Newsletter | Friday, February 6, 2026

MCOE Honored With Prestigious CSBA Golden Bell Award for Early Literacy Initiative

The Monterey County Office of Education was honored with the California School Boards Association’s prestigious Golden Bell Award for the Dream Big Monterey: Science of Reading Academy, an innovative professional development program focused on strengthening early literacy instruction. The academy provides local teachers with research-based tools and strategies to accelerate literacy development in classroom settings serving students ages 4-8.

The professional learning series emphasizes neuroscience and how the brain learns to read, equipping educators with evidence-based practices to support students in engaging, effective ways. Through this work, teachers gain a deeper understanding of early literacy development and practical strategies to meet the diverse needs of young learners.

A key partner in this effort is Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor, whose longstanding commitment to early literacy has helped expand learning opportunities for children across Monterey County. His support has also strengthened professional learning for teachers and administrators dedicated to advancing early literacy outcomes.

Following the award ceremony at the Monterey County Board of Education meeting on January 15, board members recognized Mr. Taylor with a resolution honoring his leadership and generosity, which have had a transformative impact on early literacy throughout the county.

MCOE was also recognized as a bronze award recipient, selected by the business affiliate team for promising practices leading to sustained positive outcomes through community partnerships. The CSBA Education Policy team has invested in the Dream Big Monterey: Science of Reading Academy and will continue to study the program model and collaborative approach to improving student outcomes.

First established in 1979, the CSBA Golden Bell Awards recognize outstanding education programs and governance practices among school districts and county offices of education across California. The awards highlight innovative initiatives and leadership decisions that respond to students' evolving needs and support educational excellence across the state.

Serving Students Through Strong Governance

Last month, Monterey County joined school communities across California in recognizing January as School Board Recognition Month. This annual observance honors the thousands of school district and county office of education board members, California’s largest group of elected officials, who play a vital role in establishing the mission, policies, and budget priorities that support student success.

During School Board Recognition Month, we proudly recognized the dedicated members of the Monterey County Board of Education for their leadership, service, and steadfast commitment to the students, families, and communities of Monterey County. The County Board is comprised of seven members who represent individual Trustee Areas and are elected by voters to serve four-year terms. Together, they support and guide the Monterey County Office of Education in providing leadership and services to school districts across the county.

The County Board also adopted a resolution recognizing School Board Recognition Month and extended appreciation to school governance team members throughout Monterey County for their leadership, dedication, and service. School board members devote countless hours to supporting students, engaging families and communities, participating in ongoing training, and making thoughtful, data-informed decisions that strengthen public education.

In December, the County Board selected its leadership for the year, with Heather Owen, voted by her fellow board members, serving a second year as County Board President. Annette Yee Steck was also selected to continue serving as Vice President for a second year. We thank both leaders for their continued service in their roles and all County Board Members for their commitment to public education in Monterey County.

Community School Strategy Strengthens Family Engagement, Building Lasting Connections

The Salinas Community School YMCA Family Night continues to demonstrate the positive impact of the California Community School Partnership Program (CCSPP) on family and community engagement. What began with just one or two participants has steadily grown through intentional outreach and strong partnerships, leading to the largest turnout yet on Wednesday, January 28.

More than 30 family members attended the Canvas Night, where participants had the opportunity to let their creativity shine in a welcoming and supportive environment. Families spent the evening connecting, creating art together, and strengthening relationships with one another and the school community.

This milestone reflects the growing trust, connection, and sense of belonging that has been cultivated through the community school strategy. Events like Family Night highlight how meaningful engagement opportunities can bring families together and foster lasting partnerships that support student success.

Celebrating 25 Years of Learning and Conservation: MCOE Early Learning Program and Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey County Board of Education adopted a resolution recognizing the 25 year partnership between the Monterey County Office of Education Early Learning Program and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This longstanding collaboration reflects a shared commitment to early learning, environmental education, and inspiring curiosity and stewardship in young learners.

As part of this partnership, Early Learning educators participated in a professional development workshop hosted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The experience engaged educators in hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and guided sessions led by aquarium staff and marine science experts, deepening their understanding of ocean ecosystems and strengthening classroom instruction.

The partnership milestone was celebrated during a 25th anniversary event that brought together educators and partners to reflect on its lasting impact. Through access to world class resources and meaningful learning experiences, the collaboration continues to enrich early learning and foster a lifelong appreciation for our oceans among students across Monterey County.

School Boards Association Hosts Effective Communications Workshop

On Monday, January 26, the Monterey County School Boards Association hosted a professional learning workshop for school governance team members and district leaders focused on Effective Communication Between School Board Members, the Public, the Superintendent, and Labor Partners. The workshop was led by Selina Ayala-Patlan, an attorney with Lozano Smith Attorneys at Law, and included a panel discussion with experienced board members who shared valuable insights.

Attendees gained practical strategies to strengthen communication, build trust, and navigate challenging situations while maintaining appropriate governance roles. They also learned effective approaches for engaging with the public and fostering positive working relationships with superintendents and labor partners.

