Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified board opts to appoint interim successor rather than hold costly special election

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified Board of Education on Aug. 27 voted to appoint a provisional successor to Trustee Julie Hamill rather than calling a special election, citing timing and cost concerns.

Dr. Serrano, speaking for district staff, summarized state rules that trigger a board decision within 60 days after a vacancy and explained that the Los Angeles County Registrar would charge the district for any special election. "Similar-sized districts... the cost of a special election runs between $500,000 and $1 million," Dr. Serrano said, noting the next regular election date could be as late as June 2026 and that a provisional appointee would serve only until the next regular election or until a sufficient petition forces a special election.

Board member Eric Aliggria said he preferred appointing an experienced, community-supported former trustee for the roughly one-year interim rather than spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for a short term. "I don't feel comfortable personally making a decision that by appointing someone in such a manner that essentially would elect them," Aliggria said, while also arguing the cost and timing made a special election impractical.

A board member identified as Sarah echoed those points, stressing the board's duty to prioritize student services over election costs and proposing that prior board members be given a simplified application option. The board discussed a "bifurcated" approach: allow former board members to indicate interest first and, if none come forward, open a full public application process.

The board moved to approve Resolution One, authorizing the board to make a provisional appointment, and the motion passed on a recorded voice vote (four in favor, zero opposed). The board then approved wording and dates for the provisional appointment timeline in Resolution Three.

Under the adopted timeline, the district will accept applications with a firm deadline of Sept. 17 at 5:00 p.m.; interviews were tentatively scheduled for Sept. 30 at 6:00 p.m., with the board retaining discretion over whether to interview candidates and how to narrow the applicant pool. Staff told the board it has until Oct. 21, 2025, to either appoint someone or order an election.

The board also appointed interim liaisons and reassigned the committee roles held by Hamill through December, pending seating of the new member.

Votes at a glance - Clerk appointment: Eric Aliggria nominated and approved (voice vote recorded as 4-0). - Resolution One (authorize provisional appointment): Approved (voice vote recorded as 4-0). - Resolution Three (timeline and application process adjustments): Approved (voice vote recorded as 4-0).

What happens next The district will publish the application packet and instructions, including a note that prior board members and finalists from the April 2021 provisional appointment may notify the district of their intent to apply and (per the resolution) may be exempt from submitting full paperwork except for an updated Form 700. The board retains discretion to interview candidates in open session and to modify dates if needed; the district must finalize a successor or order an election no later than Oct. 21, 2025.

The board adjourned the special meeting and reconvened the regular meeting on the same YouTube channel.