IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN
Improvement of our public school systems has been the topic of conversation for the entirety of my career. The spotlight on improvement didn’t begin in the 1980s when I started teaching, it started in earnest in 1957 when the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik into orbit – the first successful man-made satellite to orbit Earth. This event sent a shock wave through the nation at the time. Our scientists and elected officials expected the U.S. to be the first in space. We were not.
The problem was quickly identified by elected officials: Schools were not turning out enough scientists and mathematicians. This challenge to our national security unleashed the first of a handful of federal programs to fund education. The National Defense Education Act was passed to explicitly fund science and math education programs at the local level. It wasn’t much money, but it started a new movement, solving national problems in our local public schools.
CHILDREN ARE OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE, AND WE WANT THEM TO GROW UP TO BE PRODUCTIVE, HAPPY, ADULTS WHO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN OUR DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
Today’s school improvement work is still urgent. Teachers, administrators, and staff spend an incredible amount of time responding to the real needs of our young and not-so-young learners. Children are our most precious resource, and we want them to grow up to be productive, happy adults who fully participate in our democratic institutions. This means staying focused in the early grades on literacy and numeracy. With the basics in place, there is no limit to what our students can achieve, but many still struggle to meet minimum standards as identified on annual tests.
Because of the enormous pressure put on children and their teachers during the past 75 years, we have had to get much better at
identifying how we spend our time working to improve the system we call public education. A strategy that we’ve borrowed from the medical field has taught us that we need to examine data of all sorts to get at the root cause of any particular outcome. A single data point like a standardized test doesn’t create a clear picture of how a system as complex as a school or a school district works. This year’s report, and presentation that accompanies it, will provide you with a glimpse into the ongoing work here in Merced County to change outcomes for our students. As we use the tools of improvement science you will continue to see the bright spots in Merced County grow into an overwhelming success story of how public education improves lives.
Steve M. Tietjen, Ed.D. County Superintendent of Schools
A HISTORY OF MERCED SCHOOLS
Merced County schools were incorporated nearly 170 years ago in 1856 when the first County Superintendent of Schools William Nelson petitioned the Board of Supervisors to divide the county into three school districts. The 1860 census reported a population of 1,141 in Merced County, and in 1863, the County Superintendent reported an enrollment of 267 children and a county school budget of $1,000. The first high school
was established in 1895 with 27 students and two teachers under the administration of the County Board of Education. In 1897, a new high school was completed on the corner of 22nd and M Streets in
Courthouse Square. Unfortunately, the building caught fire in 2024 and was later demolished. Today, there are 20 school districts with their own Board of Trustees and Superintendents who serve nearly 60,000 TK-12 grade students with Steve M. Tietjen, Ed.D., serving as the 29th County Superintendent of Schools.
ROLE OF SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES
All 20 school districts in Merced County are governed by a board of locally elected trustees who ensure that they are responsive to the values, beliefs, and priorities of their communities. School board members are responsible for hiring and evaluating the superintendent, setting district policies, approving Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs), adopting and monitoring budgets, assessing district performance, evaluating student achievement, and actively listening to public feedback.
MERCED COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Area 1
DENNIS HANKS
CHAIRPERSON
Area 2
TIM RAZZARI
VICE CHAIRPERSON
Area 3
FRANK FAGUNDES
Area 4
RODRIGO ESPINOZA
Area 5
GENEVA BRETT
Delhi, Dos Palos, Gustine, Hilmar, and Los Banos are unified school districts that include their own high school and serve TK-12 students
Merced Union High School District encompasses 10 elementary school districts
• Atwater ESD
• Ballico-Cressey SD
• El Nido ESD
• Livingston Union SD
• McSwain Union ESD
• Merced City SD
• Merced River Union ESD
• Snelling-Merced Falls UESD
• Weaver Union SD
• Winton SD
Le Grand Union High School District encompasses three elementary school districts
• Planada ESD
• Le Grand ESD
• Plainsburg ESD
Snelling-Merced Falls
Merced River
Merced City Atwater Elem.
Weaver Union Elem.
Planada
Le Grand Elem.
Plainsburg Union Elem. El Nido Elem.
