School District loses top deputy

Justin Frese has resigned as deputy superintendent of the Sonoma Valley School District, effective June 30, to begin an educational consulting business in Sonoma County.

“Justin’s expertise and experience in school budgeting, facilities, and technology are all assets he will take into his new consulting enterprise,” said Superintendent Carlomagno.

During his tenure with the district, Frese played a key role in successfully moving bond initiates forward, installing a district-wide solar power system, implementing K-12 school garden programs, and upgrading the technology infrastructure. Additionally, he represented the District in negotiations between the district and the certificated and classified bargaining units.

Frese began working with the district in 2005 as the Director of Fiscal Services and, in 2006, became Chief Financial Officer. Following that assignment, he was named Assistant Superintendent: Business. In 2010 he became Deputy Superintendent. Prior to coming to Sonoma Valley, Frese worked for St. Helena Unified, Calaveras Unified, and Selma Unified school districts.

Human Resources Director, Loyal Carlon, who regularly collaborated with Mr. Frese on a range of District issues commented,

“Justin always asked the question I forgot to ask or offered the insight that kept a good idea alive,” said Human Resources Director Loyal Carlon, a regular collaborator.

Carlomagno said that the district will continue to work with Frese through his new consulting firm. “The Board of Trustees and I are very excited for Justin as he begins his new endeavor and we wish him well,” she said.

In other action, Superintendent Carlomagno appointed John Bartolome, the current Program Manager for Business, to the position of Chief Business Officer. In the new role, Bartolome will take on a number of the day-to-day fiscal responsibilities that had been under Frese’s management.