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Moreno Valley Unified board appoints Justin Jackson to Trustee Area 3 after interviews
Summary
After interviewing three finalists for a provisional appointment, the Moreno Valley Unified School District board appointed Justin Jackson to fill the Trustee Area 3 vacancy by a 3–0–1 roll-call vote; one trustee abstained pending further deliberation.
The Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Education appointed Justin Jackson to fill the Trustee Area 3 vacancy on Feb. 25, 2026, after a public special meeting that included three candidate interviews and public comment. The board voted in favor of Jackson with three yes votes and one abstention; Trustee Joanna Lea said she needed more time for deliberation and recorded an abstention.
Jackson, who described himself during the interview as a product of the district and a graduate of its high school, told trustees he brings experience in governance at city, county, state and federal levels and emphasized advocacy for college- and career-readiness, expansion of AVID and CTE programs, digital and financial literacy, and efforts to raise enrollment.
The appointed trustee told the board he would treat students “first,” and committed to collaborating with the superintendent and executive staff to steward district resources. He said he plans to run for the seat in the November 2026 election if appointed.
During deliberations, trustees praised the finalists’ different strengths: Jennifer Gisham for her volunteer leadership and focus on special-education inclusion and behavioral supports; Martha Ruiz for her decades of district employment and community roots. Public commenters largely endorsed individual candidates; several speakers urged the board to consider community ties and sustained service.
Board President Brandy Clark explained the selection mechanics before the vote and the requirement that an appointment receive three yes votes to pass. After the roll-call vote, board staff stated the appointment is effective Feb. 25, 2026, and that Jackson will be ceremonially sworn in at the March 10, 2026 regular meeting.
The meeting packet and interviews included discussion of district priorities cited by candidates: addressing student behavioral issues and suspensions, improving support staff levels (instructional aides, counselors), sustaining and expanding programs such as AVID and CTE, and investigating enrollment declines. Trustees said they will provide onboarding materials immediately, including a condensed review of the LCAP, as Jackson indicated he planned to review it thoroughly in his first 45 days.
The board adjourned the special session at 7:54 p.m.