Dos Palos-Oro Loma Unified
Los Banos Unified
Gustine Unified
BallicoCressey
Winton Livingston Union Elem.
Hilmar Unified
McSwain Union Elem.
THE ROLE OF THE COUNTY OFFICE
County Offices of Education act as support systems for local school districts and offer valuable services, guidance, leadership, and oversight.
In California, the public education system consists of three different levels: state, county, and local. The state level establishes regulations, funding, and policies through the California Department of Education and the State Board of Education; the county level is where COEs operate to support school districts in their mission to deliver quality education to students; and the local level is where individual school districts oversee day-to-day education of students.
Some services of a COE include assisting districts with academic performance initiatives, providing professional development for staff, and ensuring school districts are fiscally responsible and secure.
COEs also actively support student events, arts, and outdoor education as well as operate programs that directly serve non-traditional students — for example, students who were expelled, incarcerated or on probation, students with significant special needs, and early learners.
FEDERAL
The US Department of Education funds Title 1 programs for children in poverty, which also includes preschool-aged children, children with special needs, migrant children, and Head Start.
STATE
The California Department of Education, State Board of Education and state legislature make up the state level and are responsible for regulations, funding, and policies.
COUNTY
The 58 County Offices of Education make up the county level and serve as support systems for school districts as well as liaisons for the state.
LOCAL
There are more than 1,000 individual school districts throughout the state that make up the local level and are responsible for the day-today education of students.
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MORE
DID YOU KNOW
Merced COE does not...
directly oversee or govern local school districts
Merced COE does...
support school district budgets and Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs), manages teacher credentialing and the county-wide substitute teacher list, and handles student expulsion appeals from school districts.
Ensure school districts are fiscally accountable and solvent
Approve school district Local Control and Accountability Plans
Assist districts with before and after school student programs
Provide guidance and support to local school districts
Provide high-quality outdoor education programs for sixth graders
Manage Head Start and Child Care Subsidy Programs
Provide professional development for educators across the region
Organize student events and academic competitions
Serve Migrant Education students and families in Merced, Madera, and Stanislaus Counties
Oversee foster youth and homeless student programs
Operate Wired Café and serve students with special needs in all 20 school districts
Operate early, alternative, and special education programs
MERCED COUNTY FAST FACTS
Located in California’s Central Valley, Merced County neighbors the Sierra Nevada foothills to the east with both rural and urban counties to the west. An agricultural epicenter that is nearly 2,000 square miles, grossing $4.22 billion in agricultural commodities in 2023. The county serves nearly 60,000 students in 20 school districts and is home to California’s tenth research university, UC Merced.
SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM
California’s accountability system is based on a multiple-measure system that assesses how Merced COE, other local educational agencies, and schools meet the needs of students. Performance on these measures are reported through the California School Dashboard. In 2023, the accountability system returned from status to performance level. This change was made to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how districts progress over time. In a recent update, the dashboard added Long Term English Learners as a new student group.
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291,920 POPULATION GRAD RATE 93.7% 59,563 STUDENTS †
107 SCHOOLS
12.8%
BY THE NUMBERS
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
ENGLISH LEARNER STUDENTS 23.5% 78.7% SOCIOECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGE STUDENTS
10,910 * † SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
2,737 CREDENTIALED TEACHERS (2022-23)
3.7% HOMELESS STUDENTS AND FOSTER YOUTH
39.1% 4-YEAR AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE-GOING RATE (2021-22) $65,044 COUNTY MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
SCHOOLS BY TYPE
Merced COE, along with Merced County’s 20 school districts, serves a diverse population of students from Transitional Kindergarten to adult learners at 107 different school sites across the county.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
SCHOOL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT
BALLICO-CRESSEY ELEMENTARY
DELHI UNIFIED
DOS PALOS-ORO LOMA JOINT UNIFIED
GUSTINE UNIFIED
HILMAR UNIFIED
ATWATER ELEMENTARY LE GRAND UNION HIGH EL NIDO ELEMENTARY
LIVINGSTON UNION
LOS BANOS UNIFIED
MCSWAIN UNION ELEMENTARY
MERCED CITY ELEMENTARY
MERCED COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
HOW SCHOOL FUNDING WORKS
The main source of funding for Merced County school districts is the Local Control Funding Formula. Established in 2013, the LCFF works by allocating a base grant for each Average Daily Attendance and a grade span adjustment is added to the base grant for TK-3 and 9-12 grades. Districts may receive an additional 20% supplemental grant and 65% concentration grant per student for those with higher needs, including children in poverty, English learners, and foster youth. In addition, other add-ons to the formula include Home-to-School Transportation and Transitional Kindergarten. Included in the LCFF formula is a mix of local property taxes, Education Protection Act funds, and state aid. There are no school districts that are exclusively community funded in Merced County. Community funded districts means funding comes directly from local property taxes and does not include state aid.
