SBCSS News and Press Releases

Sumpter Elected President Of County Board Of Education

2009-12-07

SAN BERNARDINO - The San Bernardino County Board of Education elected Mark Sumpter as its new president of the five-member body today.

In a unanimous vote, Sumpter takes over as board president and succeeds David Stine, whose one-year term ended Monday. In addition, the board voted unanimously to elect Alen Ritchie as vice president. He succeeds Sumpter as vice president.

"The County Board strives to serve all of our students and districts," Sumpter said. "We are experiencing some extraordinarily difficult times and must work together in making some difficult decisions that will protect educational services for our children. The Board is constantly monitoring what is taking place in the county and supporting Superintendent Gary Thomas and the County Schools' staff in their service."

Sumpter represents Trustee Area A, which includes the districts in the High Desert. Sumpter has served on the County Board since 2006.

Ritchie represents Trustee Area E, which includes the districts of Bear Valley, Colton, Morongo, Redlands and Yucaipa-Calimesa. He was first elected to the board in 2008.

The Board establishes policy, adopts an annual budget, approves building plans and hears student expulsion and interdistrict transfer appeals. The Board meets monthly, regularly the first Monday of the month.