SCOE Spotlight
Volume 2 Issue 1
N E W S & U PDAT E S F R O M S O L AN O C O U N T Y O F F I C E O F E D U CAT I O N
2019-20 Year In Review
Multi-media Don’ t miss hyperli nks to video, applications , and more
2019-20 Year In Review
Our Virtual Reality Supporting Solano Schools During a Pandemic, pg. 3
IN THIS ISSUE:
5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, CA 94534 • (707) 399-4400 www.solanocoe.net
Educators of the Year $11 Million Working for Students High Quality Learning & Teaching Community Partnerships Student Safety & Wellness Job Readiness & Skill Development Equity & Enrichment for Students SCOE Governance 101 Solano School Budget and Enrollment Data
pg. 4 pg. 5 pg. 6 pg. 8 pg. 12 pg. 14 pg. 18 pg. 21 pg. 22
SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
Solano County Office of Education’s Priority Areas • High Quality Teaching & Learning Environments • Job Readiness & Skill Development • Education Advocacy & Leadership • Equity & Enrichment for All Students • Student Safety & Wellness • Fiscal Stability for Solano School Districts
SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER As I look back on 2019-20, I think of fond memories, events, happenings and accomplishments at SCOE. Then I think about the aspects of the year that I would’ve never believed could happen in January; classroom learning, school sports, dances, performances, graduations, public events and more, all halted almost overnight by stay-at-home orders that turned our communities into ghost towns for a short time. Now, faces tiled in small rectangles across a computer screen, and the commonly heard phrase, “you’re muted,” are our new normal. I have been amazed since last spring by local educators who persevered despite the abrupt changes. Staff members demonstrated great resolve, adaptability and dedication to overcome ongoing challenges that came in like major league pitches. It is not all that surprising when I think about it, we are lifelong learners by profession after all. However, this learning curve was steep and filled with moving targets. Transitioning into a completely different instructional model and changing almost everything about how educators and students interact with each other is a big lift. But somehow, our schools embraced the challenge and made it all come together for students and our parents have been amazing. The teacher in me always looks for the silver lining, and I believe there is one to be found. While this COVID-19 pandemic brought adversity and hardship for countless families and educators alike, it has also created opportunities for us to reconsider the paradigms and priorities in our lives. Educators await the time when we can fully return students to bustling school campuses. But in the meantime, this pandemic has shifted our thinking and sparked innovative learning models that will likely remain to benefits students and staff, long after the pandemic subsides. I hope you enjoy the collection of highlights from 2019-20 featured in this issue of SCOE Spotlight. Lisette Estrella-Henderson Solano County Superintendent of Schools
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SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
Our Virtual Reality Equity and Access to Technology
Starting the school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges to say the least. The need for technology and internet access at home for every student put equity in the forefront of educational priorities. School district and charter school teams throughout Solano County worked quickly to resolve technology shortages and implement the best possible curriculum and delivery of instruction through distance learning environments. There is a great diversity of opinion about the right path forward with schooling models under the current COVID-19 conditions. Using the guidance documents from health agencies as a framework, district superintendents and charter school administrators have worked with their local governing boards, employee groups and families to shape plans for transitioning to in-person instruction. Adaptability has become a theme for schools amongst everchanging circumstances and COVID-19 case rates. We recognize the hardships many families and students are facing. Data and epidemiological expertise will Guidance Support for continue to lead the actions of our school administrators as they move forward to, what we hope will soon be, in-person instruction. Schools and Families SCOE partnered with Solano Public Health to create two guidance documents for schools and families. (Click images to view.)
Supporting Solano Schools Through the COVID-19 Pandemic SCOE was activated by the Solano Office of Emergency Services (Solano OES) in March, to serve as a liaison and support between Solano Public Health (SPH) and Solano private and public schools. SCOE developed streamlined systems of communication to facilitate answers to the numerous COVID-related questions that schools face; webpages that consolidate COVID-19 guidance information related to schools for educators and community members were created; and school guidance documents were crafted in partnership with SPH to assist educators and families. The pandemic continues to evolve, and SCOE’s support role for schools and public health in COVID-19 management efforts will likely continue into next year.
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SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
Educators of the Year In 1978, the Solano County Office of Education began recognizing exemplary teachers. This endeavor has expanded to recognize outstanding classified school employees as well in what has become the Solano County Educators of the Year celebration. The program is designed to recognize and reflect the rich diversity of Solano County’s teachers and school staff. This year, Katherine Reyes and Susan Perez were selected as teacher and classified employee of the year. Both women have contributed to their school communities in meaningful and positive ways and were honored for their efforts. Congratulations Katherine and Susana! (Videos linked below.)
