Isla Vista board adopts updated vacancy policy to align with state law

The Isla Vista Community Service District Board of Directors on Sunday approved Resolution 25-10, updating the district’s board-vacancy policy to align with state government code and the district’s recently adopted appointment process policy, voting 7-0.

The change “is taking into account… making us better aligned with what the government code says to do for board vacancies,” Jonathan Abood, the district’s general manager, told the board as he summarized three main goals for the revision: alignment with government code, incorporation of lessons learned from recent vacancies, and consistency with the district’s December appointment process policy.

The board’s motion to approve the updated policy was made by Director Topla and seconded by Director Deschler. The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor: Directors Brandt, Polat, Deschler, Freeman, Hobart, Cipos and Topla all voted yes; no votes or abstentions were recorded.

Board members and staff said the edits also modernize how the district notifies the public about vacancies, moving beyond traditional newspaper notices to include the district website, email lists and social media. “This is just about making sure our policies align with state law and that it’s modernized to reflect the way we actually communicate with people through our website, our email list, and our social media,” said Chair Brandt during discussion.

No members of the public addressed the board during the public-comment period before the item. The board did not record any amendments to Resolution 25-10 during the meeting.

The board noted it will next meet on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, where members plan to mark the departure of Director Jay Freeman.