New and returning trustees on the Tuolumne County Board of Education were sworn into office by Superior Court Judge Laura Krieg at a Dec. 16 public meeting.
The board also elected a new president and reelected its clerk.
“These developments reflect the TCBOE’s ongoing commitment to student success, educational innovation, and community engagement,” the board stated in a news release.
Newly seated trustees are:
• April Ritts, Trustee Area One: Serving the Sonora Elementary School District, with the exception of the portion south of Highway 108 and excluding the Mill Villa, Gibbs Estates, and Valponi Acres areas.
Ritts’ term expires in 2028. She replaces retired board member Judi Wilson.
• Jerry Whitehead III, Trustee Area Three: Serving the Summerville Union High School District, Summerville Elementary School District, and a portion of the Soulsbyville School District south of Highway 108.
Whitehead’s term expires in 2028. He succeeds retired board member Juliana Feriani.
• Melissa Higgins, Trustee Area Four: Serving the Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified School District and a portion of the Curtis Creek School District south of Highway 108.
Higgins’ term expires in 2026. She was appointed to the board in November, filling in a vacant seat.
• Steven Treat, Trustee Area Two, whose term expires in 2028.
• Nichole Salyers, Trustee Area Five, whose expires in 2028
Salyers is serving her second term.
In addition, Trustee Cyndi Simonson was elected board president, while Treat was reelected as board clerk.
“These transitions mark a promising new era for the Tuolumne County Board of Education,” Simonson said. “Our new trustees and seasoned returnees are excited to continue the beneficial work of this office and advance the educational goals of our community, ensuring that every student receives the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The county Board of Education’s mission is to provide a leadership role in education; to support the county Office of Education in its governance; and to advocate, celebrate, and champion for the education of all students.
Through governance, policy development, and community engagement, the board aims to ensure that every student in the county receives a high quality, equitable, and innovative education.