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Teacher of the Year Katherine Reyes
Classified Employee of the Year Susana Perez
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Solano County Office of Education
Paraprofessional/Parent Liaison Dixon Unified School District
Katherine Reyes has worked for the Solano County Office of Education for 12 years and is the teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing at Rodriguez High School in Fairfield. She currently teaches English, mathematics, directed studies, transitional and career development. Being deaf herself, Ms. Reyes passionately advocates for her students’ specialized needs, and works to develop a better understanding of Deaf community perspectives with school staff, general education students, and community members.
For 18 years, Susana Perez has been a Paraprofessional and Bilingual Parent Liaison, for Maine Prairie High School in Dixon. Susana serves as a campus leader in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). As a paraprofessional, Susana spends part of her day in the classroom working with teachers and supporting students with learning, behavior and motivation. As a parent liaison, Susana provides support to families of students who are struggling. Susana is a constant source of warmth, care, compassion, and fun.
Teacher of the Year Nominees
Classified Employee of the Year Nominees
Erin Biber, Benicia USD Erin DeWeese, Dixon USD Louise Craig, Fairfield-Suisun USD Michael Howell, Travis USD Kay Nekota, Vacaville USD Devynne Johnson, Vallejo City USD
Susan Wing, Benicia USD Willie Bible, Fairfield-Suisun USD Michael Kohl, SCOE Pierre Parker, Vallejo City USD Laurel Pierson, Vacaville USD
SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
$11 Million in Grants, Donations, & Contracts Working for Solano Students As part of SCOE’s commitment to support school districts and organizations working to improve educational outcomes, 11 million dollars in grants, donations and service contracts have been obtained by the SCOE team. $6.1 million stems from new grants and contracts beginning in the 2019-20 school year. $4.8 million is funded through continuing multi-year grants and contracts, and $38K was donated. Below is a summary of the priority areas being addressed for students and educators with the funding.
New Funding $6,146,510 Continuing Funds $4,828,719
Donations $38,860
TOTAL $11,014,089
Equity, Enrichment & Youth Voice
$502,579
Job Readiness
$3,658,273
Safety & Wellness
$2,965,219
High Quality Education
$3,581,918
Advocacy & Community Partnerships
$306,099
Total: $11,014,089
Visit the New SCOE Website SCOE has a new user-friendly website with enhanced menus and language translation. Check out the professional learning calendar, news events, COVID-19 resources, school meal locations and more at www.solanocoe.net
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SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
2019-20 201920
Year In Review Highlights of What We Accomplished for Solano Students, Families and Educators
High-Quality Teaching & Learning
This issue of SCOE Spoltlight summaries some of SCOE’s highlights of 2019-20 related to our priority areas of focus including high quality teaching and learning environments, job readiness and skill development, education advocacy and leadership, equity and enrichment for all students, and student safety and wellness. This annual review also touches on SCOE’s governance, and Solano County school demographics, budgets and data.
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Evergreen Academy Receives Accreditation Renewal The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) granted a six-year accreditation to Evergreen Academy serving students in the Solano County Juvenile Detention Facility. This accreditation ensures that high-quality and meaningful education is being provided to our students. Students in Evergreen Academy can complete high school and earn a high school diploma. Approximately 20 students graduated with accredited diplomas in 2019, and we look forward to future accomplishments for our students.
Growing Educator Capacity Using Communication Tools The Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, allows children with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures. The primary goal of PECS is to teach functional communication. In 2019, SCOE led several trainings on various stages and uses of PECS, empowering educators to better understand and support the learning of non-verbal students.
SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
High-Quality Teaching & Learning Environments
Connecting Students to Coding Applications Coding is everywhere in the modern world, and students at Golden Hills Education Centers in Fairfield and Vacaville are getting glimpses at the power behind coding. In 2019-20, the community school programs attended weekly robotics courses provided through the Lego organization, Bricks4Kidz. Students were taught how to build and code different levels of robots each week, culminating with testing out their creation at the end of every presentation. Positive collaboration, teamwork and perseverance were just some of the qualities students were exposed to during these lessons.
Assessments
Our assessment and research team is excited to continue supporting Solano County districts and schools with assessment implementation and data analysis. SCOE assists districts with utilization of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium resources including tools for teachers, as well as the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments that are useful in measuring and monitoring learning in the distance learning format.
