Meet the Board
The Mendocino County Board of Education serves as the cornerstone of educational leadership for our diverse county. Drawing authority from the Constitution of California (Article 9, Section 7) and California Education Code, our five-member board brings unique perspectives and deep community connections to every decision. Each member is chosen by their community to represent local educational interests while working collaboratively toward county-wide educational success.
Together with the County Superintendent of Schools, the Board champions educational opportunities across Mendocino County, serving students from the coastal communities to the inland valleys. Our members are passionate advocates who balance educational innovation with fiscal responsibility, always keeping student achievement at the heart of our mission.
Email addresses of each board member are linked below. Please call MCOE at (707) 479-5000 to deliver a message to a board member.
Our Board Members
Marilyn Puget
Board President
AREA 1: Calpella | Hopland | Potter Valley | Redwood Valley | Talmage/Ukiah (East...
Donald Cruser
Board Vice President
AREA 5: Boonville | Comptche | Navarro | Philo | Mendocino to Gualala TERM ENDS:...
Nancy Bennett
Board Member
AREA 4: Caspar | Cleone | Fort Bragg | Leggett | Piercy | Westport TERM ENDS: 2028
Board Meetings
The Mendocino County Board of Education holds regular monthly meetings. Special meetings may be called as needed. All regular and special meetings are open to the public in accordance with the Brown Act.
Public Participation
Members of the public are encouraged to attend Board meetings and may address the Board during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Responsibilities & Governance
County Board of Education Responsibilities
The Mendocino County Board of Education adopts policies that govern programs that lie within its jurisdiction. The County Board of Education is the appellate body for school districts and parents on interdistrict transfers, charter and expulsion appeals. The County Board of Education reviews charter school petitions that are made directly to the county and serves as the authorizing body for approved petitions.
County Superintendent of Schools Responsibilities
The Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools adopts policies that provide direction for administering the county office of education and programs within the County Superintendent’s jurisdiction. The County Superintendent of Schools is the sole employer of staff which implements various programs.
The County Superintendent of Schools and the County Board of Education provide leadership to the greater community and advocate for students and high-quality education. Together they elevate public education by actively advocating for policies, regulations, and laws that enhance opportunities for students, parents, and communities.
The County Superintendent of Schools and the County Board of Education encourages participation and partnerships with all stakeholders to achieve academic excellence.
County Board of Education Responsibilities
The Mendocino County Board of Education approves the County Office of Education’s budget. The County Board of Education oversees the local control accountability plan for the students that the county office serves.
County Superintendent of Schools Responsibilities
The Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools monitors the school districts in the county. The County Superintendent reviews and approves each school district’s budget and their local control accountability plan. The County Superintendent also monitors low-performing schools in the county and provides various resources to the districts to improve student outcomes.
County Board of Education Responsibilities
The Mendocino County Board of Education is the Governing Board for students enrolled in court and community schools. The County Board adopts the curriculum necessary to achieve the objectives of these programs.
County Superintendent of Schools Responsibilities
The Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools operates student programs to serve students from birth through adulthood. Examples include special education and early childhood programs and court and community schools.
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