Plumas Unified School District, California, elections (2025)
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| Plumas Unified School District |
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| District details |
| School board members: 5 |
| Students: 1,687 (2023-2024) |
| Schools: 10 (2023-2024) |
| Website: Link |
Matthew De La Montanya defeated Keith Barnett in the nonpartisan special election for District 5 of the Plumas Unified School District, California, on November 4, 2025.
Incumbent Leslie Edlund resigned from the board on April 2. As a result, the board decided to pick a successor to serve the remainder of Edlund's term, which expires in December 2026.[1] Barnett and De La Montanya were the only two candidates to apply for the seat. On May 12, the board voted 2-1 in favor of Barnett, but under state law, the vote was invalid due to the absence of one member. On May 14, the board reconvened with all members and split 2-2 on who to appoint.[2] Subsequently, Plumas County Office of Education Superintendent Andrea Ceresola-White asked the district's superintendent, Jim Frost, about the next steps. Frost recommended that White consider making an appointment or calling a special election as potential options. On June 2, White called for a special election, which the board approved on June 18.[3][4]
Barnett owned a construction business. He said he was running because "community trust has been lost, and that the board too often 'just goes with the flow' rather than fulfilling its duty to represent."[5] Barnett campaigned on his experience as a business owner. He said that he "served on educational boards within the construction industry and am deeply familiar with budgeting, accounting, payroll, performance evaluations, and setting and achieving goals." During the initial appointment votes, board members Cindy Crim and Chelsea Harrison voted for Barnett.[2]
De La Montanya was a California Highway Patrol officer. He said he was running "to be a voice for our children, teachers and staff at Plumas Unified School District, and to help with concerns from community members." De La Montanya said his experience in law enforcement had "further expanded and tested my ability to find solutions in difficult situations. During this career I have been able to participate in several opportunities with the students and staff in the Quincy area."[6] During the initial appointment votes, board members Jolene Cline and JoDee Johnson voted for De La Montanya, and he received support from Leslie Edlund.[2]
The board voted in April to request $20 million in state funds to address a budget shortfall.[7] Both candidates discussed how to handle the issue during the campaign. Barnett said the board should "reflect on past mistakes, take decisive steps to address the financial crisis, and create a team capable of recognizing warning signs before they become emergencies." De La Montanya said the board should improve communication and teamwork. He said, "I understand the state offers various training for the board members. As a board we need to take advantage of this! I will help build a team with the other board members so that we can make better decisions in the future."[6]
The Plumas Unified School District was located in Plumas County. District 5 of the board included the cities of East Quincy, Cromberg, and Graeagle.[6]
Elections
Candidates and results
Plumas Unified School District, District 5
General election
Special general election for Plumas Unified School District, District 5
Matthew De La Montanya defeated Keith Barnett in the special general election for Plumas Unified School District, District 5 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Matthew De La Montanya (Nonpartisan) | 61.6 | 983 | |
| Keith Barnett (Nonpartisan) | 38.4 | 612 | ||
| Total votes: 1,595 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Comparison to previous election
The total turnout in 2025 was 102.8% of the turnout in the 2022 election. The number of votes received by the winning candidate was 104.6% of the number received in 2022. The number of votes received by the defeated candidate was 100% of the number received in 2022. The margin of victory (MOV) in the special election was 371 votes, which was bigger than the 2022 MOV (328).
The following chart compares the results and total votes from the 2022 regular election for this seat with those from the 2025 special election.
Voting information
- Candidate filing deadline: July 14 to August 8[8]
- Mail-in ballots sent out: October 6[9]
- Last Day to Register to Vote: October 20, 2025[10]
- Ballots Returned In-Person Due: November 4 by 8:00 pm[10]
- Ballots Returned by Mail Due: November 12 by 5:00 pm, postmarked on or before November 4, 2025[10]
Candidate comparison
Candidate cards
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Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Biography: Barnett was the owner of a construction contracting business. He also taught self-defense classes.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Plumas Unified School District, District 5 in 2025.
Do you have a photo that could go here? Click here to submit it for this profile!
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Biography: De La Montanya was a California Highway Patrol officer and as a tile setter for a flooring company. He also volunteered with the Quincy Little League.
Show sources
This information was current as of the candidate's run for Plumas Unified School District, District 5 in 2025.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
No candidate in this race completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.