The training was well received, with 25 participants representing multiple districts and providing strong overall ratings for the quality and relevance of the workshop content.

Teacher Residency Program Prepares Future Educators in Monterey County

The Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) continues to strengthen the region’s educator workforce through a partnership with the Alder Teacher Residency Program, a yearlong model that prepares aspiring teachers through mentorship and hands-on classroom experience. The 2025-26 cohort of 20 residents began in June. Over the course of one full year, residents co-teach alongside experienced mentor teachers while completing online and in-person coursework to earn both a teaching credential and a master’s degree. The cohort is expected to graduate on May 31, 2026.

This educator preparedness progam offers a transformative pathway, designed for educators seeking a personalized and inovative learning journey. Residents enter the program with the ability to shape their professional pathway by selecting preferences such as grade level, subject, location, and specialization areas, including multilingual instruction and special education. Residents are matched to mentor teachers and school sites through a thoughtful process that includes a questionnaire and personality assessment. This intentional approach ensures residents receive the support they need to grow into confident, capable educators ready to serve Monterey County students.

Migrant Education Students Begin Preparing for Regional Speech and Debate Tournament

On Friday, January 30, the Monterey County Office of Education’s Migrant Education Program hosted the first training session for elementary school district students preparing to participate in the upcoming Regional Speech and Debate competition.

During the training, 123 sixth through eighth-grade speech students from Region XVI, along with eight students from Region XI in Pájaro Valley Unified School District, explored discussion topics such as artificial intelligence and received an introduction to its capabilities and potential uses. The session focused on helping students begin building foundational speech and debate skills, including organizing ideas, communicating effectively, and presenting their thinking with confidence.

This early preparation supports student growth and encourages critical thinking as participants continue developing their voices in an academic setting. Students will continue training in the weeks ahead as they prepare for the Regional Speech and Debate competition on March 7.

Workshop Brings District Leaders Together for Timely Fiscal Insights

The Monterey County Office of Education hosted its annual January Budget Perspectives Workshop on Friday, January 30. Presented by Capitol Advisors, the workshop provided superintendents, school board members, and school leaders with timely insights into the Governor’s 2026–27 Budget Proposal.

This year’s session offered a look at revenue trends and the evolving dynamics of Proposition 98. Capitol Advisors reviewed proposed funding levels and key policy considerations, including preserving Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) gains, restoring funds owed to schools, and addressing implementation challenges related to transitional kindergarten, universal meals, and special education. The workshop included a review of proposed investments, highlighting continued support for community schools, educator residencies, and county offices of education to provide universal and targeted support to districts.

The session also examined election-year dynamics, state revenue growth, stock market sensitivity, California’s General Fund outlook, and the state’s ongoing deficit.

Spreckels USD 8th Graders Embarked On Educational Field Trip

Eighth grade students from Buena Vista Middle School in Spreckels Union School District enjoyed a memorable two-day educational field trip to Sacramento that combined civic learning, history, and hands-on experiences.

Highlights of the trip included a tour of the California State Capitol, where Speaker Robert Rivas’s staff welcomed students on the Assembly floor with a personalized sign, as well as visits to the Vietnam War Memorial, Sutter’s Fort, and the California State Railroad Museum. Students also participated in interactive activities such as gold panning, a scavenger hunt, and an underground tour of Old Sacramento led by guides portraying historical figures, including Mark Twain. The trip included a special performance of The Lion King at Broadway Sacramento.

The experience provided many students with their first major educational field trip in several years, following limited opportunities during the pandemic. The Sacramento visit originated from a student-led request at a school board meeting and has now become an annual opportunity, offering students meaningful, engaging learning beyond the classroom.

The Lyceum is hosting their 16th Annual Monterey County Model United Nations Conference for Middle School & High School students on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at Middlebury Institute for International Studies in Monterey.

The Read To Me Project presents its 2024-25 Annual Report, designed to be engaging, accessible, and community centered, showcasing impact through data and stories. Explore the report to see what supporters helped make possible.

Visit montereybayparent.com for the latest February issue of the Monterey Bay Parent Magazine to see activities, contests, and family fun in Monterey County.

The Monterey College of Law offers Tuesday Legal Clinics focused on unlawful detainer cases, including filing or responding, as well as restraining orders, for a fee of fifteen dollars. Free Small Claims clinics are available on Wednesdays. Visit the Monterey College of Law website to learn more about these services and how to participate.

Gladeo Monterey County offers students career profiles, videos, and tools that inspire exploration and connect them with local opportunities. By highlighting high-growth industries and partnering with businesses and schools, MCOE aims to expand access to career information, especially for students facing barriers.

Girls Who Code is excited to offer Pathways this summer from June 29 through August 14. This seven-week program is a free, flexible online learning opportunity for students who want to learn coding at their own pace. The early application deadline for Pathways is February 25 for priority consideration, and the final application deadline is April 10. Learn more and apply for Pathways here.

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