During this period, candidates must file declarations of candidacy and nomination petitions. The declaration of candidacy shall be executed in the elections official’s office. Candidates must pay the nonrefundable filing fees. (School Districts and most Special District candidates are exempt.) A candidate shall not be required to execute a nomination paper if the number of in-lieu signatures that meets the nomination requirement on the in-lieu petitions equals or exceeds the minimum number required.

Candidate Filing Documents

Candidates must complete and file candidacy papers in-person with the Humboldt County Office of
Elections. To request candidacy papers, candidates must complete and submit an
Candidacy Filing Documents at the Humboldt County Office of Elections.
The forms are available at the Office of Elections: (walk-ins welcome)

Located at: 2426 6th Street, Eureka, CA 95501

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 707-445-7481

Fax: 707-445-7204

DEADLINE FOR FILING DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY: AUGUST 9, 5 PM

Extension of Candidacy Period
August 10-14, 2024

If an incumbent has not filed a declaration of candidacy by August 9, 2024, there will be a five-day extension allowing nonincumbents to file nomination papers.

Every public school district is governed by a school board. These board members are representatives of their community, putting the interest of the future of students of the local district first.

The school board consists of citizens elected from their community making decisions about the local public school system based on the community expectations, goals, and needs. School board members are chosen by the public to take the needs of students and implement those into a vision, policies, and goals that will support student achievement.

Basic Responsibilities of a School Board

Establish a clear vision and goals.

A successful and efficient board knows that the establishing and implementing of strategic plans is necessary to effective governance. The board should form a vision that is reflective of the needs and desires of the local community. Then, establish and accomplish goals that directly support that vision.

Be knowledgeable of policies and governance processes.

It is imperative that school board are aware of the various federal and state laws, regulations, and local policies that can impact the work for the local district. These laws and policies govern the work of the school board. It is imperative that school boards stay abreast of these policies and regulations and how they may impact the school board's actions.

Hire and evaluate the superintendent.

School boards can face a lot of pressure and responsibility in hiring a superintendent of the public school district. The superintendent effectively serves as the chief executive officer of the local district, carrying out the day-to-day work to accomplish goals and fulfill the vision for the local district.

Approve an annual budget aligned with the vision of the local school district.

Ensuring that the expenses of the public school district are aligned with the goals and vision set by the school board is one of the board's greatest responsibilities. It ensures that the board is 'putting their money where their mouth is' when it comes to achieving the goals and working towards the vision of the district.

Serve as leaders of the community and as advocates for students, the school district, and public schools.

School board members are elected to serve as representatives of their communities. It is imperative for good board members to be aware of the work and expectations that have been set for them. Being aware of the work required of school board members allows for potential candidates to step into the role with a more accurate understanding of the responsibilities. Once elected school board members will be provided workshops and training to familiarize themselves with the roles and responsibilities required of the position. More information can be found in the publication below, "School Board Leadership".