The Fairfield‑Suisun Unified School District governing board voted 4–2 on Oct. 9 to appoint Kai Eusebio to the Trustee Area 7 vacancy after interviewing six applicants and receiving public comments.

The board heard two public speakers who urged the trustees to appoint Eusebio. Wendy Fabian, a Fairfield native, said she works with Eusebio and called him “always ready to lend a helping hand, always kind, compassionate, and incredibly intelligent.” Mohammed Ambashie, a Fairfield resident who previously worked with Eusebio, also urged the board to appoint him.

Why it matters: The appointed trustee will serve until the seat is next up for election. Board members said Eusebio brings experience in legislative and budget matters, which they described as useful because much of the district’s funding comes via state formulas.

Board process and interviews
Superintendent Sacks and the ad hoc committee organized a structured interview process. Trustees pulled candidates’ names randomly to set the speaking order, and each applicant gave a two‑minute opening statement followed by trustee questions drawn from a prepared list. The six finalists were, in the order drawn for interviews: Perry Polk; Janae Garlington; Ricky Gertson Jr.; Rosalind (Rosalind) Reed Arriboyo; Ruth Jimenez; and Kai Eusebio.

Trustees used a forced‑ranking sheet and an online survey to score candidates. After the interviews and a brief discussion among trustees, a motion was made to appoint Kai Eusebio. The motion carried on a roll‑call vote: President Patero—Aye; Trustee Flynn—Aye; Trustee Tilley—No (reluctant); Trustee Hundley—Aye; Trustee Wilson—No; Trustee Duarte—Aye. The tally was four votes in favor, two opposed. Following the vote, Eusebio was sworn in at the meeting.

Trustees’ stated reasons
Several trustees explained their rankings in public discussion before the vote. One trustee said Eusebio’s legislative and budget familiarity was an important asset because “these dollars are really important as they fund key personnel, programs and services” and that the district benefits when board members can engage on funding and advocacy. Other trustees described different top choices based on candidates’ experience with students, community connections and prior board service.

Formal action
The board’s formal action: a motion to appoint Kai Eusebio to serve as trustee for Trustee Area 7 (motion; second provided on the record). The outcome: approved. The board administered the oath of office to Eusebio immediately following the vote.

What the appointee said
In his opening statement, Eusebio described himself as a product of the district and said public schools helped him “find my purpose in life” and pledged to work “tirelessly with you in a collaborative and constructive way” if appointed.

Next steps
Board members noted the seat will be on the ballot again at the next regular election cycle. Trustees encouraged several of the interviewed applicants to consider running in that election. The board adjourned after swearing in the new trustee.