-Editorial
During a special meeting on January 23, Kevin Arellano and Michael Castillo were appointed to the Calexico Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Education. Their appointments fill two vacant seats left by Lorenzo Calderon, who was elected to the Calexico City Council, and Lewis Pacheco, who secured a seat on the Imperial Irrigation District Board.
The board was tasked with selecting two individuals to serve until 2026 and contribute to shaping policies aimed at enhancing student academic achievement while supporting classified staff and teachers. Had the board failed to make appointments, the Imperial County Office of Education would have mandated a costly special election.
Arellano, currently the juvenile division manager for the Imperial County Probation Department, also works as a substitute teacher within the Calexico district. While this marks his first public office role, he expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to serve.
Castillo brings a wealth of educational experience, having worked as a science and technology teacher at Willie Moreno Junior High School before advancing to roles as a school principal in El Centro and later as the senior director for Early Care and Education Programs at the Imperial County Office of Education. He previously served on the CUSD Board after first being elected in 2006.
“Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working not only with this board but also with staff and administration while being actively present at school sites,” Castillo stated.
The board also considered candidates Jose Garcia and Daniel Romero before selecting Arellano and Castillo. Following the interview process and board deliberations, Superintendent Arturo Jimenez administered the Oath of Office to the new trustees, who will serve alongside current board members Carlos Contreras, Alex Avina, and Fabiola Calderon.
Both appointees expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting students, educators, and families within the district.
To be eligible for a position on the CUSD Board, applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Education Code 35107. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the Calexico Unified School District, and a registered voter. Additionally, they must not be disqualified from holding civil office under the Constitution or state laws. Applications were due to the Office of the Superintendent by 4:00 p.m. on January 10, 2025.
