The Sacramento County Board of Education said a formal farewell to Board President Sylvia J. Ruiz at its June 28 meeting. Ruiz, who had earlier announced her retirement from the County Board of Education, was honored for her service as Area 2 Trustee.
Board Vice President Harold Fong presented President Ruiz with a plaque of appreciation from the Board. She was also presented with an inscribed clock in commemoration of her service to the Board of Education and the students of Sacramento County. The Board recessed its meeting for a reception honoring Ruiz, whose term concludes at the end of June 2006.
Ruiz has served since 2002 as Area 2 Trustee, representing the communities of Antelope, Del Paso Heights, Elverta, Gardenland, Hagginwood, North Highlands, North and South Natomas, North Sacramento, Rio Linda, Robla, and a portion of Foothill Farms.
Born in Guatemala and raised in California, Ruiz is a graduate of Rio Linda High School in Sacramento County and received her B.A. degree in government from Harvard University. She is employed by the Service Employees International Union Local 1877 as a Communications Coordinator.
Succeeding Ruiz as Area 2 Trustee will be Gretchen Bender, also a Natomas resident. Bender's four-year term of office will commence upon her taking the oath of office at the County Board of Education meeting scheduled for July 12, 2006.