Publish Date:  Jan 3, 2017

Hartnell Governing Board Approves Change to Even-Year Board Elections

 

SALINAS, Calif. –   At its December 6, 2016 meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Hartnell Community College District unanimously approved changing trustee elections to even years.

 

An assessment by the District found that for 2015 trustee elections, the voter turnout was only 15%. The assessment also found that for the last 4 even-year, statewide elections (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014) voter turnout was an average of 67%.

 

"Upon reviewing the data, there was no hesitation from the Governing Board of the Hartnell CCD to take action to improve voter turnout for trustee elections," stated Dr. Willard Lewallen, Superintendent/President of the Hartnell CCD.

 

"The Governing Board demonstrated its commitment to democratic principles in approving the change to even-year elections," stated Manuel Osorio, President of the Board of Trustees. "The trustees want to make sure that all voices are heard when elections are held for seats on the Hartnell Board."

 

Provided the change is approved by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, there will be no trustee elections in 2017. The next election will be held in 2018 for trustee areas 5, 6, and 7. Elections for trustee areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be held in 2020. If approved, the change also means that the terms of all current trustees will be extended by one year.

 

Hartnell Community College District – established in 1920

The Hartnell CCD serves over 16,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics.   We are proud to be the winners of the Innovation Award for CSin3 – a Computer Science degree  in three years .  We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement.  For more about Hartnell CCD, visit  www.hartnell.edu

 

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