Resolution to decrease the size of County Board approved

11/08/2011 - The Sonoma County Committee on School District Organization has approved a resolution calling for the Sonoma County Board of Education to be reduced in size from seven to five members. This action, taken at the County Committee’s November 7 meeting, initiates the process for changing the required composition of the Sonoma County Board of Education and realigning trustee areas.

The resolution was passed by the Committee following months of study and public input. The change is expected to result in financial savings of $40,000 annually and will streamline Board of Education operations.

The County Committee also approved an action to request a State Board of Education waiver of the requirement for this issue to appear on the June ballot, citing the need save the county from financing an additional election. The State Board has approved similar requests from other counties.

The County Committee is responsible for overseeing the organization of school districts in Sonoma County and has the authority to increase/decrease the number of governing board members. The Committee began reviewing the size of the County Board of Education following a recommendation from the Sonoma County Civil Grand Jury and the release of new census figures that necessitate realignment of trustee areas.

The Sonoma County Board of Education is responsible for approving the Sonoma County Office of Education budget, serving as the governing board for Court and Community Schools, and hearing inter-district attendance and expulsion appeals, among other duties.