New members join County Board

12/08/2014 - Three new members officially became part of the Sonoma County Board of Education on December 4, adding more diversity and new areas of expertise to this elected body. They joined current members Gina Cuclis and Lisa Wittke Schaffner to form a five-member County Board of Education.

Herman G. Hernandez now represents the northwest portion of the county, known as Trustee Area 5. He was born and raised in Sonoma County and attended local public schools. He currently works for a Russian River real estate firm and is very active in the community. At age 28, he brings a youthful perspective to the County Board, along with strong connections to education and local youth programs.

Peter Kostas, a resident of Petaluma, has over 40 years of experience in public education. He has been a science teacher, counselor, principal, and Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE) assistant superintendent. He oversaw MCOE’s student programs, including its alternative education programs, during his tenure there. He represents Area 2, the southwest section of Sonoma County.

Khaalid Muttaqi joined the County Board as the representative for Area 3, which includes the central portion of the county. He is the program manager for the Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership, formerly called the Gang Prevention Task Force. His knowledge of the issues facing youth today and his experience managing social service programs adds new expertise to the County Board.