Board members
The Plumas Unified School District consists of five members serving four-year terms. To find information about school board meetings, click here.
| Name | Year assumed office | Year term ends |
|---|---|---|
| Jolene Cline | 2028 | |
| Chelsea Harrison | 2026 | |
| JoDee Johnson | 2026 | |
| Cindy Crim | 2025 | 2026 |
District map
Budget
| SOURCE | AMOUNT | AMOUNT PER STUDENT | PERCENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal: | $5,881,000 | $3,347 | 14% |
| Local: | $27,719,000 | $15,776 | 66% |
| State: | $8,129,000 | $4,627 | 20% |
| Total: | $41,729,000 | $23,750 |
| TYPE | AMOUNT | AMOUNT PER STUDENT | PERCENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Expenditures: | $41,465,000 | $23,599 | |
| Total Current Expenditures: | $30,520,000 | $17,370 | |
| Instructional Expenditures: | $14,047,000 | $7,994 | 34% |
| Student and Staff Support: | $3,392,000 | $1,930 | 8% |
| Administration: | $5,104,000 | $2,904 | 12% |
| Operations, Food Service, Other: | $7,977,000 | $4,540 | 19% |
| Total Capital Outlay: | $8,728,000 | $4,967 | |
| Construction: | $8,666,000 | $4,932 | |
| Total Non El-Sec Education & Other: | $409,000 | $232 | |
| Interest on Debt: | $1,808,000 | $1,029 |
Performance
The following table shows the percentage of district students who scored at or above the proficiency level each school year:
| School year | All (%) | Asian/Pacific Islander (%) | Black (%) | Hispanic (%) | Native American (%) | Two or More Races (%) | White (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 21 | PS | PS | 10-14 | <50 | 20-29 | 20-24 |
| 2018-2019 | 32 | <50 | <50 | 15-19 | <=20 | 30-39 | 36 |
| 2017-2018 | 32 | <50 | <50 | 20-24 | 11-19 | 30-39 | 36 |
| 2016-2017 | 33 | 21-39 | <50 | 20-24 | 11-19 | 20-29 | 36 |
| 2015-2016 | 36 | <50 | <50 | 20-24 | 21-39 | 30-39 | 40 |
| 2014-2015 | 36 | PS | <50 | 20-24 | <=20 | 30-39 | 41 |
| 2013-2014 | 60-64 | PS | PS | 60-79 | <50 | >=50 | 65-69 |
| 2012-2013 | 62 | >=50 | >=50 | 55-59 | 50-59 | 50-59 | 64 |
| 2011-2012 | 59 | >=50 | >=50 | 45-49 | 50-59 | 45-49 | 62 |
| 2010-2011 | 60 | >=50 | <50 | 50-54 | 50-59 | 40-49 | 64 |
The following table shows the percentage of district students who scored at or above the proficiency level each school year:
| School year | All (%) | Asian/Pacific Islander (%) | Black (%) | Hispanic (%) | Native American (%) | Two or More Races (%) | White (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 44 | PS | PS | 40-44 | <50 | 40-49 | 40-44 |
| 2018-2019 | 44 | >=50 | <50 | 25-29 | 20-29 | 40-49 | 49 |
| 2017-2018 | 44 | >=50 | <50 | 35-39 | 11-19 | 40-49 | 47 |
| 2016-2017 | 46 | 40-59 | <50 | 30-34 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 49 |
| 2015-2016 | 47 | >=50 | <50 | 30-34 | 21-39 | 40-49 | 51 |
| 2014-2015 | 46 | PS | <50 | 35-39 | 21-39 | 40-49 | 49 |
| 2013-2014 | 65-69 | PS | PS | 60-79 | <50 | >=50 | 65-69 |
| 2012-2013 | 64 | >=50 | <50 | 45-49 | 50-59 | 50-59 | 68 |
| 2011-2012 | 66 | >=50 | >=50 | 50-54 | 50-59 | 55-59 | 70 |
| 2010-2011 | 65 | >=50 | <50 | 55-59 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 68 |
The following table shows the graduation rate of district students each school year:
| School year | All (%) | Asian/Pacific Islander (%) | Black (%) | Hispanic (%) | Native American (%) | Two or More Races (%) | White (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 85-89 | PS | >=80 | >=50 | PS | 85-89 | |
| 2018-2019 | 85-89 | PS | PS | 60-79 | PS | >=50 | 85-89 |
| 2017-2018 | 85-89 | PS | PS | >=80 | >=50 | >=50 | 85-89 |
| 2016-2017 | 85-89 | PS | PS | >=50 | >=50 | PS | 90-94 |
| 2015-2016 | 85-89 | >=80 | >=50 | >=50 | 90-94 | ||
| 2014-2015 | 90-94 | PS | PS | 60-79 | >=50 | PS | 90-94 |
| 2013-2014 | 90-94 | PS | PS | >=50 | PS | PS | 90-94 |
| 2012-2013 | 90-94 | PS | PS | >=80 | >=50 | PS | 90-94 |
| 2011-2012 | 85-89 | PS | PS | >=80 | >=50 | PS | 85-89 |
