Editor’s note: As of July 27, there is one official candidate — incumbent Malachy Sandie — running for one of the three open seats on Coronado Unified School District’s board of trustees. Incumbent Alexia Palacios-Peters is planning to run, but Scot Youngblood, who currently holds the third open seat, told The Coronado News he is not planning on seeking re-election. In March, Margaret Mary Duncan announced she was planning on running. The Coronado News published a story about Duncan’s candidacy after she filed campaign paperwork that month. The candidate filing period closes at 5 p.m on Aug. 7. Candidates elected will begin terms on Dec. 11.
Malachy Sandie, a Coronado Unified School District trustee, has filed paperwork for re-election this fall with plans to support students, teachers and the superintendent across future decisions.
Sandie, 58, is a retired Navy captain completing his first 4-year term. Three of his sons have graduated from Coronado High School, while his fourth son will be a senior this upcoming school year. According to Sandie, he registered for the election on the first day.
“As a board we have really three duties: evaluate the superintendent, approve budgets and set district policy,” said Sandie. “So through those means we can focus our efforts on preparing our students for higher education careers and society.”
Sandie said he is seeking re-election because he considers this role a way he can contribute to the community.
“I think the district is on a fantastic path,” said Sandie. “I think it’s been on a great path. And I want to keep it that way. I don’t want to let us get derailed.”
The changes at the board level come at a time when the district prepares a transition to basic aid from the Local Control Funding Formula.
Under the new funding formula, expected in the 2027-28 school year, Sandie looks to support improving compensation for teachers and staff.
“I just want to see the funds used for compensation for our people and to improve our facilities,” said Sandie.
Supporting teachers, facilities
Since being elected four years ago, Sandie has served as vice president and clerk of the board, in addition to being assigned to district committees, such as one focused on keeping students safe online.
Sandie said he is a huge advocate of getting personal electronics out of Coronado schools and has pushed hard on this issue, supporting a full ban.
This year, the district will begin its pilot program enforcing cell phone pouches at Coronado Middle School throughout the school day.
“I was pushing for it at the high school,” said Sandie.
Sandie said when the 4×4 bell schedule at Coronado High School came under scrutiny, he pushed to keep it, noting how two of his sons have benefitted from its “college way” structure.
“I think it’s worked out fantastically,” said Sandie. “My youngest son is also part of the 4×4.”
During Sandie’s time on the board, the district adjusted academic calendar years to move finals before winter week.
“The students, staff and teachers supported this,” said Sandie. “The last two summers were cut by one week shorter … that was I think a great achievement.”
When the district moves to basic aid, or funded by local property taxes, Sandie said it will enable smaller classes at the elementary level with continued enrollment of non-Coronado students, or interdistrict transfers, at the high school.
“It will enable our high school to offer all of these amazing opportunities to our kids,” he said.
Sandie said he anticipates negotiations with unions and improving facilities in the first year of basic aid, 2027-28.
This fall, the district will also hire additional staff at Village Elementary School with the intention of providing additional leadership support.
“I think it’s a solid plan the staff has devised and I think it’ll work out well,” said Sandie.
