The basic requirements for those interested in applying to serve Area 6 on the Manteca Unified School District board are fairly simple.
You must be 18 years or older. You must be a registered voter. And you must be a legal resident in Manteca Unified Area 6.
It is the last requirement that tripped up Alexander Bronson whose resignation six months after his election created the board vacancy.
Bronson — who along with Ashley Drain who is still on the board — have been arraigned on felony election fraud charges. Both are accused of lying about their residency on nomination papers. Drain also faces welfare fraud and grand theft charges.
The board has opted to appoint Bronson’s replacement rather than call for a special election. They plan on interviewing candidates at the June 23 board meeting.
The deadline to apply is Friday, June 19, at 4 p.m. Applications are available on the district’s website at www.mantecausd.net
Area 6 is generally northwest Manteca bounded by Lathrop Road on the north, Main Street on the east, Louise Avenue on the south, Union Road on the east, Yosemite Avenue on the south, and Airport Way on the west with the exception of the Chadwick Square neighborhood on the northeast corner of Lathrop Road and Airport Way.
Anyone who is selected will have to agree to be fingerprinted in accordance with state and federal laws to make sure they haven’t convicted of a felony, misdemeanor or a crime or moral turpitude involving children.
Candidates are asked if they have or have had students attending school in the district.
Other questions include:
• Please discuss your interest in and commitment to the Manteca Unified School District.
• Identify the most significant issues confronting public education, in general, and Manteca Unified School District, in particular, and state your position on each. Please discuss the ways you feel the District should respond to these issues.
• What do you see as the major responsibilities of a board member?
• Please identify and discuss the areas of knowledge and expertise that you would bring to the board.
Hopefuls are also being asked to include three reference letters.
The application notes a board member’s responsibilities require attendance at board meetings, frequent special meetings, study sessions, committee meetings, and numerous school events. Candidates are being advised they are expected to read board packets and be prepared to make decisions on complex educational issues.
The information candidates submit will be made available to the public.
