David Bell sworn in as Trustee of Sonoma Valley Schools
David Bell sworn in as Trustee of Sonoma Valley Schools
By Anna Pier
David Bell was sworn in on September 12 as Interim Trustee of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District. The appointment of Bell, who was the unanimous choice of the four sitting Trustees, occurred during the regular board meeting. The vote followed a formal process of questioning by the Board of each of two candidates, Bell, and Cindy Studdert, whose applications had been previously approved by the Board. There was also public comment on each of the candidates prior to the vote.
The Board’s decision was based largely on the fact that Bell, who is on the ballot running uncontested for a seat on the Board, will be seated in December. The trustees expressed their appreciation for Studdert’s experience working with the schools, her institutional memory, and her commitment to equity and inclusion. Bell also made a strong case for his selection, focusing on the need to improve reading for the Valley’s students and his financail expertise. He currently serves on the District’s Budget Committee. As one trustee expressed it, “my vote (for Bell) is for the sake of stability and continuity on this body.”
After his swearing in, Bell participated in the rest of the regular meeting.
He represents Attendance Area 4, filling the seat vacated by Troy Knox on July 31.
photo: John Kelly