English Learner Roadmap Solano County Office of Education is proud to partner with 19 county offices of education and Californians Together to support districts and charter schools in implementing the California English Learner Roadmap. The initiative, EL RISE! (English Learner Roadmap Implementation for System Excellence) is designed to foster systemic change to improve education for the 1.2 million English learners who attend California schools.
Early Childhood Education Conference
Solano County Office of Education is active in advocating for highquality preschool instruction, as well as early intervention and prevention for Solano County children 0-5 years of age. To that end, SCOE organized a region-wide Early Childhood Education (ECE) Conference held at Solano Community College. Almost 200 early learning professionals attended, including teachers and administrators from preschools, child care centers, transitional kindergarten programs, and family child care homes. The conference featured relevant topics like the importance of play, language and literacy, personnel and business practices for directors, mindfulness and resilience, inclusion, and quality early learning environments. Thank you to SCOE’s early learning partners including First 5 Solano, Solano Family & Children’s Services, Child Start Inc., and Solano Community College. Partnerships matter and are making a positive difference for Solano County kids!
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Solano County Office of Education
Community Partnerships
SCOE Spotlight
Short Film P R E M I
RED CARPET
E R E
In partnership with North Bay Regional Center, SCOE hosted Inclusion Films’ summer film camp. Founded by veteran filmmaker Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films’ short film camps teach teens and young adults with developmental disabilities the principles of filmmaking. The program encourages communication, confidence, collaboration, and independence through acting and digital filmmaking. To celebrate the success of our young filmmakers, SCOE hosted a red-carpet film premiere at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theater. The day started with a kickoff breakfast and live broadcasts from Good Day Sacramento. Donors provided hair, makeup, and gowns or tuxedos for students, and limousine buses brought students to the red carpet, where 500 family and friends were waiting to cheer their entrance. The much-anticipated film, The Bizarre Zone, played on the theater screen. The film featured all 58 students, behind the scenes footage, and the short films that the students created at camp. The evening was a magical experience for our young adults and their families. Moreover, film camp and the film premiere gave students an outlet for creativity, friendship, independence, and also recognized them as invaluable members of our Solano community.
SPECIAL THANKS OUR DONORS Soroptimist International- Vacaville & Twilight Clubs, On Stage Vacaville, Dutch Bros Coffee- Fairfield, NorthBay Healthcare- Fairfield, Straight or Knot- Fairfield, Savers Thrift Superstore- Vacaville, Men’s Wearhouse,- Fairfield , Five Star Limo- Vacaville 8
T O O U R PA R T N E R S Futures Explored, Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District– WorkAbility I, Vallejo City Unified School District – EmployAbility
SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
Community Partnerships
The
Bizarre Zone
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Community Partnerships
SCOE Spotlight
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Solano County Office of Education
Honoring Veterans with Operation Recognition Solano County Office of Education annually hosts Operation Recognition, granting retroactive & posthumous high school diplomas to veterans who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, or World War II, and JapaneseAmericans relocated to internment camps during World War II. SCOE honored veterans Earl Geske, Luther Hendricks, David Henry, Sylvester Hood, Willie Hunt, James Moises, John Updegraff, Leroy Wallace, John West, and Mack West with retroactive or posthumous diplomas that were not obtained due to military service. There was not a dry eye in the house, as we celebrated the patriotism and service of these amazing men.
SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
The Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) in partnership with Vacaville Unified School District (VUSD) and UC Davis ComputingScience, Technology, Engineering, and Math (C-STEM) piloted a free virtual Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL) camp to middle school girls on June 8-12, 2020. Despite the pandemic, SCOE and VUSD were able to provide the students the opportunity to learn leadership and STEM concepts through a fun and exciting robotics-based curriculum. The camp culminated with impressive student video presentations and celebration with parents and community members via zoom.
Community Partnerships
Robo Surprises for Girls In Robotics
Organizations interested in sponsoring can contact Lilibeth Pinpin, Director of Innovative Programs and Student Success, at lpinpin@solanocoe.net or (707) 399-4439.
Inspire Mentorship Program with Travis Air Force Base SCOE Golden Hills Fairfield partnered with Travis AFB to participate in the Inspire program. Inspire gave students the opportunity to receive mentorship from Travis airmen and women on a monthly basis. SCOE appreciated the collaboration and the guidance, education, and inspiration provided to students. Ultimately, the Inspire program was a champion for the entire student body.
Our environment has transformed dramatically, and educators are being called to draw upon their creativity, resilience, and commitment in order to ensure all students are able to access learning and thrive. In partnership with Studio Pathways, an arts consulting organization, Solano County Office of Education is providing professional learning opportunities and resources driven by proven educational methodologies, cultural wisdom and professional expertise to inspire lasting change.
