A residency issue involving an appointed trustee has created the only contested race in the Gustine Unified School District board election, with board President Gary Silva facing fellow trustee Evelin Gimlett for the Area 1 seat.

Gimlett was appointed to fill a vacancy representing Area 4. However, when she filed nomination papers to seek election to the seat, it was determined that her residence falls just outside Area 4 boundaries and within Area 1, so Gimlett decided to file to run for the Area 1 position currently held by Silva.

Meanwhile, Area 4 will not have a contested election, as Loretta Rose is running unopposed.

Silva is seeking another term after serving on the board and currently serving as board president. He said he wants to continue providing stability and leadership for the district while building on work already underway.

"I remain committed to serving our students, supporting staff and ensuring that our schools continue moving forward," Silva said.

He said continuity in leadership remains important as the district navigates ongoing challenges.

"I believe continuity in leadership, thoughtful decision making and fiscal responsibility are essential for student success," Silva said.

According to Silva, his priorities for another term include student achievement, support for teachers and staff, maintaining safe learning environments and ensuring the district remains financially stable.

"There is still work to be done, and I would like to continue building on our progress, address ongoing challenges, and ensure that all decisions keep the students' best interests at the center," he said.

Silva also cited maintaining public trust and transparency as important goals.

Gimlett said her decision to seek the Area 1 seat is rooted in both her experience as a trustee and her perspective as a parent.

"My motivation comes from being a mother and a community member," Gimlett said. "My experience on the board gave me a firsthand understanding of the responsibility that comes with making decisions that affect our students, families, teachers, staff and the broader community."

She said serving on the board requires a willingness to listen, ask difficult questions and make decisions that may not always have clear-cut answers.

"I chose to run because I believe it is important for people in our community who genuinely care about our schools to be willing to step forward and serve," Gimlett said. "Board service isn't always easy. It requires listening to different perspectives, asking difficult questions, understanding the financial and legal realities facing a district, and sometimes making decisions where there isn't a perfect answer."

Gimlett said the district's students should remain the focus of every board decision.

"For me, the heart of that responsibility is remembering who those decisions are ultimately about: our children, GUSD students," she said.

She described local schools as central to the future of both Gustine and Santa Nella.

"Our schools are not separate from the future of Santa Nella and Gustine," Gimlett said. "The students sitting in our classrooms today will eventually become teachers, business owners, parents, healthcare workers, tradespeople, public servants, and some of the best agricultural leaders in the state."

If elected, Gimlett said she would prioritize student safety, strong academics, support for teachers and staff, and opportunities that prepare students for a variety of post-graduation paths.

"I believe every student deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can learn and where parents can feel confident sending their children to school," she said.

Gimlett said she would like to see continued growth in college and career resources, including counseling, scholarships, STEM programs and career pathways.

"For some students, that may mean a four-year college. For others, it may be a trade or technical program, military service, entrepreneurship, or entering the workforce," she said.

She also emphasized support for district employees and responsible management of district resources.

"Our teachers and school-site staff carry an enormous responsibility every day, and they deserve to feel heard, valued, and supported," Gimlett said.

"Every dollar represents an opportunity to invest in our students, and difficult financial decisions should always be viewed through the lens of how they ultimately affect the classroom and our children's education."

The winner of the Area 1 race will represent that trustee area on the Gustine Unified board, while Rose is expected to claim the Area 4 seat as the sole candidate on the ballot.