Sonoma County superintendent honored for effective leadership during October 2017 wildfires

The Sonoma County superintendent of schools was honored by a statewide organization for leading area school districts through the destructive October 2017 wildfires and the aftermath.

Steve Herrington, who began his role as county superintendent in 2011, was recognized by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association at its quarterly membership dinner on Oct. 15.

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson told dinner attendees by letter that his respect for Herrington grew daily during that period of emergency response.

“Working long hours, Superintendent Herrington engaged in constant communications with local, regional, state, and federal agencies in order to mobilize resources and assistance for communities impacted by the fires,” Torlakson wrote.

Shasta County Office of Education Superintendent Judy Flores also commended Herrington for helping her team in the aftermath of the Carr fire by providing them with timely information about cleaning up toxic ash, monitoring air quality and how to best assist fire victims.