Networking with Community Organizations for Better Student Outcomes SCOE’s Educational Services team is known for their ability to bring people together to network, support one another, and share best practices. These networks have continued virtually and have even grown in participants. Our networks include: LCAP Collaborative Network, Charter Support Network, Math Enthusiast Collaborative, English Learner Consortium, Instructional Coaches Network, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Network, Expanded Learning Program (ExLP) Network, Solano Early Learning Consortium, Early Learning Inclusion (Inclusive Early Education Expansion Program) Advisory Team, Solano Kids Thrive, Solano Child Care Planning Council (aka LPC), Equity Alliance.
Education Advocacy and Leadership
Visual and Performing Arts/ Studio Pathways
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Student Safety & Wellness
SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
30 New Student Wellness Centers Opened SCOE Spearheads $1.7M Student Mental Health Initiative In order to better support student safety and learning, SCOE has applied for, and received, three grants totalling $1,763,530 to support the establishment of schoolbased wellness centers across Solano County. Grants awarded to SCOE include $509,378 from the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant issued by the California Department of Education, and a grant from Solano County Behavioral Health (SCBH) totaling $954,152. Additionally, SCOE received a $300,000 Health Systems Development Grant (HSG) from the County Medical Services Program (CMSP). SCOE assisted with the implementation of 30 new wellness centers on school campuses and adult eduation sites throughout the county with the grant funds. Schools completed an application and interview process to receive furniture, supplies and assistance from SCOE on the implementation process. Covid-19 created some challenges for the centers, but virtual meeting platforms have helped maintain the structure needed to support student wellness going into school year 2020-21.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Youth Mental Health First Aid Training teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in youth up to age 18. In 2019-20, SCOE staff members became certified as instructors for these important courses, allowing SCOE to provide courses for the Solano community. Four free courses were offered to local educators to grow the capacity and supports at schools.
Telehealth Counseling Sessions
During the Covid-19 shelter-at-home orders, the mental health program staff were eager to address ways to continue to offer mental health support to students and staff. In partnership with the BH-Works platform by MDLogics, program staff were able to quickly provide telehealth counseling sessions to students and their
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families. Students were able to log onto to their electronic device and still receive on-going mental health support from the comfort and safety of their own home. Staff were also able to modify social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum so that it could be offered via Zoom to groups of students throughout the county. Benicia fourth graders were able to attend a weekly series of SEL instruction that focused on addressing the emotions that surfaced related to the pandemic. High school students from various schools participated in a weekly series that allowed them to ask a mental health clinician questions they had related to mental health and wellness. Mental health staff continued to support educators as well, offering virtual trainings on topics related to addressing mental wellness during difficult times.
SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
In the 19/20 school year, the student services program instituted universal mental health screening for all Golden Hills Fairfield and Vacaville students. Each student was offered the opportunity to complete the screening aimed at highlighting areas of concern, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma exposure and early psychosis symptoms. Trained mental health staff were able to quickly identify the areas where support was needed for a student, and route them to appropriate support services which included on-site therapeutic support
and linkage to a variety of community-based organizations. Additionally, the data obtained from the universal screening tool helped to guide whole classroom support, as well as targeted programming within the Wellness Center. Offerings such as trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness were made available to the students at the Fairfield campus.
SCOE Youth Development Program Mentorship Eight members of the Solano Youth Coalition (SYC) attended the 22nd annual Teens Tackle Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Youth Wellness Conference at UC Berkeley held in February and March. As youth presenters for the middle and high school conferences, SYC members led workshops for over 300 youth on tobacco prevention, healthy relationships, mental health and stress reduction.
Student Safety & Wellness
School-Based Mental Health Support
Coming Together for the Solano School Safety Symposium Police and FBI Data Helps Shape the Discussion Solano County Office of Education partnered with other Solano County agencies including the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Probation, and Health & Social Services to collaborate on school safety. The group also partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Vacaville Police Department to bring data, research, science, and systems to Solano school districts through the Solano County School Safety Symposium. More than 300 attendees from local school site teams, law enforcement, and public safety agencies attended the event held at Sunrise Event Center in Vacaville. The focus of the Symposium was to help schools and school resource officers apply strategies and data to assess threats and prevent school violence. Discussions were geared toward building our capacity as a community to understand behaviors, identify threats, and implement interventions and supports for students. The Symposium was a great step in continuing our efforts to support students and keep our schools safe. This collaborative work will continue with a Solano County School Safety Symposium for parents and guardians. We are grateful for the overwhelming community support for school safety and the great work each agency is doing to support students. Solano County Health& Social Services
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Job Readiness & Skill Development
SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
SCOE’s 3rd Annual State of Education Breakfast Forum
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond
FULL STEAM AHEAD Preparing Solano students for the workforce of 2020
SCOE’s third annual Solano State of Education Breakfast forum was the largest ever, with 51 elected officials in attendance alongside Solano business leaders and educators. The annual forum brings school district superintendents and Solano leaders together to briefly share about developments happening for students in Solano County. This year’s theme was preparing our young people for the workforce of 2020 with science, technology, engineering, arts, agriculture and medical science (STEAM). State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined us as a keynote speaker. He expressed the importance of continuing our work to close the opportunity gaps and address mental health for all students and staff.
