Brea Olinda Unified School District board declares Chris Becerra’s seat vacant

The Brea Olinda Unified School District Board of Education voted on March 5 to declare the seat of board member Chris Becerra vacant, citing state law that deems an office vacant when a public official fails to discharge duties for three consecutive months.

Board President Flanders read Resolution No. 26-04 and detailed the district’s attempts to contact Becerra, including certified mail, texts and emails. The resolution cites Government Code §1770(g) and Education Code §5090, saying Becerra did not attend the regular meetings on 12/15/2025, 01/22/2026 and 02/12/2026 and did not provide a legally excusable explanation.

Trustee Ruiz moved to adopt the resolution and Trustee Covey seconded. A roll-call vote was held; the board recorded unanimous support and declared the office vacant. President Flanders said the superintendent was directed to begin the district’s provisional appointment process and to follow board bylaws and Education Code §5091 to prepare an appointee within 60 days.

The resolution also noted the district had previously notified Becerra of required trainings and legal obligations and that the board determined his absence constituted abandonment of the office under the cited statutes.

Next steps include a public announcement about the vacancy process and a future agenda item outlining application and appointment procedures.

Actions recorded at the meeting show the board adopted Resolution 26-04 by roll-call vote; the board directed the superintendent or designee to implement the provisional-appointment timeline under Education Code §5091.