State Superintendent To Visit Sonora Schools

Early next month — AM 1450 KVML radio has learned –State Superintendent of Schools Jack O´Connell will make a historic first visit to Tuolumne County and tour various schools.

Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Joe Silva said O´Connell will be in Sonora December 4th. Silva had extended the invitation to the state official.

It´s a first for the region.

“We´re very fortunate to have him coming here,” Silva said. “He´s going to be viewing some of our schools, seeing student programs, meeting with teachers and the community.”

O´Connell will have lunch at the Sonora Opera Hall then a public community forum. Silva indicated much of the talks will involve the new governor´s stance on state education and how that affects rural school districts.

“That´s right after the new governor takes office, so I think we´re going to have a real clear message,” Silva said.

Silva said this is the first time the top state school leader has visited the Mother Lode. Former State Schools Superintendent Delane Easton visited Columbia State Park about eight years ago, but did not tour the area´s schools, Silva said.

Republican State Assemblyman Dave Cogdill in Sonora this Monday. Silva said this visit will help the assemblyman better understand the needs of Tuolumne County education.