Santa Barbara Unified School District board member Virginia Alvarez told Noozhawk on Monday that she is stepping down from the board, effective immediately.

“I need to focus on my family with health-related issues and do not have the time needed for my volunteer work at the board,” Alvarez said.

She said the district holds a special place in her heart.

“I wish SBUSD the best, and am grateful to the voters for allowing me to serve the students, teachers, and staff these past three years,” Alvarez said.

“SBUSD holds a special place in my heart, and although I am stepping down from the Board, my commitment to supporting teachers, students, staff, and the broader community remains unwavering. I will continue to seek other avenues through which I can contribute.”

Alvarez was elected in November of 2020, ousting an incumbent who was endorsed by the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party. She leaves amid a tense dispute between the District and the Santa Barbara Teachers Association over pay and benefits.

Alvarez, born in Mexico, came to the United States with her parents as a child. She attended McKinley Elementary, La Cumbre Junior High and San Marcos High schools, as well as Santa Barbara City College.

Alvarez is a a human resources manager for the Montecito Union School District.

During her time on the school board, she pushed for greater transparency and financial accountability, and was the board’s most vocal critic of Superintendent Hilda Maldonado.

The board is made up of five members.

After Noozhawk’s story was published, school district spokesman Ed Zuchelli issued a statement on behalf of the board and district.

Zuchelli said the Board of Trustees has 60 days to appoint a replacement to complete the rest of the term. Although Alvarez represents Trustee Area 5, she was elected prior to district elections so the appointee can live anywhere within District boundaries.

If the Board decides not to appoint a replacement, then the seat will be vacant until the board elections in November 2024, Zuchelli said.

The Board will discuss and decide on the next steps for filling the vacancy at the December 13th meeting.

“Ms. Alvarez has been a strong voice for our students and families and will be very much missed,” said Board President Wendy Sims-Moten said in Zuchelli’s statement.