LAKEPORT – In an effort to positively impact a history of low student performance, the California Department of Education has moved to step in and take control of the struggling Round Valley School District located in Mendocino County by appointing a state trustee.

Chris Thomas, deputy Superintendent for Lake County Office of Education, received a unanimous vote as the chosen candidate and will assume her position as State Appointed Trustee to the Round Valley School District beginning in March.

“Receiving this appointment has been bittersweet,” said Thomas, who has served at LCOE for the past 16 years. “I am excited to take on the challenge of working to improve outcomes for the students at Round Valley; however, it is difficult to say goodbye to the dedicated staff at LCOE.”

Thomas began her career at LCOE as the director of Educational Support Services, became the assistant superintendent of Educational Services in 1997 and in 2007 was appointed to her current position of Deputy Superintendent.

Over the span of her 36-year career, Thomas has received numerous commendations, such as being named Lake County Administrator of the Year in 2000 by the Association of California School Administrators.

Many services now offered through the County Office of Education were initiated or expanded under her leadership, including child development programs, Healthy Start programs, Safe Schools/Healthy Student programs, and curriculum and instruction support services.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Chris Thomas, and a testament to her leadership, experience and expertise,” said Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook. “She has had a significant impact on the County Office of Education, and her shoes are not easy to fill.”

Holbrook added, “However, this situation provides us with a unique opportunity to analyze our current structure and evaluate how to best utilize our resources to serve the students, families and educators of Lake County.”

Holbrook indicated that LCOE will be releasing a reorganization plan in the coming weeks, as well as a report to the community on the Program and Services Review, a process he initiated as a part of his 100 Day Plan for leading the County Office of Education after his election last year.

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