Jefferson Union trustees elect Walker as president, honor outgoing trustees

The Jefferson Union High School District Board of Trustees elected Shorette Walker as board president Tuesday night and approved a slate of officers for 2026, while honoring longtime colleagues and accepting an announced resignation.

The board voted by voice to elect Shorette Walker president. Trustees also approved Rosie Tahata as vice president, Andy Lee as board clerk and a motion to appoint Tony Press as board secretary.

The reorganization followed a series of acknowledgements and tributes. The board read proclamations and letters of recognition — including citations from the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and several state legislative offices — honoring Jerome Gallegos for his service as 2025 board president. Trustees presented Gallegos with a plaque and certificates recognizing his leadership and community service.

The meeting included a personal announcement from Trustee Martinine Cho, who said she must step down because she is moving out of the district. In remarks to the board, Cho said, "Today, I formally stepped down from my role as a trustee on this board." Board members responded with personal tributes and thanks for her work on issues including student wellness and equity.

Procedurally, the officers were chosen by motion and approved by voice votes with no recorded roll-call tallies included in the meeting record. The board scheduled presentation of plaques and certificates and recessed briefly for honorees and refreshments.

What happens next: The board will implement the new officer roles immediately and has directed staff to prepare consent-agenda materials and certificates for presentation. Any vacancies or additional personnel changes tied to Cho’s departure will be addressed through the district’s provisional appointment process as directed by the board.