STEAM in Solano Video Series
Science Vacaville Unified School District
Technology Vallejo City Unified School District
Engineering Travis Unified School District
Arts Fairfield-Suisun Unified School Dist.
Medical Arts Benicia Unified School District
Agricultural Arts Dixon Unified School District
We appreciate the participation of our school districts as well as Travis Credit Union and Brandman University for their sponsorships of this year’s event.
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SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
The Work-Ready Certificate Program for students is a workshop providing over twenty hours of work related instruction and support. The program helps students locate job opportunities. Workshop topics include: Time management Resume writing Job search & applications Cover letters Work ethic Customer service Teamwork Interview techniques
Job Readiness & Skill Development
Preparing the Local Work Force
The Work-Ready Certificate Program is coordinated by the Solano County Office of Education and is presented in school districts throughout Solano County. Employers interested in partnering with SCOE’s Work-Ready Certificate Program can contact Lindsay Caceres at (707) 399-4809.
Workforce Development
connect2careers guide
Solano County Office of Education partners with various local and state resources to assist students with intellectual and/or physical disabilities in developing work and life skills that fit each individual’s unique needs and abilities.
In 2019, SCOE developed and released the connect2careers Guide, providing educators, business owners, and parents with tools and resources to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s careers.
Workforce Development includes experience for students in businesses across Solano County. The program creates win-win partnerships between SCOE, our young people, and the businesses involved.
View the Guide
Local businesses can help young adults develop job experience, work skills and independence. Contact Susan Labrecque, Director of Resource Development and Transition Services at slabrecque@solanocoe.net or (707) 399-4830 for more information. 15
SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
Job Readiness & Skill Development
Partnering with Local Trades for Career Exploration In 2019-20, more than 200 students from Solano and Napa counties got firsthand looks at local building and construction trades. The students took a tour of training centers that included carpenter trade centers and sheet metal workers in Fairfield, plumbers and steamfitters in Vacaville, and iron workers in Benicia. Students were able to see state-of-the-art equipment used in different trades and ask questions directly to labor leaders and trainers. The tour is an annual event sponsored by Solano County Office of Education in partnership with the Napa-Solano Central Labor Council, the North Bay Apprenticeship Coordinators Association, and the Napa-Solano Building Trades. SCOE provided transportation so that students could travel to trade centers. The unions involved were the Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, Carpenters Regional Training Center, Ironworkers Local 378, Heat and Frost Insulators Local 16, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 180, and Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 342. The trade tour for students is a valuable community partnership that provides students with an opportunity to explore career options here in Solano County. The local apprenticeship program offers high school graduates free training using classroom instruction, on-the-job experience, and the ability to earn income while they are learning trade skills.
This & That Student Gift Shop at Mc Bride Center SCOE’s Adult Transition program aids in the development of young adults with special needs as they transition to adulthood. Our microenterprises program helps students create products that lead to entrepreneurial opportunities and experiences. Through entrepreneurship education, our young people learn organizational skills, time management, leadership, interpersonal skills, and point of sale experience, which are highly transferable skills sought by employers. SCOE and the City of Vacaville partnered to house the This & That Gift Shop in the Mc Bride Center as a pop-up holiday business featuring items made by students and staff. The gift shop grew so popular, that KCRA3 and My58 news featured the store and the students, prompting record sales for the gift shop. Our staff and students have furthered their connection within our community through the microenterprise projects.
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SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
240 youth in specical education
completed the Transition Partnership Program (55 from SCOE, 14 from Benicia USD, 17 from Dixon USD, 101 from Fairfield-Suisun, 12 from Travis USD, 41 from Vacaville USD)
514 received WorkAbility I services. 82 special education students completed
The Solano County Office of Education WorkAbility I programs promote independent living and provides comprehensive pre-employment worksite training, employment, and follow up services for youth in special education who are making the transition from school to work. The programs serve both middle school and high school students, providing career exploration, self-determination, and selfadvocacy training. The secondary program assists students with the actual transition from high school.
the Workability I Program.
