ABC Unified elects Francisco Nyola as board president and honors outgoing leader Ernie Nishi

The ABC Unified School District Board of Education on Dec. 9 elected Francisco Nyola as board president, installed Tatiana Yokoyama Buouie as vice president and Leticia Mendoza as clerk, and publicly recognized outgoing president Ernie Nishi for his year of service.

The board conducted roll‑call votes after nominations were declared open by Superintendent Dr. Gina Zitlo. Mr. Nyola was nominated by Trustee Ernie Nishi and won unanimous support; subsequent roll calls installed Vice President Tatiana Yokoyama Buouie and Clerk Leticia Mendoza, each by recorded 'yes' votes. President Nyola thanked his colleagues and said he would work to keep the board unified: “I appreciate you guys. … I really hope to do my best as the president this year,” he said.

The new leadership slate takes office as the district continues to navigate a recent budget review and a multi‑school consolidation process that trustees described as a difficult and consequential undertaking. The board spent much of the evening acknowledging community partners and civic leaders who presented proclamations and remarks honoring outgoing President Ernie Nishi.

Nishi received proclamations and framed recognitions from local and regional officials, the teacher federation, management and other district partners. In his remarks he reflected on a challenging year of governance, including dealing with a county letter about a structural budget deficit and the need to make tough decisions: “This is the longest and the shortest years of my life,” he said, thanking staff, family and the community for support.

Board members used the recognition period to emphasize continuity and community ties. Several speakers praised Nishi’s efforts to keep the board unified while the district addressed fiscal and operational issues and thanked him for outreach across the district’s multiple cities.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026; newly elected officers will preside at upcoming committee and public meetings.