After 45 Years, Goleta School Board Member Prepares to Say Goodbye

Richard Mayer, a UC Santa Barbara psychology professor and longtime Goleta Union School District trustee, will step down from Trustee Area 1 in December after not seeking re-election. Elected 11 times over more than four decades, he is the longest-serving member in Santa Barbara County. Speaking to Noozhawk, Mayer said he believes the district is in “good shape,” though challenges remain around climate, technology and affordability. A Goleta native, he joined the board after years of concern about conditions at Ellwood Elementary, where his son felt he wasn’t receiving a “challenging” education. Mayer also highlighted teamwork, and in 2011 published “How Not to Be a Terrible School Board Member.” His successor is expected to be Eric Bowers, a Sonos attorney and district parent.