59 district students earned SCOE’s WorkReady Certificate.
163 participated in 100 hour paid work experience.
Career In Focus Out of School Youth Program The Career in Focus – Out of School Youth (OSY) program is a collaborative contract with the Workforce Development Board of Solano County. SCOE provides a comprehensive array of services that give youth that have stopped attending school or are foster youth/aging out of foster care or justice involved, the tools necessary to make sound decisions about their future and career choice. The program assists youth in completing graduation requirements and gaining valuable work experience that collectively lead to earning a living wage.
Construction Trades Class
In 2019, SCOE launched the Introduction to Construction Trades class for incarcerated youth. The course provides an overview and introduction to the trades. Fifteen students had the opportunity to take part in the course and made some fabulous projects while learning valuable workplace skills.
Job Readiness & Skill Development
2019-20
WorkAbility I Programs
Workforce Development program VIDEO Solano County Office of Education
Transition Partnership Program Transition Partnership Program (TPP) is a collaborative contract with the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and Solano County Office of Education (SCOE). The purpose of TPP is to provide pre-employment transition services including employment preparation, job development and placement, follow up, and nonsupported employment to students with disabilities. The TPP staff supply the auxiliary services necessary for the students/ DOR clients to reach their employment goals. The DOR and SCOE cooperative agreement establishes a service relationship designed to provide the student/ DOR client greater access to specialized services that meet the unique needs of the disabled population being served.
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Equity & Enrichment for Students
SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
Boys & Men of Color Conference The young men from Golden Hills Vacaville and Golden Hills Fairfield participated in California State University, Sacramento Boys & Men of Color Student Conference for a full day of learning and activities. Some of the young men had never visited a college campus, so it was an additional thrill for them. It was a day of exploring ideas and extensive learning about themselves, along with learning about society as a whole.
SCOE Youth Development Program Mentorship Eight members of the Solano Youth Coalition (SYC) presented at the 22nd annual Teens Tackle Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, and Youth Wellness Conference at UC Berkeley. SYC members led workshops for over 300 youth on tobacco prevention, healthy relationships, mental health and stress reduction. This mentorship role provides relatable perspective for peer groups and powerful experience for SYC members. 18
Solano Youth Summit Inspires Future Leaders Solano County Office of Education co-sponsored the Solano Youth Development Summit, held in Pollock Pines, California. The three-day conference for students provided a forum for youth to express their views on various issues while participating in activities to build alliances among diverse groups and improve communication between youth and adults.
experienced a full day of learning and growth. Four students attended the summit, alongside Solano County Probation staff. Throughout the day, Evergreen Academy students engaged with other participants in small group tasks, whole group lessons and team building activities. All students that participated were furlough eligible and enjoyed the opportunity to participate.
Participants learned ways to create positive change in their communities and engage their peers to become actively involved. These experiences will carry over into other leadership roles our young people endeavor to create.
The Youth Development Summit was made possible through a partnership formed by Solano County Office of Education’s Youth Development Department with the Solano Youth Coalition, Solano County Public Health, Fighting Back Partnership, Kaiser Permanente, Vacaville Police Department’s REACH Coalition, the Solano Family Justice Center, Solano Community College, Travis Credit Union, Timeline Media Productions, Buckingham Charter School Film Department, and Solano Youth Voices.
SCOE worked with Solano County Probation to organize several students from our Evergreen Academy to attend the Solano Youth Development Summit. Though the students from Evergreen Academy did not stay overnight, the youth
SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
Youth Development Through Solano Friday Night Live
• Academic Decathlon • Art Faire • Attendance Awareness Art Competition • Girls In Robotics Leadership Camp • Regional Spelling Bee • Science and Engineering Fair • Short Film Camp • Solano Youth Summit • STEAM Student Showcase
Solano County Office of Education works with the California Friday Night Live Partnership (CFNLP) in leading a Solano chapter. The partnership focuses on a youth development framework which is inclusive, comprehensive, youth-driven, and founded on current research to improve the lives of young people and the communities in which they live.
Academic Decathlon Goes Virtual _SCOE’s youth development department, in partnership with the California Academic Decathlon (CAD) a nonprofit organization, coordinated the State Academic for 66 high schools (approximately 600 students) across California in a virtual competition. In 41 years of competition, this was the first year CAD held its state competition virtually due to COVID-19. The state competition is a culmination of regional competitions across the state that reaches over 400 high schools and approximately 7,500 high school students. The SCOE youth development department has been coordinating the state competition since 2006.
