A vacancy on the MVUSD Board of Education will be filled by appointment, rather than a special election.
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 by Yvonne Munoz on September 15. 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 will align with policies they favor. Her colleagues argued that the district should save the cost of a special election and instead appoint someone.
Munoz, who resigned due to a change in professional demands that prohibited her from effectively serving the MVUSD, was serving a four-year term 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 Nicolas Pardue and Nancy Young, also expire in 2026. It’s unclear whether they will seek reelection.
The district is now accepting applications from qualified individuals who would like to be 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.