Hollister district announces makeup of new board

Courtesy of the Hollister School District:

The results of the San Benito County November 2020 elections are now final and the Hollister School District would like to announce that Elizabeth Martinez and Lisa Marks have been elected to serve on the Board of Trustees. As of December 15, 2020, the Board will be comprised of:

Trustee Area 1: Carla Torres-DeLuna (Term 2018-2022)

Trustee Area 2: Elizabeth Martinez (Term 2020-2024)

Trustee Area 3: Stephen Kain (Term 2018-2022)

Trustee Area 4: Lisa Marks (Term 2020-2024)

Trustee Area 5: Jan Grist (Term 2018-2022)

This was the first HSD Board of Trustees election in which residents voted “by trustee area”.  The district’s new trustee area map was approved after the district embarked on a nearly year-long process to engage community members, hold public hearings, analyze community voting areas, and develop draft maps. In the new system, each Board member must live within the designated trustee area boundary and be elected only by the voters in that area. School Board members had previously been elected under an at-large election system, where trustees are elected by voters in the entire District. 

Board Member Elizabeth Martinez won re-election with over 72% of the vote. She represents Trustee Area 2 and ran against JT Leonard Espinoza. Board member Elizabeth Martinez said, “I am honored and privileged to represent my district and families in the HSD. I promise to do my very best, listen and lead with dignity and respect.”

New Board Member Lisa Marks won her seat by receiving over 56% of the vote. She represents Trustee Area 4 and ran against incumbent Rob Bernosky. Ms. Marks stated, “I’m looking forward to working together with my fellow Board members and the Superintendent to address the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The mental and physical health of all within our district is a priority as we all explore ways to safely return to a classroom environment.  In the meantime, we can and should explore how best to support our staff, students, and families while they tackle the challenges of distance learning.”

Superintendent Diego Ochoa said, “I’m very excited to work with Trustee Martinez and Trustee Marks. I think they will be wonderful leaders for our Board.” For more information, please contact Superintendent Diego Ochoa at [email protected].