Board appoints Todd Lethemine to provisional Trustee Area 3 seat

Todd Lethemine, a community member who said he spent more than 22 years with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department and 13 years in the military, was appointed tonight to the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District's provisional Trustee Area 3 seat.

Board President (chair) reviewed the legal process for provisional appointments under the California Education Code and then invited Lethemine to give a short statement. Lethemine told trustees he has served on school site councils, volunteers on athletic trips and has three children in the district; he said he's willing to "make myself uncomfortable, do the uncomfortable things for the community." The chair then opened board questions about time commitment, fiduciary responsibility and working with colleagues; Lethemine said he would rely on the superintendent for operational guidance while contributing a parent and first-responder perspective.

After discussion, the chair moved to appoint Lethemine to the Trustee Area 3 seat; Kathy (board member) seconded. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote recorded as aye by Mr. Johnson, Miss Noble and Miss Grace Velasquez, and the motion passed. Board members led a brief signing ceremony and administered the oath of office before the meeting proceeded to reports.

Why it matters: The provisional appointment fills a vacancy until the seat is next scheduled for election in November 2026, when the office will be on the ballot for the remainder of the term. The board noted the appointment takes effect immediately and described the process by which a provisional appointment can be challenged under state law.

The meeting record shows the board followed the district's announced procedure for candidate statements, board interviews and a roll-call vote; the appointee signed paperwork and received the oath at the meeting.