East San Jose school district changes how its leaders are elected

An East San Jose elementary school district is changing how its leaders are elected, launching the first of several public hearings that could reshape its representation.

The Alum Rock Union School District is shifting from at-large to trustee-area elections, which will change how the community votes for board members in the coming years. The present formula has all voters in the district electing every board member, regardless of where they live. Under the new system, the district will be divided into five geographic areas, with one board member elected by residents within their specific area. The change will shift the makeup of the board over time and give neighborhoods more direct representation in decisions affecting local schools.

The board of trustees introduced the transition process Tuesday, outlining a timeline that includes multiple opportunities for public input on draft maps for trustee areas. Final boundaries are expected to be approved May 20 and implemented ahead of the Nov. 3 election, when three board members are up for reelection — Board President Linda Chavez, Vice President Andres Quintero and Trustee Minh Pham.

Pham said the district is moving forward with the new election system proactively to avoid potential legal challenges under state law. He also said he isn’t serving on any map-drawing or redistricting committee.

“If there are legal or technical concerns, I hope the public raises them so that the district can address them,” Pham told San José Spotlight.

Representatives from National Demographics Corporation, who have been contracted by the district to draw up the boundaries, attended the meeting and explained how maps will be developed. Vice President Justin Levitt said the process typically takes about 90 days to complete and follows a 135-day legal timeline tied to the transition. He weighed in on the district’s proactive approach to making the change.

“So far, every case that’s gone to trial under the California Voting Rights Act has resulted in jurisdictions switching to district-based elections,” Levitt said at the meeting.

The transition comes as Alum Rock Union School District faces ongoing challenges, including declining enrollment and the recent closure of multiple schools, which have raised concerns among families about representation and decision-making.

Other school districts across Santa Clara County have made similar shifts in recent years in response to concerns about fair representation and requirements under state law.

Alum Rock Union School District community members expressed cautious support for the change, but shared concerns about how the process is being handled.

“I think it’s a good idea,” David Williams, a father and coach in the district, said at the meeting. “But if trustees are up for election, they shouldn’t be involved in shaping the process.”

Trustee Corina Herrera-Loera said uneasiness about board members who are up for reelection being involved in the process is valid, and community input is needed.

“It naturally raises questions about fairness and trust,” Herrera-Loera told San José Spotlight. “Meaningful community engagement is about more than just checking a box. It takes time to build awareness and make sure people understand how these changes impact them.”

Others expressed support for the transition, but emphasized the importance of how the process is carried out.

Parent Veronica Amador said the current schedule makes it difficult for families to stay involved with children graduating from elementary school to middle school and field trips coming up in the next few months.

“Right now is a really busy time for families,” she said at the meeting. “It doesn’t feel grounded in the community if we rush this.”

Delia Oseguera, a member of the Tropicana-Lanei Neighborhood Association, said officials should bring the conversation directly into communities, including neighborhood association meetings and school sites, to ensure broader participation.

“We’re the ones who live here and will be affected,” Oseguera said at the meeting.

The next public hearings on the draft maps are scheduled for April 21, April 30, May 11 and May 20.

Contact Maryanne Casas-Perez at [email protected] or @CasasPerezRed on X.