Board appoints Britney Ayala to fill Area 3 vacancy; oath administered

The Martinez Unified School District Board of Education provisionally appointed Britney Ayala to fill the vacant Trustee Area 3 seat Monday evening following public interviews and comment.

The vacancy arose after the prior trustee’s departure; board policy requires appointment or special election within 60 days. Two applicants applied by the district timeline; the board held public interviews and took comments from residents before voting.

During a public interview Ayala described her work at UC Berkeley supporting community college transfer students and her experience advising high school students about postsecondary options. She said she would prioritize facility improvements under Measure O, improved communication with parents and educators, and supporting student mental health and college‑and‑career readiness.

Numerous residents and educators spoke during the public comment period. Teachers, parents and community members urged the board to appoint a candidate with classroom experience; others urged a representative from the Latino community to reflect Area 3 demographics. After board discussion, trustees nominated and voted to appoint Ayala. The oath of office was administered on camera; the appointed trustee’s term extends until the regular November 2026 election for the seat.

District staff said the appointed trustee will immediately assume full duties and follow the board’s schedule for committee assignments. The board thanked both applicants for applying and encouraged community members to remain engaged in district governance.