SCOE At-A-Glance
SCOE provides leadership, support, and oversight to public schools in Solano County, supporting high-quality education for all students. SCOE works closely with school districts, charter schools, and educational organizations to enhance student success through a range of programs and services.
Student Support Programs
Implementing initiatives and programs for early childhood education, student wellness & mental health, foster youth and youth experiencing housing instability, college and career readiness and more.
Professional Learning
Providing training, coaching, and resources to educators and administrators to improve teaching practices, family/community engagement, and student outcomes.
Specialized Services
Offering alternative education programs, including court and community schools, adult & workforce development programs and special education services for students with extensive support needs.
Educational Partnerships
Collaborating with local agencies, businesses, and community organizations to provide enhanced opportunities, wraparound services and career exploration for students.
Fiscal and Administrative Oversight
Supporting local school districts with credentialing, state and federal regulations compliance, technical assistance for educational initiatives, and providing budget oversight.
Student Enrichment Programs
Offering expanded student enrichment programs such as Academic Decathlon; GIRL Leadership Camps; science technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) fairs; Spelling Bee; arts initiatives, and youth leadership opportunities, designed to further foster academic and personal growth.
GRANTS & PRIORITY AREAS
Grant funding helps expand educational opportunities, providing schools, educators, and students with services, supports and resources that might otherwise be out of reach. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, SCOE secured $15.6 million in grants, donations, and service contracts that enhanced educational environments, experiences and outcomes. The following is a summary of how this funding is aligned with SCOE's priority areas.
$ 8,655 in Grants, Donations & Service Contracts Working for Solano Students $15,604,597
$1,653,081
2023-24 Solano Public Schools Data
Student Ethnicity
Students in Solano County represent a vibrant mix of backgrounds and
Solano County Student Data
Student Enrollment
Indian, 0.3%
4.3%
8.0%
Hispanic or Latino, 44.1%
Pacific Islander, 1.0%
White, 20.3%
Two or More Races, 9.4%
Not Reported, 0.8%
Graduation rate data for 2023-2024 not yet released. African American, 12.3%
* California Department of Education Census Day Enrollment Data 2023-24. Census Day Enrollment Data - Accessing Educational Data (CA Dept of Education).
Solano
SOLANO COUNTY STUDENTS
California's Public Education Has Three Levels
In California, the public education system is structured across three levels: state, county, and local. Each level plays a distinct role in governance and support for education.
The California Department of Education (CDE) and the State Board of Education set the policies, regulations, and funding structures that govern education statewide. The legislature creates laws that local educational agencies (LEAs) must follow, including the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which emphasizes equity and local control.
Each of California's 58 counties has a County Office of Education (COE), which serves as a regional support system for local school districts. COEs vary widely, but most have key roles such as:
Oversight and Compliance: Ensuring districts meet state laws and regulations, review audit findings, and oversee basic learning conditions.
Support Services: COEs provide a variety of services to districts, such as professional learning for educators, data management, fiscal guidance, and assistance with the Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP).
Alternative Education: Many COEs operate alternative programs for students, including those in juvenile court schools and students with special needs.
State County Local
Local educational agencies (LEAs) are the primary entities responsible for the day-to-day education of students. Each district operates independently, governed by an elected school board that makes decisions regarding budget, policies, curriculum, and hiring.
County Offices of Education serve as vital intermediaries, providing resources and support that enhance the operational capacity of local districts while ensuring adherence to state standards and regulations.
Solano County Office of Education Governance
The County Superintendent of Schools and the County Board of Education are elected officials who have separate duties and responsibilities. County Superintendents of Schools are established pursuant to the California Constitution and are considered county officers (similar to a sheriff, district attorney, or clerk).
The County Superintendent is elected by voters of Solano County. The Superintendent serves as a liaison between local school districts and the state and the ex-officio secretary to the County Board. The Superintendent also serves as the chief executive officer of the Solano County Office of Education.
The Solano County Board of Education is comprised of elected representatives from seven trustee areas. The Solano County Board of Education serves as the governance body for the Juvenile Court and Community School System and may authorize charter schools. The Board also serves as an appellate body for expulsion, inter-district attendance, and charter school appeals.
Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson
Board President Ginger Dunne
Area 6
1
Elease Cheek Trustee Area 5
Peggy A. Cohen-Thompson Trustee Area 7
Michelle Coleman Vice President Trustee Area
Amy Sharp Trustee Area 2
Dana Dean Trustee Area 3
Teresa Lavell Trustee Area 4
Trustee
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Career Technical Education Pathways in Solano County High Schools
A robust public education system and a well-prepared workforce are essential to the social and economic health of Solano County. Our high schools provide students with diverse opportunities for career exploration and skill development. Solano’s K-12 career technical education (CTE) pathway programs are designed to be engaging, relevant, and aligned with industry standards. They offer certifications and courses that equip students with valuable and practical job skills. Solano County’s school districts offer Solano students a wide range of career technical education (CTE) pathways.