Regional Spelling Bee SCOE’s 43rd Annual Solano County Elementary School Spelling Bee helped students build confidence and a strong vocabulary that will serve them well in later years. Fourth through sixth grade students develop soft skills like perseverance, hard work, public speaking and passion. Fifty-three schools participated this year, with first and second place winners advancing as Solano County’s representatives to the California Elementary School Spelling Bee Championship. The annual competition shapes the habit of lifelong learning in our young students, and we look forward to many more to come.
Solano Friday Night Live Partnership (SFNLP) has three programs: Friday Night Live (FNL) for high school-age youth, Club Live for middle school-age youth, Friday Night Live Kids for upper elementary-age youth. Students involved in the SFNLP programs work toward alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention in youth. They address other social issues in their school and community as well. The programs provide young people with the skills, support, opportunities, and competencies they need to become healthy, productive adults.
Equity & Enrichment for Students
SCOE Enrichment Events for Students in 2019-20
In 2019-20, SFNLP actively advocated for positive change, by participating in discussion panels, youthled research, and prevention seminars. Five Solano FNL groups were awarded mini grants from the state to support their work. Benicia and Vanden High Schools’ Friday Night Live clubs were each awarded a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for work on underage drinking and drunk driving prevention projects. Fairfield and Armijo High Schools, and the Solano Youth Coalition were awarded grants from the CFNLP to continue work on tobacco use prevention and education.
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SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
Equity & Enrichment for Students
Web Chats for Youth SCOE’s youth development department surveyed students through Friday Night Live and advocacy groups in Solano school districts to evaluate student needs and how to best support them during the shelter-at-home order. Students responded with a need for online opportunities that would help them mentally and academically cope during the quarantine. SCOE collaborated with a local mental health partner to develop a series of web chats for youth. The web chats were designed and coordinated to promote mental health awareness and coping skills for youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshops and web chats ran through the month of May and the Mental Health Monday meetings were so successful they were extended into the month of June. Webchat sessions included topics like: anxiety, calming techniques, questions and answers, human trafficking, stress management, minfulness and more. Additional resources were also provides on SCOE’s Coping in COVID-19 webpage.
Benicia’s Friday Night Live Club Earns Awards and Grants Benicia High School’s Friday Night Live (FNL) student club has been named as the recipient of the Tobacco Free Solano (TFS) Coalition’s Youth Advocate Award. The student club along with their community partners were recognized for their efforts to encourage and support new tobacco ordinances that not only bans smoking in public places including multi-unit housing, but also bans the sale of flavored products within Benicia. The club was acknowledged specifically for the work they have done to combat tobacco in their community. Benicia FNL received a grant from the California Friday Night Live Partnership to support their efforts, which included a park clean up, the development of a presentation about e-cigarettes and vapes for students, and a public speaking training.
Solano Youth Coalition Legislative Leadership Retreat Solano Youth Coalition members were able to attend virtual meetings with local decision makers to discuss tobacco ordinances for Solano County and cities located within Solano County. These meetings were coordinated through a partnership with Solano County Public Health and Tobacco Free Solano, and included representatives from the Solano County Board of Supervisors, Vacaville City Council and Vallejo City’s Mayor.
Vaping Prevention Presentations SCOE’s Solano Youth Coalition (SYC) is committed to tobacco prevention, and provided several parent and community presentations around the dangers of vaping. Discussions included the addiction process, signs of addiction, resources available to families, and cessation resources. SYC members led four additional presentations at the Teens Tackle Tobacco Youth Summit at UC Berkeley in February and at the Vacaville Teen Summit in March.
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Students prepared talking points, a presentation, and led a discussion on tobacco policy with adult participants. Local leaders were very supportive and expressed interest in supporting this work in their respective cities. The goal is to continue these meetings to gain enough support to enact at least one new tobacco related policy in Solano County.
SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
The County Superintendent and the County Board of Education are elected officials who have separate duties and responsibilities. County Superintendents of Schools are established pursuant to Section 3, Article IX of the California Constitution and are considered county officers (similar to a sheriff, district attorney, or clerk). (Gov. Code § 24000). County Boards of Education are established by Education Code section 1000.
Governance
Solano County Office of Education Governance 101
Jurisdiction of the Solano County Superintendent of Schools Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson
The County Superintendent is elected by voters of Solano County. The Superintendent serves as a liaison between local school districts and the state. The Superintendent also serves as the chief executive officer of the Solano County Office of Education. The Superintendent leads SCOE in providing leadership, collaboration, support, and fiscal/program oversight for the county’s six school districts which serve approximately 63,000 students.
