County Board of Education

County Board of Education

Please access the Board agendas and minutes through the Diligent Community Portal.

The Lake County Board of Education consists of five members. The County Board operates under the authority of the California Constitution, the State Legislature, the California Code, and the State Board of Education.

The trustees are responsible for:

• Adopting the Annual Lake County Office of Education Local Control and Accountability Plan and budget
• Adopting policies governing the operation of the County Board
• Acting as the appeals board for student expulsions, interdistrict transfers, and charter school petitions
• Evaluating the Lake County Superintendent of Schools and establishing the rate of compensation
• Serving as the landlord and owner of property

Email: melissa.kinsel@lakecoe.org

Melissa Kinsel, Board President, Trustee Area 1, Middletown

I'm originally from Washington State, but my grandparents were born and raised in Oakland.  Their parents built a summer home on Jago Bay in the 1930s and it is still in our family.  My grandmother moved down the road from that home in 1980 and I have been visiting ever since.  In 1991, having driven up for a visit (we had moved to Walnut Creek by then), I had a funny feeling that someday I would be living in Lake County.  In 2004, that "funny feeling" came true & we've been here ever since!  In my personal time I love to swim, cycle, practice yoga, work in the garden, run, hike, read, explore nature, and meet new and interesting people. Ms. Kinsel was sworn into her position with the Lake County Board of Education in 2016. Term Expires: 2024

Email: nancy.hudson@lakecoe.org

Nancy Hudson, Board Vice President, Trustee Area 4, Lakeport

I was born and raised in Lakeport, California. I graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1977 and spent some time at Sierra College. In February of 1980, I took a job with the Lake County Office of Education and
worked there until my retirement on August 1, 2018. Education became my career, and it is very dear to my heart. I am honored to serve on the Board of Education. In my retirement, I volunteer serving on
the Certified Tourism Ambassador CORE committee, the Adult Literacy Board, and the Hartley Cemetery Board. For several years, I tutored at Lakeport Elementary School with the Schools of Hope program.
I enjoy walking, yoga, exercising at Shapes and riding my stationary bike. I spend time reading and staying up on current events. I like being involved in the community, supporting my church and our monthly food cupboard, and attending local events. Ms. Hudson was sworn into her position with the Lake County Board of Education in 2022 Term Expires: 2026

Email: mark.cooper@lakecoe.org

Dr. Mark Cooper, Trustee Area 2, Clearlake

I was born in San Francisco and moved to South San Francisco while in elementary school. I met my wife, Janice, in High School and after receiving my dental degree, we decided to move to Clearlake. Our decision was based on lifestyle and we both do not regret our choice. I was raised in a blue-collar family where education was stressed as a means to fulfill my life’s dreams. My goal, for the students of Lake County, is to provide each one a quality education so that their dreams are not limited by their circumstances. Dr. Cooper was sworn into his position with the Lake County Board of Education in 1992. Term Expires: 2024

Email: denise.loustalot@lakecoe.org

Denise Loustalot, Trustee Area 3, Northshore

Denise Loustalot has been a Lake County resident for 37 years, and is a graduate of Lower Lake High School. She and her husband, Pete, Have a blended family of five children. She is a 3rd generation Family Small Business Owner. Ms. Loustalot has a long history of dedicated community and public service. She is the former Mayor and City Councilwoman for Clearlake. She was the President of the Clearlake Chamber of Commerce, and served on numerous other Councils and Board of Directors. She is an active member with the Rotary and Soroptimists. Ms. Loustalot was sworn into her position with the Lake County Board of Education in 2018. Term Expires: 2026

Email: itziaperez-rico@lakecoe.org

Itzia Rico, Trustee Area 5, Kelseyville

Itzia Rico is a long-time Lake County resident and business owner. Rico is the proud owner of Studebakers Coffee House and Deli in downtown Kelseyville. As a mother of five, with four of her children in the Kelseyville Unified School system, she is committed to supporting Lake County schools and students. Whether it be coaching volleyball or basketball, or volunteering in the classroom, Rico is determined to put students first and knows how important it is for them to succeed. As a Board member, Rico is committed to working with others for the success of all students. Ms. Rico was sworn into her position with the Lake County Board of Education on June 14, 2023.  Term Expires: 2024