Board Vacancy

Board of Education vacancy and provisional appointment process

Oak Park Unified School District is accepting applications from eligible Oak Park residents interested in serving on the OPUSD Board of Education.

Board Member Mary Pallant submitted her resignation effective April 27, 2026, due to increasing work responsibilities that no longer allowed her to devote the time required to serve in the role. We thank Mary for her service and contributions to the district during her time on the Board.

Under Education Code section 5091, the Board is required to take action within 60 days of the vacancy to either order an election or make a provisional appointment. While the timing of the vacancy allows the seat to appear on the November 2026 ballot, state law does not allow the Board to leave the seat vacant until that election. Because an election cannot occur before November 2026, the Board voted at a Special Meeting held on May 6, 2026, to proceed with a provisional appointment process.

The individual appointed by the Board then will need to file nomination papers and run in the November 3, 2026 election in order to complete the remainder of Mary Pallant’s term, which expires in December 2028.

Application deadline

Applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Applications may be submitted by email to raggarwal@opusd.org or in person to:

Oak Park Unified School District
5801 Conifer Street
Oak Park, CA 91377
Attention: Ragini Aggarwal

Eligibility requirements

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a citizen of California
• Be a resident of Oak Park
• Be a registered voter
• Not be disqualified by the Constitution or laws of the state from holding civil office

Timeline

• May 16, 2026 - Vacancy notice and application posted
• June 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. - Application deadline
• June 17, 2026 - List of qualified candidates invited to interview will be posted
• June 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. - Special Board Meeting for candidate interviews and provisional appointment  - Oak Park High School Presentation Room G9, 899 Kanan Road, Oak Park, CA 91377

Application materials

Access the pubic notice and application packet. Submit the application (pages 6-10) by email to raggarwal@opusd.org or in person to:

Oak Park Unified School District
5801 Conifer Street
Oak Park, CA 91377
Attention: Ragini Aggarwal

Questions

For questions about the application or provisional appointment process, please contact:

Ragini Aggarwal
Public Information and Strategic Communications Officer
raggarwal@opusd.org
(818) 735-3206

Oak Park By the NumbersOak Park By the Numbers

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.

Oak Park By the NumbersOak Park By the Numbers