BOARD OF TRUSTEES

November 10, 2026

On Oct. 27, the Hughson Unified School District Board of Trustees held the interview process for Trustee Area Two and interviewed applicants Erin DeGough, Colbie McRae, Andrew Mulgrew and Nicholas Short. Following a public comment period, the board selected Erin DeGough for the Trustee Area Two position currently held by Alida Garcia, for the 2026-2030 term.

DeGough grew up in Hughson, attended Hughson schools and graduated from Hughson High School.After graduating from Fresno State and living in Fresno for 13 years, DeGough and her husband returned to Hughson to continue raising their family. DeGough has worked in education since 2015, beginning as a high school English teacher and now working as a curriculum support provider. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Outside of work, DeGough enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, coaching soccer, and watching her children learn to play organized sports. She volunteers at Hughson Elementary and is an active member of her church.

DeGough was inspired by her own teachers who she said saw potential in her even before she saw it in herself. “I have worked for administrators who had this same quality and trusted me with responsibility that I grew into. Their belief mattered to me because it opened doors for me to learn and grow.”

“My husband and I try to teach our children to develop their talents and use them to serve others,” DeGough said. “When I learned about the school board vacancy, I felt called to step forward. I saw it as an opportunity to bring my perspective as a parent and my experience as an educator to serve our district.”

As a school board member, DeGough hopes “to be someone who listens carefully, asks thoughtful questions, and takes the time to understand how a decision might affect all stakeholders.”

She appreciates that students in Hughson schools “are known, and our community shows up for them.” For DeGough, “that sense of belonging” is an important quality in Hughson schools that should be preserved in this flourishing school district. “Our schools help students feel safe, challenge them to grow, and prepare them for what comes next. I hope to come alongside those already doing this work and support their efforts however I can.”

“We are excited to welcome Erin as a Trustee on the Hughson Unified School District Board,”; Superintendent Brenda Smith said. “Her experience as an educator, being a parent in our schools, and an active community member make her an excellent choice to serve on the board.  I appreciate her willingness to serve and her heart for students and staff in our schools.  She will be a wonderful addition to our board.”

DeGough will take the oath of office at the Organizational Meeting on Dec. 14.