COUNTY ABOVE STATE AVERAGE
Merced County’s public high school graduation rates rose by 1.2% in the 2023-24 school year, with 4,406 high school seniors earning their diplomas.
The Merced County five-year high school graduation rate average was 93.7%. This data includes special education students who received a certificate of completion, students that opted for a fifth year, and students who dropped out of school.
Merced COE’s graduation rate is lower than the traditional school districts based on the student demographic served, which includes incarcerated students and county and community school students, which tend to have lower graduation rates. Despite this, the Merced County high school graduation rate is above the state average of 90.8%.
UNDERSTANDING IMPROVEMENT SCIENCE
Improvement science is an evolving field of study focused on the theories, methods, and practices that enhance the performance of teams, organizations, and communities. In education, improvement science is applied to improve both the systems that support learning and the outcomes students achieve.
The field emphasizes that progress in student achievement requires a combination of skill, strength, and a deep understanding of subject matter. Through these principles, educators can combat challenges within the educational system to achieve long-term improvements. With both the development of teaching skills and the strengthening of the educational system, improvement science ensures that initiatives to improve student outcomes are established from evidence-based practices.
WHAT IS IMPROVEMENT SCIENCE?
• An applied science focused on improving systems
• Combines fields of study, including systems thinking, psychology of change, understanding differences, and the philosophy of learning.
POSITIVE OUTLIERS
LIVINGSTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Livingston School District stands out for its commitment to student attendance, particularly in Kindergarten, which has one of the highest absentee rates in the state. The district focuses on building strong relationships with students and families, creating a culture where students feel valued and motivated to come to school each day. The district’s use of actionable goals and partnership with parents ensures that every student feels like part of a larger team working toward their success.
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Franklin Elementary School excels with high Mathematics scores and low absenteeism rates, due to the school’s use of district testing and data review to guide instructional decisions and track student progress. The school also addresses absenteeism by organizing activities that keep students motivated, engaged, and excited to attend. Additionally, the school’s commitment to professional growth among staff ensures that the school and staff continue to improve and further enhance student success.
WINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Winton School District exceeded expectations by outperforming other districts statewide, despite serving a large low socioeconomic student population. Students at Frank Sparkes Elementary School received the highest test scores in Merced County in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The district’s emphasis on data analysis enabled the school to identify academic gaps and adjust instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students. The district also celebrates student achievements through award assemblies to establish a culture that values academic success.
20.7% MERCED COUNTY AVERAGE CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM
2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR 9.4% CAMPUS PARK ELEMENTARY
Dots represents schools in the Merced City School District.
CAASPP TEST RESULTS
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION
MERCED COUNTY EDUCATION
Tracking and analyzing data helps inform ongoing initiatives to improve educational outcomes for students. From Career Technical Education participation to students identified as English proficient, these metrics provide a glimpse of current trends in Merced County’s educational system as well as areas for growth.
RECLASSIFIED FLUENT ENGLISH PROFICIENT
Reclassified Fluent English Proficient refers to students in K-12 grades, who upon entering public school in California, are identified as English Learners and subsequently reclassified as English fluent. Reclassification can reflect a student’s broader academic growth, as language proficiency is tied to meeting other academic milestones in high school and beyond.
TEACHER TRAINING
Merced COE works with school districts and other educational agencies across the region to prepare teachers for success in the classroom. Previously, institutes of higher education mostly performed this function, but in the past 15 years COEs have increased the capacity to support teachers who are not fully credentialed.
