The Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Board made significant changes to its hiring practices during the recent meeting on July 17, 2025, deciding to include coordinator positions in their voting process for the first time. This shift marks a departure from historical practices where only principal-level positions and above were considered for board votes.

Trustee Vargas raised a question regarding the rationale behind voting on coordinators, prompting a discussion about the need for clarity in the board's policies. The board agreed to review and align their practices with existing board policies to ensure consistency moving forward. This decision aims to eliminate confusion and establish a clear framework for future appointments.

In addition to the policy changes, the board unanimously approved several key appointments effective July 18, 2025. Anna Santa Maria was appointed as the high school principal of Coachella Valley High School, while Alia Morales will take on the role of elementary school principal at Mountain Vista Elementary. Other appointments included Bruce Hamilton at Valle Del Sol Elementary, Brian Kennedy at John Kelly Elementary, Michael Martinez as director of transportation, Cindy Harrison at Cahuilla Desert Academy, and Melissa Mora at Toro Canyon Middle School.

These appointments reflect the board's commitment to strengthening leadership within the district as they prepare for the upcoming school year. The unanimous votes on these positions indicate a collaborative effort among board members to support the district's educational goals.