CTE Pathways
Agricultural Mechanics
Agricultural Science
Animal Care
Animation
Automotive Technology
Biotech
Building Trades
Business Marketing
Culinary
Digital Media
Education
Emergency Response
Engineering
Floral Design
Hospitality
Kinesiology
Law
Medical Science
Performing Arts
Public Safety
Video Game Design
Video Production
Welding
2023-24 HAPPENINGS
Back to School Kickoff
Our Back-to-School Kickoff for employees was an unforgettable celebration of a new school year. The air was filled with excitement as we gathered together to reconnect, recharge, and set the stage for an amazing school year ahead. Embracing the theme "Learn, Grow, Thrive," SCOE staff were inspired and energized by our incredible keynote speaker, Kevin Bracy. His powerful words and infectious energy had everyone on their feet, dancing and cheering, as he delivered an uplifting message encouraging staff to be the greatest version of themselves and to positively reach out to one other person in kindness every day.
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T ive Grow, Le n,
Harvesting Life Skills
School-based gardens provide numerous benefits, including promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging teamwork, and fostering a sense of responsibility as students care for the plants. They also serve as a hands-on learning environment where students can explore topics like biology, ecology, and nutrition. By cultivating their own food, students gain valuable life skills and a deeper appreciation for being outside, making the garden an essential part of their educational journey.
Getting Outside with Access Adventure
Every Friday, students from Irene Larsen Education Center engage in outdoor learning with Access Adventure at Rush Ranch Open Space. There, they explore the outdoors, interact with horses, and help with the workings of an active ranch. Led by founder Michael Muir and a stellar group of volunteers, Access Adventure's mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities and other under-served members of our community by providing outdoor recreation, open space access, education, and therapy through a collaborative partnership with horses. These visits to Rush Ranch offer students a unique way to learn, grow, and connect with the world around them.
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Access Adventure founder Michael Muir
Congratulations Adult Program Graduates!
Celebrating the completion of an adult program for neurodiverse young adults is a joyous milestone! It marks a powerful step towards independence, equipping young people with the skills and confidence to shine as vital members of our community. The achievement of completing the adult program is not just about personal victories; it recognizes the exciting contributions they will continue to make, enriching our society with their unique talents and perspectives. Here's to their bright futures and the vibrant roles they will play in the world!
Students Building For Students
Solano County Office of Education partnered with Solano County Library to showcase the talented students in the construction trades class at Golden Hills Community School who built custom bookshelves in class. SCOE's Innovation Lab students added a special touch on each shelf with a Dr. Seuss quote: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." These bookshelves will support early literacy programs at Solano County Library.
Spinning Salmon Student Research Project
Solano County Office of Education was awarded a Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) grant to engage teachers and students in citizen science to help solve the mystery threatening the salmon population in California's central valley. This work is a collaborative effort between the SCOE, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), UCD Center for Watershed Sciences, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and UCD Center for Community and Citizen Science.
Farm-to-Table Culinary Class
Students from Golden Hills Community School visited Lockwood Acres Farm in Vacaville as part of our youth culinary pilot program in partnership with Sustainable Solano. The emphasis of the visit was meeting the farm animals, and giving the students a firsthand look at the farm-to-table journey. Through this program, students are gaining culinary skills, learning about healthy meal preparation, and exploring our local food system. This hands-on field trip allowed them to connect with local farmers and deepen their understanding of where our food comes from. SCOE extends a big thank you to Lockewood Acres!
The Future is Looking Bright
Congratulations to the graduates of Golden Hills Community School! Their hard work, perseverance, and dedication led to and incredible achievement and milestone, marking the beginning of the next bright chapter of their lives. These remarkable young adults have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenge. We are proud of all they've accomplished and excited to see the amazing things they'll do in the future!
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The Future is Looking Bright- Golden Hills Graduates
The Future is Looking Bright- Golden Hills Graduates
Congratulations to Our Evergreen Academy Graduates!
Big congratulations to the incredible graduates of SCOE's Evergreen Academy! (Not pictured.) Their hard work, dedication, and resilience have brought them to an amazing achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder. Our Evergreen students have overcome challenges, pushed through, and earned their diplomas. Here’s to a future full of opportunities and success!
Inclusion Film Camp
Lights, camera, action! Each summer, SCOE's workforce development team partners with Northbay Regional Center to bring Inclusion Film Camp to our amazing young people. Founded by veteran filmmaker Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films’ short film camps provide young adults 18-23 years with neurodiverse abilities the opportunity to dive into the world of filmmaking and creativity. During the two-week sessions, campers develop a script, act, and record their film with professional filmmaking support and equipment. The program is focused on developing life and job skills, encouraging communication, confidence, collaboration, and independence.
