Board opts to appoint trustee to vacant seat, approves district calendar and consent items; CBO announces resignation

Facing a vacancy created by Trustee Schultz’s resignation, the Los Gatos–Saratoga board voted unanimously to fill the seat by board appointment rather than calling a special election, citing estimated election costs and budget tradeoffs.

Staff presented that a special election would cost an estimated $800,000 for Santa Clara County and about $200,000 for Santa Cruz County (estimates presented by district staff); trustees noted the funds could alternatively support staff raises or district programs. The board discussed the 60‑day timeline to act under Education Code and agreed to post application materials the following day. Trustees also formed an ad hoc committee to develop consistent interview questions and evaluation criteria for candidate interviews to be held in public in March.

The board also received a calendar presentation and approved the instructional calendars for 2025–26 and 2026–27 after confirming coordination with feeder districts. Trustee Catherine moved to approve the calendar and the motion passed in a 4‑0 vote.

During consent calendar handling, the board pulled item B (certificated and classified personnel) for discussion; Chief Business Officer Ruben then addressed the board and read his resignation effective June 30, 2025. The board subsequently moved and unanimously approved the consent items (A and C–J bundled; B then approved after discussion).

Fiscal note: District staff emphasized the budgetary difference between a special election and an appointment; trustees explicitly referenced potential use of election savings for staff compensation. The board will publish the candidate filing process and timelines and expects public interviews and final selection steps to occur in public meetings in March.

Provenance: Actions recorded in the public meeting and roll call votes are reflected in the meeting record.