Board of Ed Member Nimish Patel Won’t Seek Re-Election

Nimish Patel, who has served on the Santa Monica-Malibu Board of Education since 2010, announced on Monday he will not seek re-election in November.

Patel’s departure could open up at least two seats on the board this fall, as fellow board member Ben Allen is currently running for a State Senate seat. 

Patel, who co-founded and practices law at Richardson & Patel, said he made the decision because of added work responsibilities and a desire to spend more time with his family.

“Deciding not to seek reelection was a painstaking decision for me because serving on the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District Board has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Patel said in a statement issued Monday morning.

“I am so grateful to my business colleagues and family for being supportive over the past four years and giving me time to dedicate to public service, one of the greater joys in life,” he added.

Allen could also leave his post in November if he wins a runoff for a State Senate seat representing the Santa Monica area. Allen’s departure would leave two open seats, along with three other members seeking re-election on the seven-seat board: Oscar de la Torre, Laurie Lieberman and Ralph Mechur. 

None of the current board members are from Malibu.