DEBBIE PETERS The Mariposa County Unified School District Board of Trustees has a vacancy as of Dec. 6. District 3 representative Debbie Peters will vacate her seat on that day. She made the announcement at a special meeting held Nov. 5.

The following day, MCUSD Superintendent Randy Panietz commented on the resignation. “Her resignation, reluctantly accepted, is related to increased profes- sional duties, beginning in January,” Panietz said. “Debbie’s leadership, energy, enthusiasm, passion, insight, humor and intellect has been highly valued and appreciated during her three years as a board member.”

Peters, who is on the East Coast on business this week, said she knew she would not be in town for the board’s regular meeting on Nov. 19. She said in an email on Monday night that her professional duties will increase Jan. 15. “I won’t be able to devote the time and energy necessary to make informed decisions,” Peters wrote.

“That would not be fair to the governance team, the community, nor would it be best for students,” Peters explained.

Peters was elected in 2006. She took office in January, 2007, and her term is set to expire at the end of December, 2010. It has not been an easy term of office. During the time Peters has served the district has undergone fiscal crisis and sweeping personnel changes, and at one point, Peters faced a potential recall. The attempt to have her recalled, however, failed.

Panietz said the district will miss her input. “I have personally found Mrs. Peters to have been an excellent board member with the highest integrity and ethics,” he said. “She always challenged the status quo, posed good questions and listened to every point of view with an open mind, before making a final decision. She is an advocate and cheerleader for our students, schools and community.”

The process for replacing Peters is clearly defined by education code. The district has 60 days to appoint someone to fulfill her term, which has about a year left. The district must advertise the vacancy, then select eligible candidates to be interviewed for the seat. The interviews take place at a public meeting, where the board can also take oral or written input from citizens. The appointee is then chosen by majority vote of the board.

The potential candidates must reside in District 3, which encompasses part of the town of Mariposa and western Mariposa County.

Peters said being on the board was an educational experience for her, too. “I have learned a tremendous amount over the last three years, and it has been an honor to serve as trustee.”