A student in kindergarten through grade 12 who, upon entering public school in California, is identified
The Career Technical Education (CTE) at Merced COE and county school districts provides students with academic and technical skills, knowledge, and a pathway to postsecondary education and careers. TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR
93.80% 2.40% 1.81% 0.54%
The Phoenix Project helps previously adjudicated adults reentering society obtain employment through career and educational services.
THE PHOENIX PROJECT
2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR *Enrolled in a Career Technical Education program.
132 100 35 14 22 7 ATTENDED ORIENTATION COMPLETED WORKSHOP SERIES ENROLLED* GAINFULLY EMPLOYED GRADUATES HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
ALTERNATIVE PATH TO A DIPLOMA
Merced COE, like many local educational agencies, operates alternative education programs that serve non-traditional students, special education students, and early learners.
EDUCATION OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS
Merced Scholars Charter School is a community-initiated charter school that operates as a public school supported by Merced COE and serves students TK-12. The school houses the Nonclassroom-Based Program and the Dual Language Immersion Program.
NONCLASSROOM-BASED INSTRUCTION
Also referred to as Independent Study, the hybrid program is made up of one-onone instruction with teachers, home-based work, and onsite classes. High school students have the option to participate in dual enrollment classes at Merced College.
DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION
The Dual Language Immersion program serves students grades TK-3 and gives them an opportunity to learn two languages, as well as build socio-cultural competence. The Spanish DLI class is a 50/50 program, where students learn half in Spanish and half in English. The program is set to launch the first Hmong DLI class during the 2025-26 school year.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO COME BACK
Come Back Charter School — a charter school authorized by Merced COE — is an independent study program that provides individualized and flexible learning plans to help students 18 and older earn their diploma.
WORKFORCE FUNDED EMPOWER PROGRAM
2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR
225 55 155 3 ENROLLED IN INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL TRAINING WORK EXPERIENCE ENROLLMENTS
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS RECEIVED NEW ENROLLMENTS
2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR
19 COME BACK CHARTER SCHOOL
31 MERCED SCHOLARS CHARTER SCHOOL CHARTER SCHOOL GRADUATES
EMPOWERING FAMILIES IN MERCED COUNTY
The Early Education Department at Merced COE provides services and programs for Merced County’s youngest learners, their families, and the early education professionals who support them.
As Merced County continues to grow, so do the demands for highquality, accessible early education services. In 2024, the Early Education Department expanded facilities, and opened three new infant and toddler classrooms. Additionally, more than 200 early educators were trained and certified through Merced COE programs and more than 50 new childcare providers were licensed.
PREPARING YOUNG LEARNERS
Head Start and Early Head Start served more than 900 children across Merced County in 2024.
EMPOWERING PARENTS
This past decade, more than 600 families participated in the Parent Leadership Training Institute, which helps parents develop advocacy, leadership, and confidence to engage in their child’s education.
EARLY EDUCATOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
More than 200 early educators were trained and certified in 2024 and with more than 50 new child care providers licensed.
CHILD CARE
Subsidized child care, including the California Alternative Payment Program, has grown significantly. Alternative payment programs use federal and state funding to provide vouchers for eligible low-income families.
Kindergarten students participate in a ceremony of promotion to celebrate their success in the Dual Language Immersion Program.
From 2020 to 2024, early education enrollment in Merced County grew significantly, with an increase in children receiving support through subsidy programs. Participation in the ACCESS Subsidy Program nearly doubled, expanding access for families in need. Enrollment in other early childhood education programs also rose, highlighting ongoing initiatives to improve early learning opportunities across the county
TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN EXPANDS
Merced County has seen a high demand for Transitional Kindergarten, which created a need for additional facilities, teacher training, and staff recruitment to meet enrollment needs.
CREATIVE PATHS FOR MIGRANT STUDENTS
Migrant Education is a federal program that provides education and support services to eligible migrant children and their families. Merced COE’s Region III serves more than 9,000 families in Merced, Madera, and Stanislaus Counties.
SERVICES FOR FAMILIES
Provides health, nutrition, social services, transportation, identification and recruitment services, and organizes the Parent Advisory Council.
