Board opts for provisional appointment process to fill trustee vacancy, rejecting immediate special election

Trustees voted unanimously on Jan. 26 to adopt a resolution establishing a provisional appointment process to fill an upcoming board vacancy after Trustee Vladimir announced his last service day will be March 11.

Staff described two options under state rules: a special election (which could be placed on the June 2 gubernatorial ballot if the board acted by Jan. 30 at an estimated cost of $125,892, or a later mail-only special election with estimated costs of $700,000–$900,000) or a provisional appointment with a 60‑day timeline. Staff recommended the provisional appointment process as a lower-cost, faster route to fill the seat for the short remainder of the term.

The provisional appointment timeline presented to the board included posting the vacancy as soon as possible, two applicant information sessions (Feb. 3 and Feb. 5), a recommended application deadline of Feb. 24, subcommittee review for eligibility and interviews, and a special board meeting on March 19 to make a provisional appointment. Staff explained that appointments are provisional for 30 days during which the public could petition for a special election before the appointment becomes permanent until the next scheduled election.

Multiple public commenters urged the board to appoint rather than hold a costly special election and several speakers asked the board to reappoint Vladimir; Vladimir said his resignation is irrevocable and he would not seek to force a special election.

Trustee Vladimir moved to approve resolution 25/26-08 establishing the provisional appointment procedure; Trustee Brian seconded. The motion passed unanimously on roll call. Staff said they would post the vacancy, convene a two‑trustee subcommittee to review applications and return with interviews per the proposed schedule.