Solana Beach School District board member Tanya Koshy will resign from the board effective June 12. Representing Area 5 and Carmel Valley on the board, Koshy is a longtime school volunteer who was elected after running unopposed in the November 2024 election.
“Serving on the SBSD Board of Education has been a true honor,” Koshy said in a press release. “This community means so much to me, which makes it especially difficult to step down as I relocate to care for my father, who is terminally ill. I’m grateful to have worked alongside such dedicated teachers, staff, and community in service of our incredible students.”
Prior to ing the school board, Koshy served on the board of the Solana Beach Schools Foundation.
“Tanya Koshy has been a valued member of our board and school community. Her deep care for students and families has been evident in every conversation and decision she has been part of,” said SBSD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Burks in the news release. “While we are saddened by her departure, we are grateful for her service and send our heartfelt during this personal time.”
The school board has 60 days, until Aug. 19, to fill the vacant seat. At an April 24 special meeting, the board approved the method and timeline for filling the board vacancy, opting to appoint the new board member rather than bear the expense of holding a special election.
As Trustee Katie Süel noted, it bodes well that two previously appointed to the board have gone on to be elected by the public, including herself and board President Dana King.
Once appointed, the new trustee would be up for election for a shortened term in 2026 and then could run for a four-year term in 2028.
Per the board-approved timeline, the district will accept applications for the position through May 30. Eligible candidates who live within the Area 5 Carmel Valley boundary will be interviewed at a special board meeting on June 17. The new member will take the oath of office at the regular board meeting on the following day, June 18.
As the board regularly meets twice in June as they finalize the coming school year’s budget, the prior June 12 meeting will be an opportunity to celebrate Koshy and her service to the district.
“It has been a privilege to serve alongside Tanya,” said King in the news release. “Her empathy, wisdom, and commitment to equity have enriched our governance and positively impacted our school community. We thank her for her service and wish her and her family the very best.”
For more information about the appointment process and timeline, including the application packet, visit sbsd.k12.ca.us
