With elections looming large, many Californians – Grossmont students included – are gearing up to cast their ballots in another crucial midterm cycle. One local race students will want to keep their eye on is the one for the Area 1 and 2 Trustee seats on the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Board of Trustees. 

Voters will have an option between two individuals for each seat where the winner will serve a two-year term with a maximum limit of four years, including re-election. 

Area 1 features a race between businesswoman Dawn Ivy and public school teacher Desiree Klaar. In contrast, Area 2 showcases a choice between public health administrator Megan Dunn and the only incumbent of the candidates, Debbie Justeson.

While not as flashy of a title as “State Superintendent,” a trustee member still carries much significance and crucial responsibility in the academic lives of the constituents they serve. 

Governing Board members are primarily responsible for maintaining and advocating for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District through its policy-making and oversight of fiscal health. They are also in charge of appointing and delegating power to a chancellor who will help lead and protect the district and the elected trustees.

According to the board’s adopted duties and responsibilities as defined in the Education Code, some of the other roles they play include:

• Establish policies that define the institutional mission and set prudent, ethical and legal standards for college operations.
• Assure the board operates in an open, accessible, welcoming spirit and maintains an anti-racist culture.
• Establish policies that ensure the district operates in an anti-racist manner.
• Monitor institutional performance and educational quality.

With the board’s defined powers oriented towards direct administration of the District, their actions inevitably affect students and other members of the campus population through their leadership and the performance of their duties. Voting in trustee races allows for weighing in on how the two community colleges should be led and whether or not the current leadership is performing to the highest degree. 

Considering the Governing Board’s direct effect on their college experience, students should keep this local election at the top of their minds when they place their votes this November.   

For students interested in voting, early ballot drop-off for the election begins on Oct. 10, and voter registration closes on Oct. 24. Same-day registration is also available at the San Diego Registrar of Voters for individuals who missed the deadline and still wish to cast a ballot. Election day is Nov. 8, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Student voters who wish to find ballot box locations or learn more about their local and statewide elections can find the information on the San Diego Registrar of Voters website at sdvote.com or by contacting their local election authorities.