Get informed on the Nov. 8 local election

Read Santa Cruz Local's Election Guide

We break down the local races and ballot measures.
Get informed on the Nov. 8 local election

Meet the candidates

Scroll right and click each photo to learn more about the candidates. Lucia Rocha-Nestler did not respond to requests for comment but described some of her priorities in an application for appointment to a vacant seat. Candidate Corey Warner did not respond to requests for comment.

Four candidates for two seats

  • Two seats are up for election this year.
  • Voters in the district will see four candidates. Voters can pick two.
    • Patricia Adams.
    • Roger Snyder.
    • Corey Warner.
    • Lucia Rocha-Nestler.
  • Trustee Sue Rains resigned recently. At an Oct. 5 special meeting, the board provisionally appointed Mitali Weiglein to that seat. District voters have until Nov. 4 to protest the appointment and request a special election. Otherwise, the seat will be up for election in 2024. It will not appear on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Background on Scotts Valley Unified School District

The Scotts Valley Unified School District is an elected body accountable for ensuring that the school district is responsive to the community’s values. The board has the power to:

  • Set budgets for the district, including teacher pay.
  • Hire and fire the superintendent.
  • Develop goals for programs.
  • Set policies and approve staffing related to mental health, campus safety and other areas.
  • Setting a direction for the district with input from the community, parents, students and staff. Read more about the board’s responsibilities.

The Scotts Valley Unified School District includes the City of Scotts Valley and some surrounding unincorporated areas. View a district map.

Qualifications include:

  • An ability to manage complex school budgets and allocate resources equitably.
  • A willingness to work with other board members to craft policies.

Compensation:

  • Trustees are eligible to receive employee health insurance, but must pay the full cost of premiums.

What we heard from voters

Santa Cruz Local talked to 11 Scotts Valley Unified School District students and voters in interviews and an online survey. Residents’ most common questions were taken to the candidates. The candidates responded in writing. The candidates’ responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

The top themes raised by Scotts Valley Unified School District students and voters were:

  • Teacher pay raises.
  • Plans to increase school safety.
  • Address bullying in schools.
  • A need for more after-school activities.

Read more about what Santa Cruz Local heard from voters.

—Kara Meyberg Guzman and Allison Gasparini

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