Applications Sought For Murrieta Valley USD Board Following Decision At Special Meeting

MURRIETA, CA — The Murrieta Valley Unified School District is now accepting applications from qualified individuals to serve on its Board of Education.

During a MVUSD Board of Education special meeting on Tuesday evening, trustees voted 3-1 to make a provisional appointment to fill an empty seat on the board left on Sept. 15 by Yvonne Munoz. She served as Trustee for Area 3.

Trustee Nancy Young cast the dissenting vote. She advocated for a special election to fill the vacant seat. A special election would have cost the MVUSD approximately $50,000, according to district documents, although it would have allowed residents living in Trustee Area 3 to decide who should represent them.

Young argued that the conservative majority board will appoint a like-minded individual who aligns with policies they favor. Her colleagues countered that the district should save the cost of a special election and instead make the appointment.

Munoz, who resigned due to a change in professional demands, was serving a four-year term on the board that was set to expire in 2028.

The provisional appointment approved Tuesday evening, however, is scheduled to expire in November 2026. At that time, the appointed candidate may seek election. Terms for two other current board members, Trustees Young and Nicolas Pardue, also expire in 2026. It's unclear whether they will seek reelection.

The primary responsibilities of the five-member MVUSD Board of Education include setting district policy, establishing district goals, approving budgets, and ensuring the district's compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

The district is now accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in being considered for the Trustee Area 3 appointment. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on October 20, 2025. Qualified candidates must be:

1. At least 18 years of age 

2. Not disqualified by the constitution or laws of the state from holding a civil office 

3. Not an employee of MVUSD  

4. Reside in Trustee Area 3 (see a map below or click here)

Application packets are available on the MVUSD website (www.murrieta.k12.ca.us) and in person at the MVUSD District Support Center, 41870 McAlby Court, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Completed application packets can be mailed via the U.S. Postal Service or delivered in person to the District Support Center. Applications may also be submitted via email to Julie Diaz at jadiaz@murrieta.k12.ca.us.

For more information on the vacancy, visit the district website or contact Executive Assistant to the Board and Superintendent Julie Diaz at 951-696-1600 ext. 1002.