MENDOCINO CO., 11/6/25 – David Strock has been appointed to the Mendocino County Board of Education to represent Trustee Area 3, the county Office of Education announced Wednesday.
Strock was appointed in September to replace former trustee Michelle Hutchins, who accepted a job at Willits Unified School District, making her ineligible to continue serving on the board.
Trustee Area 3 includes northeastern Mendocino County, encompassing the city of Willits and the unincorporated communities of Covelo and Laytonville.
Strock, a lifelong Mendocino County resident, previously ran against Hutchins for the position in the 2024 general election. He works as a planner with the county’s Planning and Building Services Department and has also worked in social services and as a substitute teacher. He lives in Willits.
“I truly believe teaching is the most important job there is,” he said. “Having worked alongside teachers and administrators, I understand the dedication and creativity it takes to meet students’ needs, often with limited resources.”
Strock will serve as a trustee through 2026.
Sarah could you please explain levels of board appointment. For example in the past county employess were not allowed on boards and even the grand jury. Staff would be excused from appointment to x,y,z board. Sometimes past staff are denied appointment as well. When is it a conflict of interest and when is it not? Are there specific guidelines or policies? Thank you.
Good question Cherry. Let me look further into this and I’ll get back to you. Thanks for reading The Mendocino Voice!