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Board appoints former trustee Linda Reid to fill vacancy after public debate
Summary
After public testimony urging appointment of either a recent runner-up or a former board member, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School Board provisionally appointed former trustee Linda Reid to the vacant seat by voice vote; staff was directed to expedite her swearing‑in and orientation.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District board voted Sept. 25 to provisionally appoint former trustee Linda Reid to fill a vacant seat, following several hours of public comment and board deliberation.
The vacancy prompted more than a dozen public speakers who urged different outcomes: some urged the board to appoint the recent election runner‑up, Jeremy Vanderhal, citing recent voter support; others recommended reappointing a prior board member to ensure continuity and speed of onboarding. Several speakers also urged any appointee to commit not to run in the next election to avoid perceived incumbency advantage.
Board members weighed the legal timeline and costs involved in conducting a special election, noting state rules that require an appointment within 60 days or else an election must be held. Citing precedent and the district's immediate needs — five members are required for routine governance — the majority favored appointing a prior board member who can be operational immediately.
Board member Ami Gandhi moved to appoint Linda Reid; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The board asked the superintendent to begin swearing‑in and onboarding as soon as possible.
What was argued: Supporters of appointing a past trustee said a recent former member would require minimal onboarding and could help the board manage urgent items such as bond implementation and budget pressures. Supporters of appointing the recent election runner‑up argued that recent election results are the closest proxy for community preference.
Allegations and concerns: During public comment one speaker alleged prior inappropriate social‑media posts by a former board member; the speaker said those posts had been deleted but argued the conduct affected trust. That allegation was presented as public comment and was not adjudicated at the meeting.
Why it matters: The interim appointment assures the board will have a full complement of members to act on bond implementation, budget matters and personnel decisions during the coming year. The board can be changed by voters in the next scheduled election.
Attribution: Quotes and attributions come from public commenters and board members who spoke at the meeting; motion and vote details recorded in the board minutes.
