David Wu named new Chief Technology Officer at SCCOE
 David Wu will lead the Technology Services Branch at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) as the new Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Wu will begin his duties as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet on June 1.
Wu is currently the Chief Information Officer and Assistant Superintendent in the Office of Information Technology Services for the Hawaii Department of Education (HDE). Hawaii is a statewide school district, making it the ninth-largest school district in the nation, with over 170,000 students and 255 schools.
In his role at the HDE, Wu has been responsible for the strategy, operation, and direction of computing and information technology systems for the school district, including the development of strategic plans and roadmaps for modernizing legacy systems. He was also the chief advisor to the Superintendent and senior leadership on all aspects of technology and its use in 21st-century learning and was responsible for interacting with the Hawaii State Board of Education, the State Legislature, and other public entities with regard to technology and its usage within K-12 education. He supervised an office of more than 150 employees and was responsible for an annual operating budget of $23 million.
"David Wu brings to the SCCOE an impressive skillset to lead us in providing important technology services to the county's school districts," said Jon R. Gundry, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools. "His experience in both the public K-12 and private sectors will also be extremely valuable in helping us foster an environment of education technology innovation to assist our educators, families and students."
|
Strong Start early education initiative launches website
 In an effort to increase awareness of the importance of increasing access to high quality early learning for all children, the Strong Start Coalition of Santa Clara County is pleased to officially launch its website for use by coalition partners, key stakeholders, educators, families and members of the community.
The website features the latest early education news and research, a resource library, legislative updates and tools for use by community partners and stakeholders.
"The launch of the Strong Start website is a first step in providing the community with easy access to a wealth of information and resources about the importance of the first five years of life, the most critical period of brain development for children," said Jon R. Gundry, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools. "Research has demonstrated again and again the power and positive outcomes of quality early childhood education programs, not just for our children, but the entire community. The Strong Start website will serve as a conduit of information that I hope will lead to increased awareness about one of the most important investments we can make."
 Strong Start is a coalition of community leaders, early education providers, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, members of the business community and other key stakeholders who are committed to expanding access to high quality early learning opportunities for all children age 0 to 8 in Santa Clara County. Convened in 2012, the coalition has looked for local solutions to help increase access to high quality early education and conducted legislative advocacy efforts at the state level to encourage increased investments in early learning.
|
Grad rates and completion of A-G requirements on the rise in SCC
 Results of the 2013-14 graduation and dropout rates for Santa Clara County show that, over the last five years, the graduation rate increased by 3.2 percentage points, the rate of graduates completing the A-G requirements increased by 5.2 percentage points, and the dropout rate decreased by 2.8 percentage points. The California Department of Education released the 2013-14 results today for schools, districts, and counties.
"I am encouraged by the fact that there are more students graduating from high school and fewer students dropping out over the last five years," said County Superintendent of Schools Jon R. Gundry. "Although there has been steady progress in narrowing the graduation gap, there is still much work to be done. The County Office of Education is committed to working with our districts to exceed the state averages in every student group."
|
2015 Hoffmann Award winning programs profiled by SCCOE
 Each year, the Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA) honors several innovative educational programs that significantly enhance student success were profiled at the annual Glenn W. Hoffmann Awards. Staff from the Santa Clara County Office of Education profiled each of the programs in videos that were shown during this year's ceremony on April 29.
This year's honorees were:
- Alum Rock Union School District - Adelante Dual Language Academy
- Campbell Union School District - School Linked Services
- Moreland School District - The Power of Parent Engagement
- Oak Grove School District - AdVENTURE STEM Program at Herman Intermediate School
The awards honor Glenn W. Hoffmann, who served as the superintendent of Santa Clara County schools from 1967 to 1984, and believed that leadership was a key factor in educational reform.
The videos for this year's award-winning programs can be viewed on the SCCOE website.
|
|
Rosemary Kamei appointed to Trustee Area 3 seat by Board
Rosemary Kamei, Executive Director of Building Futures Now, an after-school and summer school program serving students from fourth grade through college in East Palo Alto, was unanimously appointed to the vacant Santa Clara County Board of Education (SCCBOE) seat in Trustee Area 3 at the May 6 Board meeting. She was sworn in on May 20 and participated in her first board meeting on that day.
Kamei was selected by the Board from a field of five candidates to assume the seat made vacant on March 31 with the resignation of longtime Board trustee Leon Beauchman. She will serve until the vacated term of office expires in November 2016.
Trustee Area 3 includes Cambrian, Campbell Union, Luther Burbank, Moreland, Union and Campbell Union High school districts and a small portion of San Jose Unified and Santa Clara Unified school districts.
"Rosemary Kamei has a proven track record of collaboration," said Darcie Green, Board President. "Throughout her career, she has been able to gather stakeholders around the table to benefit children and increase access to educational opportunities for underserved populations. I believe she will be a stellar addition to our Board and truly dedicated to the success of our local students, schools, and districts."
Kamei previously served as the Director of Fund Development for the Silicon Valley Education Foundation and the Director of the Santa Clara County Valley Water District for 17 years. She has also served as an adjunct professor at San Jose State University.
Board members were impressed by the qualifications, experience and dedication to community service displayed by all the candidates for the appointment. In addition to Kamei, they were Debbie Rocha, educator and counsel aide; Judy Chirco, former Cambrian School District Board Member and former San Jose City Council Member and Vice Mayor; Ramona Snyder, flight attendant, business owner and educator; and Robert Varich, current Moreland School District Board Member and small business owner.
|
Classified School Employees of the Year honored by board
The Santa Clara County Board of Education honored Santa Clara County's six finalists for Classified School Employee of the Year at its May 20 board meeting.
Each year, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites county offices of education across the state to participate in the annual Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) program. The CSEY program highlights the contributions of classified school employees in six separate categories who provide essential services and support to the education of California's K-12 public school students.
This year's honorees are:
- Child Nutrition: Leticia Rivera, Alum Rock Union School District
- Maintenance & Operations: Richard Tate, Evergreen School District
- Office & Technical: Rebecca Bates, Santa Clara County Office of Education
- Paraeducator & Instructional Assistance: Mary Kay Coleman, Santa Clara Unified School District
- Support Services & Security: Jerome Flowers, Campbell Union School District
- Transportation: Phong Tran, Alum Rock Union School District
The CDE reviews all nominations from across California and identifies six exemplary classified school employees for the statewide award. The statewide finalists were announced by the CDE earlier this month.
|
Board holds public hearing on Rocketship charter
Here's a summary of some of the actions taken by the Board at its May 6 and 20 meetings:
- Held a public hearing on the petition for Rocketship Franklin-McKinley Charter School;
- Heard a report from the Early Learning Services Department on its key initiatives for the 2014-15 school year ;
- Heard a report on the Strong Start initiative, which is focused on expanding access to high quality early learning opportunities for all children age 0 to 8 in Santa Clara County;
- Recognized the 2015 Santa Clara County Classified School Employee of the Year honorees;
- Recognized Bertie Cooper, School Office Coordinator for the Ann Darling Special Education Cluster, as Employee of the Month for May; and
- Recognized Hector Santana as part of the SCCOE's Student Recognition program.
The Board of Education is the elected governing body of the SCCOE. Its seven members serve four-year terms and are elected by different regions of the county. Learn more about the members, and view their meeting schedule, agendas and minutes.
|
Since 1852, the Santa Clara County Office of Education has provided vital services and resources to the county's 32 K-12 public school districts and more than 250,000 students. The COE strives to provide advocacy and leadership on education issues, student programs that are models of excellence and indispensable services to schools and community partners. The COE is commited to serving, inspiring and promoting student and public school success.
|
|
