San Marino School Board Adds New Member As Incumbents Serve Unopposed

Marisa Kelly will join the San Marino Unified School District Board of Education later this year, filling one of three seats that will not appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. The Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters confirmed that all three candidates ran unopposed, meaning the district will appoint the members rather than hold an election.

The board will retain two incumbents: C. Joseph Chang and Shelley Ryan. Chang has served on the board for more than 25 years. Ryan, who currently holds the vice president position, has served for more than a decade. Their continued service was confirmed by the registrar's office following the notification that no opponents filed for the open seats.

Kelly succeeds Joanna Lam, who stepped aside to spend more time with her young family. Lam did not seek reelection in this cycle. Kelly has been active in district volunteer roles since 2017. Her past positions include president of the San Marino High School PTSA and the San Marino PTA Council. She also served as parliamentarian for the high school’s Titan Athletic Boosters and treasurer for Titan Softball.

In her current roles, Kelly serves as treasurer of the San Marino Public Library Foundation. She also acts as community service chair for her daughters’ San Marino National Charity League classes. She has received the Founder’s Day Honorary Service Award and the Golden Apple Award for her community work.

Kelly stated that her experience with local nonprofits has prepared her to support the district’s long-term goals. Board President Francesca Gill welcomed the continued service of Chang and Ryan in a statement. Gill also praised Kelly’s commitment to students and families, saying, “Marisa has already demonstrated her dedication to our students, families, and community through her years of service.”

SMUSD Superintendent Linda de la Torre issued a statement thanking the three candidates for their willingness to serve. De la Torre cited the experience and leadership that Chang and Ryan bring to the board. She noted that Kelly “has already given so much of her time and energy to support San Marino Unified,” adding that the district is grateful for her willingness to take on the role.

The appointment process follows standard procedure for uncontested seats in California school districts. The three members will be formally appointed later this year to ensure continuity in the board’s operations. Full biographical details for Chang and Ryan are available on the San Marino Unified School District website.