LAKEPORT – This week the Lake County Office of Education announced three senior director appointments that are part of a restructuring of the agency.

With the departure of Lake County Office of Education (LCOE) Deputy Superintendent Chris Thomas, who was recently appointed state trustee to the Round Valley School District, Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook has led his office on a process of restructuring and evaluating how best to serve Lake County communities while efficiently and effectively utilizing resources.

Upon election in September, Holbrook launched a detailed 100-Day Plan, which included a comprehensive review of programs and services.

“Our program review is now complete, and it provided an ideal platform for analyzing how best to restructure the county office and ensure smooth transitions,” Holbrook said.

The program review is available on the LCOE Web site, http://www.lake-coe.k12.ca.us/forms/document.asp?Q=1843&T=Documents , or hard copies can be accessed at the county office, located at 1152 S. Main St., Lakeport.

Rather than replace Thomas as deputy superintendent, LCOE has eliminated this position, and is restructuring by adding three senior director positions to the management team, which Holbrook said has resulted in increased efficiency, cost savings and greater expansion capabilities.

The transition began March 1, with the appointment of Tim Gill to the position of senior director of Educational Services.

Gill has served at LCOE as the director of curriculum and instruction, and prior to that has extensive experience teaching middle and high school math. He also provides a wide range of professional development in the area of mathematics instruction to schools throughout California.

Additionally, Business Services Director Michelle Buell has been appointed senior director of business services.

Buell has served at LCOE for 16 years. She began as an accounts clerk at Kelseyville Unified School District and moved to the County Office in 2005. Buell was promoted to internal business manager in 1998, and has served in her current position as director of business services since 2007.

Finally, the executive management team will be completed with the appointment of Brock Falkenberg to the position of senior director of human resources and designated programs.

Falkenberg has worked at LCOE for five years, and currently serves as the director of regional occupational programs.

This final transition will not be complete until July, ensuring the executive management team will be fully in place for the 2011-12 school year, the LCOE said.

“We are excited about this opportunity to improve our efficiency and effectiveness; there is a real sense of optimism throughout our organization,” said Holbrook. “We are confident that these strategic appointments and the restructuring of our organization will translate into increased support and resources to our schools, districts, students and communities.”

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