School trustee resigns from Central Unified board in Fresno, leaving vacancy
The Central Unified board will appoint a trustee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the trustee representing Area 3.
Natalie Chavez, who was elected in November 2024, submitted her resignation Jan. 23 due to moving out of California, board President Yesenia Carrillo announced on Tuesday’s board meeting.
“Being elected to represent the students and parents in Area 3 of Central Unified School District has been the biggest honor bestowed upon me in my 21 years living in Fresno,” Chavez told The Bee.
Chavez said she’s thankful for the opportunity to advocate for underrepresented students.
“I need to step away to focus on taking care of my family right now, but I am excited to continue to watch the bright future of Central Unified continue to come to fruition,” Chavez said.
The remaining six-member board will appoint a trustee in the next two months to fill the vacancy through the November election.
According to Central Unified’s board policies, the governing board has two options: hold a special election or put the seat on the November ballot and appoint a trustee serving until the board member is elected.
“We would be responsible for paying the cost of adding the seat to the ballot, and on the special [election], we have to get enough numbers,” said Carrillo. “When I looked at it for other districts, it’s a pretty expensive process.”
Holding a special election would cost at least $50,000 from Central Unified’s general fund, district officials estimate.
Carrillo told the board that adding a seat to the November ballot would also incur costs, but these would be much lower than holding a special election.
The board voted unanimously to go in the direction of appointing a trustee within the 60-day timeline from Jan. 23.
“I will share a comment, while I believe this board generally is in agreement on our policies, our goals, or aspirations for the district, it would be beneficial for us to have a seventh member in case of the rare situation where there is a tie and we’re stuck three to three,” said Trustee Nabil Kherfan.
The board is now accepting applications until the end of February. An initial interview will be conducted at the board meeting on March 10, according to the approved timeline.
It gives the board the ability to extend another week if there aren’t enough candidates, Carrillo said. The final deadline is March 24, 2026.
The interviews, discussion and selection will all be held in open session.
A rapidly growing school district with a nearly 16,000-student population, Central Unified is located in the west of Fresno. Area 3 lies between Highway 99 and the railroad tracks, with the northern boundary nearing Avenue 7 and the southern boundary to West Barstow Avenue. It includes Rio Vista Middle School and River Bluff Elementary. Students living in Area 3 go to Justin Garza High School, according to Central Unified’s boundary map.
Eligible applicants must be registered voters aged 18 or older, living in the Area 3, and not disqualified from holding civil office, according to the California Education Code.
