Trustees vote to fast-track installment of unopposed candidate on the Richardson ISD board

A candidate running unopposed for the Richardson ISD board will be allowed to assume her seat early following unanimous trustee approval May 14.

Debbie Renteria will take the place of District 3 trustee Kristin Kuhne, whose term expired in May. The board voted earlier this year to reschedule voting after the coronavirus pandemic led the Dallas County Elections Department to announce it would not administer the May election.

“I think it’s crucial that we have a full team of eight as we move through the COVID-19 crisis and its ramifications,” trustee Karen Clardy said.

Trustees are able to remain in their seats in a holdover capacity so long as they are eligible for the position, RISD General Counsel Mia Martin said. However, Kuhne was rendered ineligible to represent District 3 once Richardson ISD adopted a new electoral map last year.

The District 3 seat is one of two positions up for election in Richardson ISD this year. Justin Bono, who is the board president and the at-large Place 6 trustee, is also retiring at the end of his term. Candidates Eric Eager and Bridgett Hudson are vying for his spot.

Several trustees spoke in support of Rentería’s nomination, saying she would make a valuable addition to the board.

“I can think of no better person that we can appoint to serve as a colleague with us on the board of trustees than Mrs. Rentería,” trustee Kim Caston said.