Citing a culture of intimidation created by top school officials, the California State Board of Education announced in Sacramento on Thursday that it would appoint a trustee to the Alisal Union Elementary School District.

State board officials also voted to appoint a trustee to the Greenfield Union Elementary School District, which has similar problems of governance, although not as severe as at the Alisal district, state board President Ted Mitchell said.

The state board did not spell out the exact duties of the new trustees, but their general mission will be to help the districts improve students' academic achievement.

They would have the authority to veto decisions related to academics made by the local districts' superintendents and school boards.

Nancy Kotowski, superintendent of Monterey County schools, said she supported the state board's action.

"It was a very good decision made by the state board that will address the most critical issues in each district," she said.

"Each district will have their own trustee, that will focus on particular issues the district has and providing leadership to improve student achievement to reach desired levels of proficiency."