Of those five, two are new to the board, with Places 3, 5 and 6 Trustees Amber Landrum, Amy Weir and Tiffanie Harrison returning. New trustees in Places 1 and 4 are Estevan Jesus "Chuy" Zarate and Alicia Markum, replacing Kevin R. Johnson and Cory Vessa, respectively. Johnson was not in attendance.
Outgoing trustee Vessa shared remarks ahead of her departure from the board, stating that while she had been mulling over what to say, she landed on expressing an "attitude of gratitude." She thanked her family for their support during her 2018-22 term.
"I was really thankful for this opportunity to serve and for the many people who serve with me, whether on the board or in the staff for the community," Vessa said. "I'm most grateful for my family."
Trustees who had been recently elected or re-elected shared their own sentiments with the community, largely thanking those involved in their campaigns.
Zarate thanked members of his family and a selection of community members and friends who assisted with his campaign.
"My children have no idea what they're in for but it's going to be fun, right?" he said. "We're gonna do a lot of great things. This community is full of love, as was said earlier tonight, and I want to exemplify that and I want all of us to make decisions with that in mind."
Markam thanked voters for turning out in the election, as well as her campaign team.
"I just want to say that I'm overwhelmed by the number of community members that came out and use their vote as their voice in this election," she said. "We're on the other side of an unprecedented election in our district, and I'm looking forward to working with all of my colleagues and moving the district forward and refocusing on our students."
Harrison said she weighed who to ask to swear her in, and invited family as well as students as the board plays a heavy role in their time with the district.
"I'm deeply appreciative of the students," Harrison said. "The students were pounding the pavement for this election. They were at the polls as young as 6 or 7 years old, telling people what they wanted in their district."
Weir said she felt blessed to continue to serve the district, which she has done in multiple capacities since 2004, ranging from parent volunteer to trustee.
"I know we all still care, this is a great district," Weir said. "I promise to give my best, thank you."
Landrum, formerly known as Amber Feller, said she hopes that the district will become stronger under the new board, and that the community holds it accountable.
"Are we going to make mistakes?" Landrum said. "Probably. I hope that you hold us accountable. Give us grace when we make mistakes and encourage us when we do the right thing."
All trustees except Zarate will have terms expiring in 2026, as he is fulfilling the end of the term vacated by former Trustee Jun Xiao. Place 1 will go back to the voters in 2024 along with Places 2 and 7, occupied by Trustees Mary Bone and Danielle Weston as part of the district's regular election cycle.