Jurisdiction of the Solano County Board of Education
Board President Peggy A. Cohen-Thompson Trustee Area 7
The Solano County Board of Education is comprised of elected representatives from seven trustee areas. The Solano County Superintendent of Schools serves as the exofficio secretary to the County Board. 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 Solano County Board of Education also serves as an appellate body for expulsion, inter-district attendance, and charter school appeals.
Outside of the Scope of Jurisdiction
Board Vice President Michelle Coleman Trustee Area 1
Amy Sharp Trustee Area 2
The Superintendent and County Board do not govern school districts in Solano County. Each district has its own school board and superintendent who employ their staff, manage operations, and administer the education of students in their districts. Staffing, educational programs, or extra-curricular activities are under the direct authority of the superintendent of each school district. In addition, the Solano County Board of Education does not participate in negotiations with Solano County Office of Education employees; the County Superintendent and County Office of Education are considered the employer.
Dana Dean Trustee Area 3
Teresa Lavell Trustee Area 4
Elease Cheek Trustee Area 5
Ginger Dunne Trustee Area 6
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Demographics
SCOE Spotlight
Solano County Office of Education
2019-20 Student Enrollment Overview of Student Diversity by School District All Solano Districts and Charters
Benicia Unified
Fairfield-Suisun Unified
Dixon Unified
Solano County Alaskan or or American Alaskan American Native, .4% Native African American African American, 13.7%
VU S D
Asian Asian, 3.9%
Va c a v i l l e U n i f i e d S c h o o l D i s t r i c t
Filipino Filipino, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino Hispanic or Latinx, 40.4%
Travis Unified
White White, 23.6%
Vallejo City Unified
Vacaville Unified
Two Races TwoororMore More Races, 7.9% OtherReported, or Not Reported Not 1.6%
Student Enrollment
21,287
62,979 students
12,886
Of the 62,979 Solano students, 5,242 attend charter schools. 3,512 students attend “independent” charters. 1,730 attend “dependent” charters governed by school districts.
3,512
5,455
4,642 3,081
368
Independent Charter Schools
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11,748
VU S D Va c a v i l l e U n i f i e d S c h o o l D i s t r i c t
7 Schools
7 Schools
6 Schools
33 Schools
9 Schools
17 Schools
Independent Charter Schools
Benicia USD
Dixon USD
FairfieldSuisun USD
Travis USD
Vacaville USD
25 Schools
High-Need Special Ed, Community Schools & Juvenile Detention
Vallejo City USD Solano County Office of Education
SCOE Spotlight 2019-20 Year In Review
School District & SCOE Budgeted Expenditures in $ (general fund expenditures only) Benicia USD
Dixon USD
FairfieldSuisun USD
Travis USD
Vacaville USD
Vallejo City USD
Certificated Staff
22,668,745
14,639,441
99,975,715
27,839,783
52,091,800
53,897,844
Classified Staff
7,773,050
6,098,566
41,315,162
10,183,357
20,603,853
25,807,201
Benefits
10,737,187
8,945,397
59,178,553
14,054,427
32,872,611
36,476,648
Books & Services
1,220,201
1,521,659
9,287,812
2,547,064
3,877,872
9,346,481
Service & Other Operating Capital Outlay
3,574,874
4,815,601
20,057,295
5,897,696
14,601,120
20,634,257
62,384
552,652
25,000
983,621
764,611
35,000
Other Outgoing
969,058
745,811
9,433,985
2,208,848
367,094
2,125,644
$ 47,005,499
$ 37,319,127
$ 239,273,522
$ 63,714,796
$ 125,178,961
$ 148,323,075
SCOE
Budgets & Statistics
2019-20 School District Budgets
Solano Districts & SCOE
Certificated Staff
10,452,774
281,566,102
Classified Staff
16,186,334
127,967,523
Benefits
11,905,689
174,170,512
Books & Services
1,880,511
29,681,600
Service & Other Operating Capital Outlay
14,127,912
83,708,755
816,000
3,239,268
Other Outgoing
20,862
15,871,302
$55,390,082
$716,205,062
Solano County 2019-20
Solano County __ Solano Graduation Rate* 84.5% Foster or Homeless Students 959 or 1.5% English Learners 7,668 or 12.2% Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 32,458 or 51.5% Students with Disabilities 7,196 or 11.4%
*California Department of Education DataQuest 2018-19, cohort graduation data
5100 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, CA 94534 • (707) 399-4400 • www.solanocoe.net
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