Leadership Team
Every student deserves a learning experience that allows them to thrive.
The Mendocino County Office of Education is led by a dedicated team of educational leaders committed to supporting students, families, and school districts throughout our county. Our leadership brings decades of combined experience in education administration, business operations, and student services.
Nicole H. Glentzer - County Superintendent of Schools
Nicole H. Glentzer, Mendocino County’s Superintendent of Schools started her four-year term in 2023. The Superintendent of Schools is a constitutional officer of the State of California who acts as a liaison between local school districts and the state. The superintendent also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Mendocino County Office of Education.
Nicole Glentzer has 29 years of experience in education. She most recently spent eight years as Assistant Superintendent at Ukiah Unified School District. Before that, she was the Superintendent and Principal of Potter Valley Community Unified School District. She grew up in the Central Valley and attended Sonoma State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish. In addition, she earned a multiple subject credential and a master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision from Fresno State University.
“It is an honor to serve our children and our entire community as the next Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools,” says Glentzer of her new role in Mendocino County school administration. “As a parent and educator, I know firsthand the challenges our schools are facing. I am committed to leading our schools and our County Office of Education to overcome them. I look forward to working side by side with educators, staff, administrators, parents, and the public to ensure that the students in Mendocino County receive the very best education we can provide them.”
Dr. Nicole Odell - Assistant Superintendent: Educational Services
The Superintendent of Educational Services works to strengthen instruction and improve student outcomes across Mendocino County. This role helps districts access the support and expertise needed to meet the needs of their schools.
Dr. Nicole Odell brings a broad background in education, with experience as a teacher, site administrator, and district leader. She holds a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior from UC Davis, where she led a large internship program and discovered her passion for teaching. After a decade of teaching science and mentoring educators, she earned her administrative credential and moved into school leadership.
She served as Vice Principal at Williams Jr/Sr High School, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability at Cloverdale Unified School District, and Superintendent/Principal at Potter Valley Community Unified School District. Her work includes instructional leadership, English Learner support, college and career readiness, and community engagement. Dr. Odell is committed to building collaborative, accessible educational services that support districts, students, and families.
I believe in building strong partnerships with districts to create responsive, student-centered programs. One of the biggest challenges in our county is the distance between districts and resources, but it also gives us the opportunity to think creatively and find new ways to connect students with the support they need.
Heather Rantala - Assistant Superintendent: Business and Administrative Services
The Superintendent of Business and Administrative Services oversees MCOE’s fiscal and operational functions, helping districts manage resources responsibly and meet state and federal requirements.
Heather Rantala grew up in Mendocino County and began her career in education at Ukiah Unified School District, where she held a variety of roles in student support and fiscal services. While working full-time and raising her son, she earned a degree in Business Administration and became a certified Chief Business Officer. She has since served as Chief Business Officer for Middletown Unified and as a District Fiscal Management Advisor at the Sonoma County Office of Education, supporting schools through strong financial leadership.
My role is to help districts use their resources wisely to maximize opportunities for students across Mendocino County. When fiscal operations run smoothly and public funds are stewarded responsibly, schools can stay focused on what matters most: student learning.
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