El Dorado County (Dec 16, 2024, 2024) – At the December 13, 2024, regular meeting of the El Dorado County Board of Education, three trustees took the oath of office, marking a significant moment for the county’s educational leadership. Returning trustee Kathi Jensen reaffirmed her commitment to representing Area 5, while newcomers Rachel Librach and Ken Futernick were sworn in to serve Areas 1 and 3, respectively.
Area 1 encompasses portions of the Buckeye, Latrobe, El Dorado Union High, and Rescue districts. Librach, a lifelong Californian and resident of El Dorado Hills since 2009, is an alumna of Rolling Hills Middle School and Oak Ridge High School. She earned a Bachelor of Innovation degree from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and co-owns El Dorado Hills Realty and Housing Centric Property Management. Expressing her enthusiasm, Librach stated, “I am very much looking forward to giving back to my community and working with parents, students, and faculty to maintain our high-quality schools and learning environments.”
Area 3 includes parts of the Buckeye, Camino, Gold Oak, Gold Trail, El Dorado Union High, Mother Lode, Placerville, and Pollock Pines districts. Futernick brings extensive experience as an educator, having served as an elementary teacher, professor, researcher, podcast host, and educational consultant. He began his teaching career in the Rescue School District and currently leads “Bridging Divides – El Dorado,” a project aimed at uniting the community. Additionally, he hosts the “Teacher Stories” podcast, launched in 2018, celebrating impactful educators, and “Courageous Conversations About Our Schools,” initiated in 2021, fostering discussions on educational challenges. Futernick remarked, “I’m honored to serve in this capacity and to collaborate with educators and parents on behalf of all students in El Dorado County.”
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ed Manansala, welcomed the trustees, stating, “Their diverse backgrounds and proven leadership in community-based initiatives will benefit our county’s students and families. Their extensive experience and dedication to our community make them invaluable additions to our Board.”
The terms for Librach (Area 1) and Futernick (Area 3) will expire on December 11, 2026, and December 8, 2028, respectively. Jensen’s term for Area 5 will also conclude on December 8, 2028.
The El Dorado County Board of Education plays a crucial role in setting educational goals and addressing student issues within the county. The board typically holds its meetings at 12:30 PM on the first Tuesday of every month, welcoming public participation.
Community members are encouraged to engage with the new trustees and share their perspectives on the future of education in El Dorado County. Your insights and comments are invaluable as the board strives to enhance the educational experience for all students.