| 2010-2011 | 90-94 | PS | PS | >=80 | >=50 | 90-94 |
Student Enrollment
| Year | Enrollment | Year-to-year change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 1,687 | -4.0 |
| 2022-2023 | 1,755 | -0.1 |
| 2021-2022 | 1,757 | 5.5 |
| 2020-2021 | 1,661 | -12.0 |
| 2019-2020 | 1,860 | 0.3 |
| 2018-2019 | 1,854 | -15.8 |
| 2017-2018 | 2,147 | 0.7 |
| 2016-2017 | 2,133 | -1.8 |
| 2015-2016 | 2,172 | 1.9 |
| 2014-2015 | 2,130 | -0.3 |
| 2013-2014 | 2,137 | 0.6 |
| 2012-2013 | 2,125 | 91.2 |
| 2011-2012 | 186 | -1,137.6 |
| 2010-2011 | 2,302 | -3.0 |
| 2009-2010 | 2,370 | -5.4 |
| 2008-2009 | 2,498 | -4.5 |
| 2007-2008 | 2,610 | -4.4 |
| 2006-2007 | 2,726 | -5.7 |
| 2005-2006 | 2,882 | -6.4 |
| 2004-2005 | 3,067 | -2.4 |
| 2003-2004 | 3,141 | -2.3 |
| 2002-2003 | 3,213 | -4.7 |
| 2001-2002 | 3,365 | -1.0 |
| 2000-2001 | 3,397 | -2.0 |
| 1999-2000 | 3,465 | 0.0 |
Student Demographics
| RACE | Plumas Unified School District (%) | California K-12 STUDENTS (%) |
|---|---|---|
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 3.0 | 0.4 |
| Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.9 | 12.1 |
| Black | 0.5 | 4.9 |
| Hispanic | 19.2 | 56.1 |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 0.1 | 0.4 |
| Two or More Races | 13.9 | 5.8 |
| White | 62.2 | 20.2 |
Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.
Staff
As of the 2023-2024 school year, Plumas Unified School District had 99.07 full-time classroom teachers. The student-teacher ratio was 17.03.
| TYPE | NUMBER OF TEACHERS |
|---|---|
| Prekindergarten: | 0.00 |
| Kindergarten: | 10.91 |
| Elementary: | 48.52 |
| Secondary: | 39.64 |
| Total: | 99.07 |
Plumas Unified School District employed 1.00 district administrators and 8.50 school administrators as of the 2023-2024 school year.
| TYPE | NUMBER OF ADMINISTRATORS |
|---|---|
| District Administrators: | 1.00 |
| District Administrative Support: | 11.00 |
| School Administrators: | 8.50 |
| School Administrative Support: | 7.44 |
| TYPE | NUMBER OF OTHER STAFF |
|---|---|
| Instructional Aides: | 9.61 |
| Instruc. Coordinators & Supervisors: | 2.00 |
| Total Guidance Counselors: | 2.00 |
| Elementary Guidance Counselors: | 0.00 |
| Secondary Guidance Counselors: | 0.00 |
| Librarians/Media Specialists: | 0.00 |
| Library/Media Support: | 0.00 |
| Student Support Services: | 5.00 |
| Other Support Services: | 55.03 |
Schools
2025 battleground elections
- See also: Battlegrounds
This was a battleground election. Other 2025 battleground elections included:
- Minnesota State Senate District 6 special election, 2025
- Philadelphia District Attorney election, 2025 (May 20 Democratic primary)
- Virginia State Senate District 32 special election, 2025
See also
| Plumas Unified School District | California | School Boards |
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Plumas Sun, "School board continues to grapple with finances," March 31, 2025
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Plumas Sun, "School board splits vote on new trustee appointment," May 20, 2025
- ↑ Plumas Sun, "Special election to decide contest for Plumas Unified School District 5 board seat," June 8, 2025
- ↑ Plumas County Office of Education, "Update on Plumas Unified School District Region 5 Board Seat," accessed October 8, 2025
- ↑ Facebook, "Keith Barnett on Facebook, September 29, 2025
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Plumas Sun, "Meet the Candidates: Plumas Unified School Board District 5," October 2, 2025
- ↑ EdSource, "State bailout for California school districts comes with long strings attached," May 16, 2025
- ↑ Plumas County Office of Education, "Region 5 Board Seat Election," accessed October 9, 2025
- ↑ Facebook, "Plumas Unified School District on Facebook," October 2, 2025
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Plumas County, "November 4, 2025 Consolidated Statewide Special Election," accessed October 9, 2025
