Sharon Sagar Steps Down from School Board

Ross Valley School District Board Trustee Sharon Sagar announced that she will not run for re-election in the upcoming school district board election.

"After a great deal of consideration, I have decided not to complete filing papers to re-run for a position on the Ross Valley School Board. I have decided to announce this now with the hope that some new candidates will come forward before the filing deadline next Wednesday, Aug. 17," she said in a statement.

Trustee Conn Hickey also announced earlier this summer that he would not run for re-election either. There are three seats up for election in November: Hickey, Sagar and Trustee Anneliese Bauer. Bauer, who was appointed to the position, is the only incumbent currently planning on running for re-election. No other candidates have taken out papers with the Marin County Registrar's Office yet.

Because an incumbent is not running the deadline to submit papers for candidacy will be extended to Aug. 17.

"The Ross Valley School District has not had a contested election for several years, and will not have one again this year unless at least three new candidates come forward in the next week," said Sagar. "This means that anyone who files has a great chance of just walking into the positions. I personally hope that this doesn’t happen."  

"Our students and our schools deserve much more than this, and as a community we cannot be apathetic about the quality of leadership we need. I believe that we have many excellent candidates in our community, and it is important that we start to get others involved in governance at the district level. Our community schools are our greatest asset. If we want to continue to have great schools it is important that high caliber individuals step up and get involved. Our community deserves the opportunity to hear the positions and ideas of these candidates and to select the best individuals for the job," said Sagar in her released statement.

Sagar had been a vocal advocate for a small school opening at Deer Park to address overcrowding issues - an issue that was hotly contested throughout the last year. She was elected to the board in 2007.

"It has been a great pleasure to work with so many incredible educators and staff members, as well as the many parents and community members who contribute so much to our schools, during the 14 years I have served in this position," she said.