Filmmakers Shine at Red-Carpet Film Premiere
This November, SCOE hosted a sold-out red-carpet film premiere at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre celebrating the creativity and achievements of participants from SCOE's Inclusion Film Camp held this summer. The event showcased student-produced short films, highlighting their talents and perspectives. Attendees enjoyed a glamorous evening complete with a red-carpet experience, giving these young adults the chance to shine as filmmakers, artists and local celebrities. Inclusion Film camp is a partnership between SCOE, North Bay Regional Centrr and the Department of Rehabilitation who come together to hire Inclusion Films to host the camp.
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Girls In Robotics Leadership Camps
This summer, SCOE, in partnership with UC Davis C-STEM, hosted C-STEM Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL) camps in Vacaville, Fairfield, and Vallejo. Students dove into coding and worked on various projects with robots, computers, cameras, and more. Motivated young women learned computing and STEM concepts through a fun and engaging Arduino-based robotics curriculum. Empowering women in STEM is vital for innovation and diversity, driving progress and inspiring future leaders. Their future contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the workforce and create a more inclusive future!
2025 Solano County Science & Engineering Fair
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Registration is open for the 2024 Solano County Science and Engineering Fair. Students in grades 3 through 12 may enter. Help a student join this fun event and foster inquiry, problem-solving skills, and an interest in STEM fields!
McCormack Hall, Solano County Fairgrounds 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo
Strong Start to Robotics League
In collaboration with Solano Community College, SCOE successfully kicked off the first Solano Robotics League event of the 2024-2025 season. With 10 teams registered, both students and coaches gained invaluable insights and experience from the premiere match. Teams are now hard at work refining their robots to meet challenge requirements and score even higher in November’s competition.
Participating in robotics competitions offers students numerous benefits, including the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. These events also foster creativity and innovation as students design and build their robots. Hands-on experience in coding, technology and engineering allows students to explore potential career fields as well. Best of luck to all the teams this season!
Solano Spelling Bee
“M-I-S-C-E-L-L-A-N-E-O-U-S” was the winning word in the 48th Annual Solano County Spelling Bee hosted by the Solano County Office of Education. This year's Bee saw 79 students representing 41 schools in Solano County.
First place went to sixth grader Kiaan Kahn from Holy Spirit Elementary School in Fairfield. Second place went to fifth grader Zara Virk from Nelda Mundy Elementary School in FairfieldSuisun Unified School District. The two winners will represent Solano County at the California Spelling Bee Championship held in San Joaquin County on April 27th.
Travis Credit Union has been a long-standing sponsor for SCOE’s countywide spelling bee event and continued their support this year as well.
Academic Decathlon
Solano County Office of Education hosted the Bay Region AcademicDecathlonatSolanoCommunityCollegeinFairfield.
This year’s competition challenged 208 students from 16 schools across Colusa, Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo counties.
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Hands-on Trades Experiences
Over 400 students from Solano and Napa high schools got a taste of the trades at the Construction Trades Fair at Solano County Fairgrounds. They rolled up their sleeves for hands-on experiences and gained invaluable insights into careers as builders, electricians, and craftsmen. Co-sponsored by SCOE and the Napa-Solano Building and Construction Trades Council, this event showcased the power of collaboration to bring diverse careers to life for students.
Solano Youth Leadership Institute
In August, SCOE and Touro University California teamed up to host the Solano Youth Leadership Institute for high school students across Solano County. This 5-day intensive program was designed to provide leadership training to the next generation of public health leaders, focusing on health equity and youth advocacy. Utilizing youth-led participatory action research, students engaged in hands-on learning to improve their communities and institutions.
As part of the institute, students visited the State Capitol to meet with leaders and decision-makers including Assembly Member Lori Wilson, Assemblymember Maratsuchi, Deputy Cabinet Secretary Richard Figueroa and Secretary of State staff. The experience gave students the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into policy development and knowledge of how to influence positive change in their own communities.
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Taking Dreams & Wishes on the Road
SCOE created a “Dreams, Gratitudes & Wishes” ribbon art installation wall as part of our celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. SCOE staff and students added hundreds of ribbons that were displayed throughout January in the SCOE main lobby in Fairfield.
The colorful art display also traveled to the 4th Annual MLK Day celebration in Vacaville on January 15, 2024, where more ribbons were added to the colorful display by community members.
Finally, the vibrant ribbons traveled to Will C. Wood High School in Vacaville for the Tie-the-Love activity on campus. Art installations can unite communities through shared experiences, sparked conversations, creativity, and by creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.
