Chico School Board Election to Take Place November 3
Voters in Trustee Area 5 will select a new board member to shape future district policies on student learning.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Should local school board members prioritize professional consensus-building experience over representing typical parent viewpoints?
Chico Unified School District Trustee Area 5 voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to choose between three candidates for the school board. Candidate Lance Atkins, CEO of Capay Farms, is running alongside Amy Ford and Caitlin Dalby to represent families in the district.
Why it matters
The outcome of this election will influence district policies regarding special education staffing, student cellphone use, and the integration of artificial intelligence into the local school curriculum. These leadership decisions directly affect the educational experience and resources available to children within the Chico Unified School District.
There are 3 candidates vying for the single Trustee Area 5 seat, which serves families across the Chico Unified School District. The specific impact of these board-level decisions on future classroom curriculum and staffing levels remains subject to the outcome of the November 3, 2026, vote.
The players
Lance Atkins
Candidate for the Chico Unified School District Board and CEO of Capay Farms.
Amy Ford
Candidate for the Trustee Area 5 seat on the school board.
Caitlin Dalby
Candidate for the Trustee Area 5 seat on the school board.
The details
The district transitioned to a Trustee Area system in February 2022 to change how board representatives are elected. Candidate Lance Atkins has stated goals to reduce the district's reliance on uncredentialed interns within special education programs while setting new policies for classroom cellphone use and artificial intelligence instruction.
Timeline
February 2022: The school district transitioned into Trustee Areas.
November 3, 2026: Election Day for the Trustee Area 5 seat.
Health Landscape
This election follows the redistricting pattern established by the February 2022 Chico Unified School District Trustee Area split. The shift reflects a trend in local governance aimed at targeting representation within specific geographic zones.
Residents of Trustee Area 5 should review the candidates' proposed changes to special education staffing and student technology policies before voting. Consider how these educational adjustments might impact the support and learning environments of students in your household.
The takeaway
Parents and community members play a critical role in shaping local education policies that impact student well-being and development. Registered voters may cast their ballots at the Chico State University Bell Memorial Union Auditorium on November 3, 2026, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Further reading
Learn more about local food and lifestyle initiatives in Chico.
Live Poll
Should local school board members prioritize professional consensus-building experience over representing typical parent viewpoints?
