SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., (January 27, 2014) – This morning, the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a recommendation of setting a November 4, 2014 election date to fill the Board vacancy left by former Trustee Shirley Hoch, who resigned effective January 1, 2014 due to ongoing health considerations. That recommendation will now be forwarded to the San Mateo County Office of Education, which will ultimately determine when the vacant seat will be placed on the ballot.
“I think we arrived at the best outcome for our community, one that ensures we are governing responsibly and being inclusive in determining the future composition of our Board,” said South San Francisco Unified Board President Maurice Goodman, “A November election date affords the largest segment of the electorate the rightful opportunity to fill the vacancy with a candidate they best feel will represent their interests on the Board of Trustees while, at the same time, minimizing expense to the taxpayers by avoiding a costly special election. We trust the County Office of Education will agree with our assessment and grant our Board’s request.”
Although the Board of Trustees had previously announced its intention to fill the vacancy through a Board appointment, California Education Code necessitates that appointment process being initiated within 60-days of Hoch’s filing her deferred designation, which occurred November 18, 2013, not the effective date of her resignation, which was January 1, 2014. Since that 60-day period has already passed, the Board of Trustees decided it most prudent and cost-effective to fill the vacancy during November general election, at the same time two other Board seats would be on the ballot.
Despite the vacancy, however, the South San Francisco Unified School District has set an ambitious agenda for 2014, including the continued implementation of Common Core State Standards, the maximization of Local Control Funding Formula dollars, and continued progress on Measure J bond projects, all of which will be leveraged to improve student learning and better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century economy.
“Throughout my years in South San Francisco Unified, the Board of Trustees has been a consistent force moving this District forward, aggressively pursuing policies and initiatives aimed at improving student performance and the District’s service of students, parents and the South San Francisco community,” said Superintendent Alejandro Hogan. “We have much to accomplish this year, and I look forward to continuing to work with our Board and all of our local stakeholders to advance our mission and prepare our students for future success.”
About South San Francisco Unified School District: The mission of the South San Francisco Unified School District is to graduate responsible, productive, and environmentally aware citizens who have the skills necessary to contribute to a changing global society. Through quality instructional programs and challenging, creative curriculum, the District ensures opportunities for its students to experience individual expression and collaborative problem solving in a safe and stimulating environment. For more information: www.ssfusd.k12.ca.us.