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Friday Night Live SEL Summit
Solano County Office of Education partnered with Napa County Public Health to host the Friday Night Live Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Mini Summit at American Canyon High School. The summit hosted 40 students for a full day featuring guest speakers, Corey Bennett from Leading to Change, and Javier Sanchez with R.E.A.C.H. Communications. Local artists Jose Martinez and Tasha SixFootah the Poet spoke about utilizing the arts to impact change. The Solano Youth Coalition hosted two workshops focused on healthy ways to reduce stress and the importance of allyship.
Democracy Matters
The Democracy Matters curriculum is aimed at fostering informed, engaged, and responsible citizens who understand the principles of democracy, participate in local governance, and exercise their right to vote. It also emphasizes the importance of students' voices in effecting change both locally and nationally.
Students at our Golden Hills campus completed Democracy Matters curriculum. To round out their learning, they gave presentations on why democracy matters in front of a panel of elected officials and community members. Thank you to Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools; Jeanette Wylie, Vacaville City Councilmember; Alma Hernandez, Mayor of Suisun City; Alice Fried, Solano County League of Women Voters; and Sandy Coury, Solano County League of Women Voters for supporting students in this project.
Stuffing the Bus with School Supplies
The Solano County Women's Council of Realtors helped kick off the school year with a generous donation of school supplies to our Stuff the Bus campaign. These essential school supplies will go to students in foster care and those facing housing instability. A big thank you to these incredible women for being steadfast partners in helping kids start the school year strong!
Nature's Classroom: Solano RCD
Watershed Explorer Program for Students
The 3rd Grade Watershed Explorer Program, hosted by the Solano Resource Conservation District (RCD), is a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about our local watersheds. Through hands-on activities, games, and field trips, students learn the importance of water conservation, ecosystem health, and the interconnectedness of wildlife and human communities. By fostering a sense of stewardship for natural resources, the Watershed Explorer Program inspires the next generation to become informed and responsible caretakers of their local landscapes. Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) provides funding for some of the transportation costs for this important program.
Financial Literacy Program for Teens
Travis Credit Union's Generational Wealth program for teens is designed to empower young individuals with the financial knowledge and skills necessary to build a prosperous future. This program offers engaging workshops and interactive lessons on essential topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. Solano County Office of Education partners with Travis Credit Union to host events throughout the year, providing students with additional opportunities for hands-on learning. The partnership aims to widen the footprint of Travis' program and equip teens with the tools to make informed financial decisions, helping them create and sustain generational wealth.
5th
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
American Canyon High School
Javier Sanchez
SaulPaul
Aiding Student Expression
There was an amazing turnout at SCOE's October staff training. Our classified staff had an opportunity to dive into Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies for our students. AAC tools include everything from picture boards and speech-generating devices to apps that help facilitate communication, allowing students to express themselves more effectively. These tools are incredibly beneficial as they empower students with limited verbal skills to communicate their needs, thoughts, and emotions, enhancing their overall learning experience and social interactions. It was great to see everyone so enthusiastic about enhancing communication methods for students!
Empowering Early Learning Educators
Solano County Office of Education hosted an energetic and inspiring 2024 Quality Counts Solano Early Childhood Education Conference at Solano Community College this September. More than 120 early childhood educators from across the region gathered for a day of wellness, keynote speakers, informative breakout sessions, and a resource-packed vendor fair, all aimed at promoting growth and connection. SCOE extends a special thank you to our wonderful sponsors, Schools First Federal Credit Union, Travis Credit Union, and Grand Canyon University, for making this annual event possible.
City Nature Challenge
The City Nature Challenge is a global initiative encouraging people to discover and document plants and wildlife in cities worldwide. The goal is to engage residents in documenting biodiversity to deepen our understanding of it. SCOE collaborated with community partners to host a group of educators to perform their own nature challenge to understand how this may work in a classroom or field trip setting. With support from the California Academy of Sciences, this initial collaboration provided an enriching experience for environmental education partners in Solano County. We extend our gratitude to Solano Land Trust for hosting the event at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park in Fairfield.
Summer Wellness Institute for Educators
In July, SCOE hosted a wellness institute for educators in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. The month-long event provided opportunities to recharge with seminars and activities focused on wellbeing. From guided walks to workshops on self-care, healthy eating, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, these events were designed to help educators maintain balance and energy. Whether they sought to improve their work-life balance or discover new ways to de-stress, attendees gained valuable tools to keep going strong throughout the new school year!
Bay Watershed Education & Training
SCOE received a B-WET grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which promotes student learning in local communities and build capacity for environmental education. It funds high-quality student experiences and teacher training through the SCOE's Spinning Salmon project. A component of the professional learning provided for teachers is the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE), a learner-centered approach that engages students in investigating local environmental issues and taking informed action. SCOE is entering into the third year of the Spinning Salmon project.
