Operation Recognition Awards 

Diplomas to Wartime Veterans

On November 12, 2014, five smiling wartime veterans had the honor of receiving their high school diplomas at a ceremony at the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE).  These five San Mateo County residents, whose high school education was interrupted by wartime service in World War II or the Korean War, were recognized through Operation Recognition.

Superintendent Anne Campbell, Supervisor Warren Slocum, Mark Nogales representing Congresswoman Jackie Speier, and State Senator Jerry Hill offer certificates of recognition to wartime vets at the Operation Recognition Ceremony.

In addition to receiving their diplomas, and moving their graduation cap tassels from right to left, the veterans received certificates of recognition from State Senator Jerry Hill, Congresswoman Jackie Speier and San Mateo County Supervisor Warren Slocum.

According to California Education Code, County Offices of Education have the right to award diplomas retroactively to veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and residents of internment camps in World War II. Dr. Audra Pittman, Director of Administrator and Beginning Teacher Services at SMCOE, became aware of this, and saw how meaningful the ceremony was when her father, a Vietnam vet, was awarded his diploma at the Riverside County Office of Education. "My dad enlisted at 17, came back, got a job, got married and had a family. But it always weighed on him that he never got his diploma," she said. "It's a small token, a way to say thank you to our veterans for their service." Dr. Pittman then brought the idea to Superintendent Anne Campbell, and the planning began for the first annual Operation Recognition ceremony.

The San Mateo County Office of Education worked closely with the Veterans Administration to publicize this opportunity for veterans and validate their service. The offices of Congresswoman Jackie Speier and State Senator Jerry Hill were also partners in the event.

In welcoming the vets, County Superintendent Anne Campbell said," Over the course of my career I have presided over many graduations but none quite like this. Today's ceremony will provide satisfaction in your receiving these well-deserved diplomas."

County Supervisor Warren

The Operation Recognition Class of 2014 poses with County Office and government officials.

Slocum, also a vet who served in Vietnam, delivered the commencement address. He spoke about the lesson he learned from his commander--never to leave anyone behind. "Today is especially important; it's practicing the notion in our own way not to leave anyone behind," he said."As we all say in our veteran community, 'Welcome home.'"

In closing remarks, State Senator Jerry Hill quoted Vice-President Biden who remarked on Veterans Day at Arlington Cemetery, "Our veterans are the heart, soul and spine of our country." Hill went on to say, "You came back, survived, but it was not complete. Now we are closing the loop today. How do we express our gratitude for giving up that part of your life, your personal sacrifice? That's the part that is significant today, that we are grateful for your service."

The five veterans who received their diplomas at the ceremony are: Robert Albert Osario, Hospital Apprentice 1st Class, U.S. Navy, World War II; William B. Rooz, Private First Class, U.S. Army, Korean War; Nocholas G. Sakelarios, Specialist, U.S. Army, Korean War; Vincent Shoenstein, Corporal, U.S. Army, World War II; Clifford Robert Trott, Airman Second Class, U.S. Air Force, Korean War.

School Parcel Taxes and Bond Measures Overwhelmingly Approved by Voters 

County Committee Sets Hearings on New Trustee Area Boundaries

As the population has shifted in San Mateo County over the past 10 years, the County Committee on School District Organization is currently reviewing the seven trustee areas for the County Board of Education and proposing a redrawing of the boundaries. As part of the process, several public hearings throughout the county will be held in the coming months to solicit community input.

These hearings will be held as follows: Monday, December 8, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the San Mateo County Office of Education, Redwood City, in the Corte Madera Room; Monday, January 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Union High School District, Daly City, in the Galleria Room; Monday, February 2, 2015 at  7:00 p.m. at Cunha Intermediate School, Half Moon Bay, in the library.

The San Mateo County Office of Education has also established a web page to assist the public in learning more about the process and for submitting public comments electronically.

Currently, the smallest trustee area represents 4 percent of the total population of the county while the largest area represents 22 percent.  Cabrillo, La-Honda Pescadero, Woodside and Las Lomitas have all seen a drop in population in the last 10 years while Redwood City, Belmont and San Mateo-Foster City have seen an increase. The proposed options narrow the existing gap from the smallest to the largest trustee from 18 to 10 percent or less. The proposals keep many of the existing trustee areas as is.

This month, Hilary Paulson, one of the members of the County Committee, presented two of the proposed options to the San Mateo County Board of Education. On November 3, the County Committee set the dates for public hearings and on November 17 at 7:00 p.m, a special study session on these options for school board members was held at the County Office.

Based on the public response at these hearings and through the website, the committee could take action before March 2015 and present the new plan to the County Board of Supervisors, or if public response generates other solutions, the process could continue into next year.