FAMILY MATH NIGHTS
Provided at all eight migrant camps across three counties, Family Math Nights help students learn math through engaging family activities. About 160 students and their families attended.
MIGRANT EDUCATION SUMMER ARTS PROGRAM
Students enrolled in the Migrant Education Summer Arts Program showcased their artistic talents during an art exhibition, featuring a collection of 2D and 3D art pieces created by rising ninth-grade students from the MCOE Migrant Education Program.
STUDENTS CELEBRATE RECLASSIFICATION
The Special Education Program celebrated 15 students who were reclassified as Fluent English Language Proficient after taking the Alternative English Language Proficiency Assessment. Developed by the California Department of Education, the Alt ELPAC assesses English proficiency for students with significant cognitive needs.
Nearly 20 young adults from the MCOE Special Education Transition Center were honored after completing a year of the El Capitan Hotel Vocational Education Housekeeping Program. The program helps students develop life and employment skills through hands-on housekeeping and hospitality training at the El Capitan Hotel in Merced.
Merced COE’s Special Education Program operates countywide programs and services that support students of all abilities, from orthopedic and cognitive impaired services to adaptive physical education, transition programs, and vocational training.
ENGLISH LEARNERS WHO TOOK THE ALT ELPAC
RECLASSIFIED ENGLISH LEARNERS
STUDENTS PLACED AT WORKSITES
HOURS OF PAID EXPERIENCE
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
EDUCATION BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Through fundraisers and community support, the Merced County Education Foundation provides enrichment experiences for students outside of a traditional classroom setting, including outdoor education at Camp Green Meadows Outdoor School, Visual and Performing Arts, STEM Education, and College and Career experiences.
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
MCEF continues to support local arts organizations like the Merced Symphony Children’s Concerts, UC Merced Children’s Opera, and the Merced County Honor Choir, which introduce students to the arts and emphasize the importance of creativity in every aspect of life.
Each year, MCEF asks schools and districts to submit grant applications for their dream art program to learn how they can supplement funding for an art project or program. Though a new program, more than $14,000 was awarded for projects like a lunchtime arts program to combat discipline problems, ARTree funding to bring art professionals to multiple classrooms, wardrobe support for a district Ballet Folklorico Program, a family paint night to increase engagement, transportation for Ballico Taiko to attend a training from a professional player, and a field trip for high school students to explore art schools and career opportunities in Los Angeles.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
After 60 years of operation, facilities at the outdoor school require maintenance and renovations which can be supported through capital campaigns from MCEF. In recent years, MCEF supported the construction of a new nurse’s station. This year, MCEF will continue to make improvements to Camp Green Meadows, including additions and renovations to the cafeteria and women’s facilities, as well as necessary items to ensure camp is accessible for all and a mattress campaign for 2025. Through support from generous sponsors and donors, MCEF can continue to expand opportunities for campers.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES 3 3 2 6
COLLEGE AND CAREER ($500 EACH)
Evelyn Eagleton High School Students
Evelyn Eagleton Adult Students
CTE Transportation High School Students
MIGRANT ($1,000 EACH)
Scholarship Recipients
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF OUTDOOR
EDUCATION
Nearly 100 former and future campers visited Camp Green Meadows to celebrate the outdoor school’s 60th anniversary. Guests and their families enjoyed a day of hiking, rock wall climbing, crafts, and lunch prepared by staff.
Camp Green Meadows, originally named Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School, has provided multi-day environmental education and weeklong summer camp programs for generations of Central Valley sixth graders. The school continues to serve thousands of students each year with immersive, hands-on experiences in the natural world.
DID YOU KNOW
Camp Green Meadows sits just outside of Yosemite National Park
The school was originally named after former Merced COE Director of Outdoor Education
Camp Green Meadows curriculum aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards
Jack L. Boyd was Director of Outdoor Education at MCOE and founded Camp Green Meadows 60 years ago.
EXPERIENCES FOR EVERY STUDENT
Student events and competitions play a significant role in personal and academic development by providing unique opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration. Student events can showcase a student’s original work in the Writing or Speech Festivals, teach them an appreciation of the Arts from the Opera or Symphony, or highlight a special skill in one of the Spelling Bees or the STEM Fair. Students also learn to collaborate and work as a team in events like the Academic Pentathlon or Decathlon. Many of these create real-world experiences, build confidence and resilience, and encourage creativity and innovation. By participating in these activities, students gain experiences that go beyond textbooks, preparing them for challenges in both their personal and academic lives.
