Board Vacancy

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT
TO THE OAK PARK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

A vacancy on the Oak Park Unified School District Board of Education occurred as a result of the resignation of Mary Pallant, effective April 27, 2026.

Following a public recruitment process and interviews with four candidates, the Board of Education voted unanimously on June 22, 2026, to provisionally appoint Eric Newman to fill the vacant Board seat. Eric Newman took the oath of office and assumed all duties of a member of the Board of Education.

To challenge the provisional appointment, a petition calling for a special election, containing the number of valid signatures required by Education Code section 5091, must be filed with the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools within 30 days of the date of the provisional appointment (June 22, 2026). If no petition is filed, or if the petition filed does not contain a sufficient number of valid signatures, the provisional appointment of Eric Newman will become final.

The seat will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot for election to the remainder of the term ending in December 2028.

Date Posted: June 23, 2026
 

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How the Board works

The Oak Park Unified School District Board of Education serves as the governing body of the district. The Board exercises its authority collectively at properly noticed public meetings, in accordance with California’s open meeting laws, commonly known as the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code sections 54950–54963). These laws ensure transparency and provide the public the right to attend and participate in Board meetings.

Board responsibilities

The Board’s role is governance, not day-to-day management. Working as a governance team with the Superintendent, the Board’s primary responsibilities include:

• Setting the direction for the district
• Establishing an effective and efficient governance structure
• Demonstrating support for district leadership and staff
• Ensuring accountability for student outcomes, fiscal oversight, and legal compliance
• Engaging with the community

These responsibilities reflect widely recognized governance practices for California school boards.

Board meetings and public participation

The Board conducts its business at regularly scheduled public meetings. Meeting agendas are posted at least 72 hours in advance of a regular meeting, as required by law. Special meetings may be called as needed, with shorter notice requirements. Emergency meetings are limited to specific circumstances defined in law.

Members of the public are welcome to attend Board meetings and provide public comment. Time limits may be set to ensure meetings can be conducted efficiently while allowing public input.

The Board’s calendar of regular meetings is posted on the district website. Agendas are published online. 

Types of Board actions

Items on a Board agenda generally fall into several categories:

• Consent calendar
  Routine items grouped together and approved in a single action, unless a Board member or the public requests an item be discussed separately.
• Discussion or action items
  Items presented for Board consideration, discussion, and possible action.
• Information items
  Items provided for informational purposes or discussion, with no action taken.
• Public hearings
  Formal opportunities for public input on specific matters, conducted in accordance with legal requirements.
• Resolutions
  Formal actions expressing Board direction or policy.

Open and closed session

Most Board business is conducted in open session. In limited circumstances permitted by law, the Board may meet in closed session to discuss matters such as personnel issues, labor negotiations, or legal matters. Any reportable action taken in closed session is disclosed publicly, as required by law.

Community engagement

The Board does its work most effectively when students, families, staff, and community members are informed and engaged. Asking questions, providing feedback, and sharing concerns through appropriate public forums helps support transparent governance and informed decision-making.

Understanding how the Board operates helps ensure meaningful participation and shared accountability across the district.

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