Rialto Unified trustees elect new president and reorganize board roles

The Rialto Unified School District Board of Education completed its annual reorganization Dec. 10, electing Joseph Martinez as board president and confirming other leadership roles for the coming year.

Vice President Joseph Martinez was nominated for president and the board approved the motion by roll-call vote; Martinez abstained from the vote while other members voted in favor. The board then elected Edgar Montes as vice president and Kira Williams as clerk following nominations and roll-call votes. Dr. Stephanie Lewis was named alternate voting representative to the county committee.

The reorganization came early in the meeting after the board adopted a corrected agenda. Board members discussed whether leadership positions should rotate to provide opportunities for other trustees; members also noted the importance of selecting officers who advance the board's work on student- and community-centered priorities.

The new leadership assumes responsibilities during a transition year for the district. Board members praised outgoing officers' service and congratulated colleagues on their appointments. The board closed the reorganization with a unanimous vote on most subsequent procedural motions.

The meeting continued with the board receiving a report out of closed session and taking action on personnel appointments and other items before moving to community recognition and public comment.