12/18/2024 -
Mary Watts, representing Area 3, was sworn in as the newest member of the Sonoma County Board of Education on Friday, Dec. 13, and Area 1 Trustee Gina Cuclis was elected by her colleagues to serve as board president for 2025.
Mary Watts, Gina Cuclis and Herman G. Hernandez take the oath of office administered by Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter.
Watts, elected in November, was one of three trustees to take the oath of office administered by Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter at a special board meeting on Friday. Cuclis and Area 5 Trustee Herman G. Hernandez, both of whom were reelected after facing no opposition, were also sworn in.
Watts has talked about seeing her trustee position as a chance to repay public schools for the key role they played in her upbringing, at a time when her young children are just entering the school system. Watts and her sisters attended public schools, and their single mother was a teacher.
“The education system supported me and my sisters and ensured that we had a successful future,” she said.
Cuclis, who last served as board president in 2021, was enthusiastic to begin her fourth term representing the southeastern part of Sonoma County, including the Sonoma Valley.
“It’s an honor to serve as SCOE board president as I begin my fourth term,” Cuclis said. “I’m also excited to welcome our new Area 3 trustee Mary Watts. I look forward to leading the board’s continued collaboration with Dr. Carter, as we serve Sonoma County’s 40 school districts in our goal to provide the best public education possible for Sonoma County students.”
Former Area 3 Trustee Andrew Leonard, who served as board president for 2024 until Watts was sworn in, was recognized during the meeting for his 10 years of service on the county board. He was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2015 and elected to the position in 2016 and 2020.
He expressed his gratitude for each of his board colleagues, as well as Carter and SCOE staff. He also congratulated Watts on her election, wishing her success in the years ahead.
Former Area 3 Trustee Andrew Leonard addresses the board upon his retirement after 10 years of service.
“The one thing I’ve always been impressed with is the caliber of people serving under this roof and at our local schools,” Leonard said. “If you work for SCOE, there’s a reason: you’re dedicated to education, and you’re a consummate professional.”
The Sonoma County Board of Education oversees the alternative education program at the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE). That program includes two academies for students who have difficulties in traditional high school settings, as well as the educational programs at Sonoma County’s juvenile hall. The county trustees adopt SCOE’s budget and set the salary for the Sonoma County superintendent of schools, an independently elected position. The board also serves as the appellate body for student expulsions, interdistrict transfers, and charter school petitions.
Each trustee acts as a liaison between SCOE and the districts in their trustee areas.
You can read more about the Sonoma County Board of Education and view the meeting schedule for 2025 on the board's web page.
The 2024 County Board with Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter.
