Pajaro Valley Unified trustees appoint Joy Flynn to board after close votes

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board appointed Joy Flynn to a provisional trustee seat after two rounds of nominations and a roll-call vote that produced four votes in favor, one no and one abstention.

The appointment followed public comment in which multiple community members and union representatives urged the board to select a candidate who would prioritize student supports and community engagement. Sarah Emmert, who identified herself as a former PBUSD student and community worker, called Flynn “a dedicated and visionary leader” and urged trustees to back her. Neli Vakera, president of the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, told trustees they should avoid cutting mental-health staff and said both applicants were strong; she also recalled prior bargaining interactions and urged deliberation.

Trustee Dodge moved to nominate Nubia Padilla first, citing her teaching experience and familiarity with the district’s north, central and south zones; Trustee Medina seconded that motion. The roll-call vote on Padilla failed for lack of the required four-vote majority and the board moved on to a second nomination.

Trustee Charlie nominated Joy Flynn; the nomination was seconded, and the board held a roll-call vote. Trustees voting recorded in the meeting were: Trustee Carrasco — yes; Trustee Medina — abstain; Trustee Dodge — no; Vice President Navarro — yes; President Flores — yes. The clerk announced the final tally and the chair declared the appointment passed. The board then administered the oath of office to Joy Flynn, who repeated the oath and joined the board.

During public comment, Neli Vakera, president of the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, urged trustees to protect counselors and mental-health clinicians from layoffs and to “delve into” budget decisions before reducing services. Brandon Denise, PVFT negotiations chair, urged trustees to ask rigorous questions of candidates to reveal their thinking. Several speakers specifically endorsed Joy Flynn’s community organizing and work with marginalized students.

The board paused briefly for a photo with the new trustee and then moved on to the next agenda items.

The board cited the Education Code provisions governing provisional appointments and noted that a majority (four votes) of the six-member board is required to appoint a candidate under that code. No further action on the vacancy was reported in the meeting record.