The Central Unified School Board appointed district native Harmanjot Singh as the Area 3 trustee, filling the opening left by Natalie Chavez.

Chavez, who became a trustee in 2024, resigned in late January due to moving out of state.

In response, trustees unanimously agreed to appoint a new trustee to serve until a regularly scheduled election in November, saving the district from having to spend funds on a special election.

A special election would cost about $150,000, County Clerk spokesperson James Kus said. Comparatively, the November election will cost under $5,000, he said.

Trustees Interview Four Candidates

During the Tuesday night board meeting, trustees publicly interviewed four applicants, ultimately appointing Singh. He immediately assumed the position, acting as a trustee for the remainder of the meeting.

“I believe that his responses were the ones that primary focused on students … particularly on policy making,” Board President Yesenia Carrillo told GV Wire.

The motion passed in a 5-0 vote with trustee Joshua Sellers abstaining.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think the brief interactions we’ve had here qualifies me to make a decision for an entire body of people that I don’t represent,” Sellers explained.

Trustees Kalra Kirk and Jaspreet Sidhu shared similar worries but felt they had a responsibility to ensure the board functions at full capacity.

A full seven-member board ensures there is another person to vote when disagreements arise, Carillo said.

And if the community disagrees with decision, they have the right to petition within 30 days to revoke the appointment. If that occurs, the seat will remain empty until the November election.

Area 3 lies between Highway 99 and the train tracks. Students attend River Bluff and Liddell elementary schools before going to Rio Vista Middle School and Central East High School.

New Appointee Brings Policy-Making Experience to Central Unified

Singh grew up in Central Unified schools, graduating as a valedictorian from Central High School before obtaining a degree in political science from UCLA.

“I will also bring a commitment to Central Unified that is rooted in genuine love for this community. I grew up here,” Singh wrote in his application. “That kind of commitment is not something you develop from the outside. It comes from knowing these schools, these neighborhoods, and these families on a personal level.”

Singh has served as a City of Fresno Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commissioner for four years. In this role he conducted public hearings, reviewed budgets and capital improvement plans, received community input, and made policy recommendations.

Additionally, he has supported educational initiatives such as dual immersion and advocated for housing stability through eviction protection programs, according to his application.

Trustee Nabil Kherfan said he was looking for someone who was student-centered, knew the district, and was policy oriented. He found that in Singh, who he motioned to appoint.

“I believe I bring both the lived experience and the policy grounding needed to serve effectively,” Singh said.