Prospective Board
Running for the Redwoods Community College District Board of Trustees
Community members interested in public service and supporting student success are encouraged to consider running for the Redwoods Community College District Board of Trustees. The Board plays an important role in guiding the college and ensuring it continues to serve the educational and workforce needs of our region.
The information below provides an overview of the District, how trustees are elected, the responsibilities of the role, and resources for individuals interested in becoming a candidate.
About the Redwoods Community College District
The Redwoods Community College District is part of the 116-college California Community Colleges system, the largest system of higher education in the nation. The District offers a wide range of general education, career technical education, and community education programs serving students and communities throughout the region.
The District’s Eureka campus is located at 7351 Tompkins Hill Road, approximately five miles south of Eureka. Additional instructional locations include:
- Del Norte Education Center – Crescent City
- Pelican Bay Scholars Program – Pelican Bay State Prison
- Klamath-Trinity Instructional Site – Hoopa
- Eureka Downtown Instructional Site
Role of a Community College Trustee
Members of the Redwoods Community College District Board of Trustees are elected officials responsible for providing governance and oversight of the District. The Board establishes policies that guide the college and ensures the District fulfills its mission of serving students and the community.
Trustees work collaboratively with the President/Superintendent to:
- Establish District policies and strategic direction for the college
- Ensure the fiscal health and stability of the District
- Monitor institutional performance and educational quality
- Support the Mission of the District
- Support student success and community needs
- Represent the interests of residents within their trustee area
- Employ and support the President/Superintendent
While trustees represent specific trustee areas, they serve the interests of the entire District and community.
Board Meetings and Time Commitment
The Board of Trustees typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. on the Eureka Campus. Each year, the Board may also hold meetings at the District’s Del Norte Education Center in Crescent City and the Klamath-Trinity Instructional Site in Hoopa to better serve communities throughout the District. Meeting times may vary for those meetings. A current meeting schedule can be found on the Board of Trustees website.
Trustees should expect to spend time:
- Preparing for and attending board meetings
- Reviewing meeting materials and reports
- Participating in trustee training and professional development
- Attending college and community events when appropriate
Serving as a trustee is a public service commitment that requires preparation, thoughtful decision-making, and engagement with the community.
The current Board of Trustees meeting schedule, as well as agendas, minutes, and recordings, can be found on the Board of Trustees website.
Interested in Running for the Board of Trustees?
Individuals interested in seeking election to the Redwoods Community College District Board of Trustees can find information about candidate filing requirements, deadlines, and election procedures through their county elections office.
- Humboldt County Office of Elections - https://humboldtgov.org/elections
- Del Norte County Office of Elections - https://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/Elections/Information
- Trinity County Office of Elections - https://www.trinitycounty.org/214/Elections
Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact their county elections office for the most current filing information and requirements.
How Trustees Are Elected
The Redwoods Community College District uses a by-trustee-area election system.
The Board of Trustees consists of seven members, each representing a specific geographic area called a trustee area.
- Candidates must reside in the trustee area they wish to represent.
- Only voters who live in that trustee area are allowed to vote for that trustee seat.
To determine which trustee area you live in, please view the Trustee Area Map.
Trustee Terms and Election Cycle
Trustees typically serve four-year terms, with elections staggered so that not all seats are up for election at the same time.
Current election schedule:
- Area 1 – 2026
- Area 2 – 2026
- Area 3 – 2026
- Area 4 – 2028
- Area 5 – 2026 (two-year term)
- Area 6 – 2028
- Area 7 – 2028
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, candidates must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a registered voter
- Reside in the trustee area they wish to represent
Eligibility and candidate filing requirements are administered by the county elections offices.
Trustees receive a modest monthly stipend as allowed by California law, along with reimbursement for approved travel or training related to board service. Trustees may participate in the District’s health benefits program, with the District contributing under the same conditions as for certificated employees.
No. Trustees come from a wide range of professional and community backgrounds. The most important qualifications are a commitment to public service, the ability to work collaboratively, and an interest in supporting students and the community.
Agendas, minutes, and recordings of Board of Trustees meetings are available on the Board of Trustees meetings page. Reviewing past meetings can help prospective candidates better understand the board’s work and responsibilities.
Questions
For general questions about the Board of Trustees or to schedule a meeting with the President/Superintendent to learn more about the District and the role of trustees, please contact Julie Gilbride, Sr. Executive Assistant to the President/Superintendent at julie-gilbride@redwoods.edu.