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School Board names Dunbar, SVHS grad as new trustee

Posted on October 13, 2019 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Glen Ellen resident Catalina Wetzel has been appointed to the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees as the representative of the Dunbar attendance area. She replaces Nicole Abate Ducarroz.

“As a long-time Latina business and community member who also attended Sonoma public schools, I believe I provide a unique perspective,” Wetzel told The Sun. “Having experience with one son with special needs and the other in General Ed has allowed me to merge those two worlds together. And gain knowledge of what our schools need.”

Wetzel was chosen after a public board meeting on October 1. The board chose to interview candidates and appoint a new trustee (the other applicant was Jessica Strachan) rather than hold an election. 

Wetzel, owner of Sonoma’s Catalina Skin and Body, has lived in the Dunbar area for 18 years. She is herself a graduate of Dunbar Elementary, and a parent of two students who went there. She graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1991. 

“Catalina has  been preparing for this job for the last 20 years,” noted Board Acting President John Kelly. “As a mother and businesswoman, she brings a unique and powerful skill set to the governance and business affairs of the district. As a graduate of our schools, she brings continuity and, as the mother of two sons, the realization that we must change to meet the challenges ahead.”

Emily Raaka, an SVHS parent, told The Sun that Wetzel has hosted Individual Educational Plan seminars and “will always push to help other parents to advocate for their own children. She knows her stuff and she’s an incredible asset to this community.” 

Wetzel served on the Dunbar parent-teacher organization for five years and was also part of Dunbar’s English Learner Advisory Committee.

She said two of her immediate concerns were English language learners who are not meeting basic academic standards, and special education. “I believe the District has a lot of elements of great potential. We have amazing teachers, facilities, innovative programs, and many involved parents and community members.”

 




Sonoma Sun | Sonoma, CA