About Mendocino County Office of Education
The Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE) stands as a cornerstone of educational leadership, serving the diverse communities of Mendocino County. Under the dedicated leadership of elected Superintendent Nicole H. Glentzer and the MCOE Board of Education, we champion educational excellence for every student, from the redwood forests to the Pacific coastline.
Our Purpose: Why We Exist
Every student deserves a learning experience that allows them to thrive.
This simple yet powerful belief drives everything we do at MCOE. We recognize that each child brings unique strengths, challenges, and dreams to their educational journey, and we're committed to ensuring that geography, circumstances, or background never limit their potential for success.
Our Mission: What We Do
MCOE builds capacity to support others to learn and excel through leadership, resources, services, and programs that improve the educational experience and outcomes for all Mendocino County students and schools.
We serve as more than an administrative body—we're educational partners, advocates, and innovators. Our work spans from providing professional development that empowers educators to offering fiscal oversight that ensures responsible stewardship of public resources. We bridge the gap between state policy and local implementation, translating complex regulations into actionable guidance for our rural school communities.
What is the Function of a County Office of Education?
The 58 county offices of education (COEs) serve as the vital intermediate level of California's public education system, bridging the gap between the state and local public school districts, including charter schools. As intermediate service agencies providing direct and regional support to school districts, COEs like MCOE serve as the primary implementation arm of the California Department of Education (CDE). We translate state policies into practical guidance and support that helps local schools succeed. View the County Offices of Education at a Glance online flip-book for more information on the regulatory functions of COEs.
Six Core Strategic Aims
MCOE's Strategic Aims align with the California System of Support, ensuring we're part of a coordinated statewide effort to improve educational outcomes:
We make decisions that strengthen the entire educational ecosystem, recognizing that student success depends on thriving schools, supported educators, and engaged communities.
We provide comprehensive support that addresses not just academic needs, but the social, emotional, and developmental aspects of learning that help students flourish.
We actively prioritize equity in all our work, ensuring that every student—regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance—has access to high-quality educational opportunities.
We promote meaningful participation and decision-making opportunities for our employees, education partners, and the communities we serve.
We approach every challenge with curiosity, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.
We honor the public trust by managing resources wisely and transparently, ensuring maximum impact for every dollar invested in education.
Our Values: The Heart of Our Work
Our organizational values don't just hang on office walls—they guide our daily decisions and define our culture:
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Service
We anticipate needs, exceed expectations, and honor our commitments to every community we serve. Service isn't what we do; it's who we are. -
Excellence
We set high standards for ourselves and work collaboratively to deliver exceptional results. Excellence is our shared responsibility and collective commitment. -
Innovation
We embrace creativity, welcome new ideas, and aren't afraid to try innovative approaches. Innovation helps us solve complex challenges and better serve our rural communities. -
Teamwork
We achieve more together than we ever could alone. Our strength lies in our collective expertise, shared vision, and mutual support.
Our Impact: Serving Diverse Communities
Geographic Reach
MCOE operates from two strategically located offices:
- Inland Hub:
2240 Old River Road, Ukiah - Coastal Center:
425 N McPherson St, Unit C, Fort Bragg
Educational Partnerships
We proudly collaborate with:
- 12 public school districts serving over 12,000 PK-12 students
- 19 charter and private schools educating another 1,900 students
- Mendocino County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)
- Mendocino College and its three campuses
- Numerous community organizations supporting youth development and education
Our Schools
MCOE runs specialized schools that provide structured, supportive environments with personalized attention to help students succeed and prepare for future opportunities.
Our Team
Approximately 140 dedicated professionals work across three divisions:
- Office of the County Superintendent: Providing leadership and oversight
- Business and Administrative Services: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational excellence
- Educational Services: Delivering programs and support that directly impact student learning
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