STUDENT EVENTS
2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR
STUDENTS EVENTS 13
7,648 2,668 2,848 CONTEST ENTREES STUDENTS ATTENDEES TOTAL AWARDS
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EXPANDING THE LEGACY
The Virginia Smith Trust was established in 1975 from the will of Merced-native Virginia Smith, who left a 7,000-acre estate to fund scholarships for students in the City of Merced. The trust has since distributed more than $6 million in scholarships to more than 3,000 students. Virginia’s estate also contributed to the development of UC Merced, which was established on land donated by the VST.
Expansion of the trust continues as plans for the University Community move forward. In September 2024, the Local Agency Formation Commission officially voted to annex the VST land located south of UC Merced. The annexation is part of the development plan to establish the community and will bring Merced City services to the land. The University Community will expand scholarship capacity for local students and create more housing options.
The VST’s development plan not only honors Virginia Smith’s vision but also ensures long-term community prosperity that will benefit Merced County students and residents for generations to come.
AWARD SUMMARY
A brief timeline of the VIRGINIA SMITH TRUST
The Virginia Smith Trust was formally established
UC Merced opens on land donated from VST
University Community Land Commission divides land south of UC Merced creating a VST Community Development footprint
PRESENT
VST offers grants to high school seniors in
Merced County Court expands VST to serve students countywide
Merced County Board of Supervisors entitles the VST
The Local Agency Formation Commission votes to annex VST land
Search continues for development partners
Groundbreaking for VST development and section of Campus Parkway
Scholarship expands to serve students countywide
2024 AWARD WINNERS
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
The Merced County Excellence in Education program began in 2006 from a partnership between Educational Employees Credit Union and the Merced County Office of Education. Originally, the program started as Teacher of the Year, but soon evolved into a platform of appreciation for all school personnel. Today, the program honors the county’s most notable teachers, administrators, and school employees.
Whether in classrooms, on campuses, in offices, or anywhere in between, MCOE recognizes the everyday contributions made by staff on behalf of students, families, and the Merced County community. THANK
Employee of the Year
OCTAVIO UGALDE
Lead Custodian
Merced City School District
Administrator of the Year
DANA REYES
Principal
Bryant Middle School
Teacher of the Year
AMBER KIRBY
Theatre and Film Teacher
Golden Valley High School
MERCED COE DEPARTMENTS
Merced County Office of Education has six departments that provide educational support and resources to the county’s 20 school districts. Department responsibilities include oversight of curriculum and instruction, career and alternative education, business services, early childcare and education, technology, migrant education, special education, and teacher credentialing, among others.
The Superintendent’s department oversees the overall operations of Merced COE and ensures that all departments and programs run effectively and efficiently; Business Services
manages finances and budgeting for Merced COE and surrounding school districts, among other business functions; Human Resources manages employee recruitment, benefits, payroll and more; Special Education is responsible for providing services to student with special needs, including Individualized Education Plans and other necessary support; Educational Services manages a range of programs and resources to improve student achievement, including professional development opportunities for educators, career and technical training, and managing educational programs for students; and Early Education supports early childhood education programs, services for students and families, along with childcare subsidies for families and providers. Each department plays a role to ensure that Merced COE provides accessible and equitable education and support for students and educators throughout Merced County.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Merced County Board of Education consists of five members elected by voters in their trustee area. The four-year terms are staggered to allow for continuity. The board operates under the authority of the California Constitution,
the State Legislature, California Education Code, and the California State Board of Education. Trustees are responsible for adopting the annual County Office of Education Local Control and Accountability Plan and budget, adopting policies governing the operation of the board; and acting as the appeals board for student expulsions, interdistrict transfers and charter school petitions. Members of the Merced County Board of Education also serve as trustees to the Virginia Smith Trust.
MARTÍN MACÍAS
LAURA FONG, Ed.D.
ROSA BARRAGAN
Connect with Merced COE