PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Placer Union High School District – Trustee Area 5 Appointment

 

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Auburn, California - September 10, 2026

 

The Placer Union High School District (PUHSD) Board of Trustees has appointed Carleton Copa to fill the vacant Trustee Area 5 seat, which primarily represents the Del Oro High School community. The board made the provisional appointment at its September 10 meeting. 

Copa, a 13-year resident of the district, is a local business owner and the parent of four children with deep roots at Del Oro High School–one a recent graduate, two currently enrolled, and a fourth who will attend in the coming years. He has coached youth soccer in Loomis for roughly a decade, served as vice president of the Walden Woods Homeowners Association, and volunteered with local church and community organizations for many years.

“I welcome Carleton Copa as our new trustee and thank everyone who stepped forward to serve our schools,” said Jessica Spaid, Board President. “Our responsibility is to listen to the community, ask thoughtful questions and keep students at the center of our decisions. I look forward to working together to support our teachers and staff, strengthen partnerships with families and ensure every student graduates prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

“I am honored and excited for this challenge,” said Copa. “I look forward to serving our community." 

Copa’s appointment is provisional and fills the vacancy created by Tom Duncan on July 23, 2026. He will serve the remainder of the term, which expires in December 2028, and may seek election at that time. As required by state law, the appointment becomes effective unless a petition calling for a special election is filed with the Placer County Superintendent of Schools within 30 days of the appointment. 

 

Placer Union High School District serves students across Placer County through its comprehensive and alternative high schools, including Del Oro, Placer, Colfax, Foresthill, Confluence and Confluence West, Maidu Virtual Charter Academy, and Placer School for Adults. 

 

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Bri Lynaugh
PUHSD Communications Specialist
blynaugh@puhsd.k12.ca.us