SchoolsRule Mendocino County
Mobilizing the Community for Mendocino County Students
SchoolsRule Mendocino County brings together local businesses, community members, and education leaders to expand and enhance opportunities for every K-12 public school student—ensuring that essential educational opportunities are available, no matter where they live. Local communities consistently support their schools through donations. SchoolsRule Mendocino County complements these efforts by offering a way for donors to contribute to countywide funds that benefit students across Mendocino County, rather than a single school.
Our mission is to raise funds that enhance and support public education throughout Mendocino County.
Because SchoolsRule Mendocino County is supported by the Mendocino County Office of Education, every penny you donate goes directly to programs that benefit local students.
SchoolsRule Mendocino County was launched by Nicole Glentzer, Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools, in April 2025 as a community-driven effort to support all public school students in the region. SchoolsRule operates as a program of the Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE), a public educational agency. Funds are managed by MCOE Superintendent of Business Services Heather Rantala.
Modeled after SchoolsRule Marin and SchoolsRule Sonoma County—independent efforts that have supported public education for over a combined decade—SchoolsRule Mendocino County is powered by businesses, community leaders, and individuals committed to strengthening our schools. We partner with school districts and charter schools to fund programs that benefit local students.
At SchoolsRule, we’re all in on Mendocino County students. Your investment in local youth ensures funding is not a roadblock to learning across our county. Specific district and charter school priorities include field trips, outdoor education, arts and science programs, summer learning opportunities, and experiences that build college and career readiness. SchoolsRule gives public schools the flexibility to offer more enriching opportunities that many students would not otherwise have.
Local communities consistently support their schools through donations. SchoolsRule Mendocino County complements these efforts by offering a way for donors to contribute to countywide funds that benefit students across Mendocino County, rather than a single school.
Each year, SchoolsRule will distribute funds to Mendocino County school districts and charter schools on a per-student basis. Per pupil allocations will be determined based upon the California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS) report for the prior fiscal year and distributed in the Fall. If the amount raised in a fiscal year is less than one dollar per pupil, funds will not be distributed until the following fiscal year.
School districts and charter schools each determine how they will spend their annual allocation. Funds can be used to support curricular and co-curricular activities. Funds can only be spent in accordance with policies and laws governing public school spending.
SchoolsRule Mendocino County operates as a program of MCOE. Donations made to or through MCOE are tax-deductible under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Unlike many other tax deductions, there is no fixed “cap” on how much can be deducted for charitable contributions. In fact, to encourage charitable giving, the government allows individuals to deduct cash donations up to 60% of their adjusted gross income on their personal income tax returns.
How to Donate
SchoolsRule Mendocino accepts donations online or by check. For questions about donations or to make an in-kind contribution, please contact Nadia Tipton, 707-467-5030.
To donate by check, please make it payable to Mendocino County Office of Education and write "SchoolsRule Donation" in the memo line.
Checks may be hand-delivered or mailed to:
SchoolsRule Mendocino County
c/o Mendocino County Office of Education
2240 Old River Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
MCOE Launches Countywide Education Fund with Major Gift from Sonoma Clean Power
Sonoma Clean Power has made a significant investment in local public education with a $20,000 contribution to launch SchoolsRule Mendocino County, a new countywide initiative led by Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools Nicole Glentzer and the Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE), dedicated to supporting every public school student in Mendocino County.
The announcement was made during a May, 2025 launch event hosted at MCOE, where district and charter school superintendents gathered with community leaders and elected officials. Attendees included representatives from the offices of Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Chris Rogers, as well as Mendocino County Supervisors Madeline Cline (District 1), Maureen Mulheren (District 2), and John Haschak (District 3, Chair).
Funding Will Expand Access for Students
During the event, superintendents and charter leaders shared how SchoolsRule Mendocino County funding could help expand access to experiences beyond the classroom. Priorities included field trips, outdoor education, arts and science programs, summer learning opportunities, and experiences that build college and career readiness. Several leaders addressed the ongoing tension of limited funding and the challenge of undertaking additional fundraising at the local level. SchoolsRule, they noted, gives schools the flexibility to offer more enriching opportunities that many students would not otherwise have.
“Sonoma Clean Power stepped up for Mendocino County students,” said Nicole Glentzer, Mendocino County Superintendent of Schools. “This generous gift is more than financial support. It represents a shared commitment to ensuring all students, in every community, have access to opportunities that help them thrive.”
Sonoma Clean Power is a public agency that provides clean electricity to residents and businesses in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. In addition to its leadership in renewable energy and climate resilience, the agency supports community organizations and schools through grants, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts. Since its inception, Sonoma Clean Power has donated over $5 million to local non-profits, fire relief efforts, and workforce development programs. Their donation to SchoolsRule Mendocino County reflects a broad commitment to long-term community well-being.
“We know that SchoolsRule is an effective model for supporting students and expanding access to experiences they might not otherwise have,” said Sean Dalton, Events Manager at Sonoma Clean Power, addressing an audience of school leaders at the launch event. “Thank you for the work you’re doing and for putting these resources to good use. This effort reflects Sonoma Clean Power’s commitment to building resilient communities and opening doors for all students.”
About SchoolsRule Mendocino County
Modeled after successful efforts in Marin and Sonoma counties, SchoolsRule Mendocino County brings together businesses, educators, and community leaders with a shared goal: expanding opportunities for students. The program allows businesses to invest directly in education at the county level. Donations are distributed based on enrollment, so all public schools receive support. This approach helps strengthen communities over time and provides students with access to experiences they might not otherwise have.
SchoolsRule Mendocino County brings together local businesses, community members, and education leaders to expand opportunities for every student in every public school. By working together as a community to fund our schools, we help ensure all students have the support to learn and thrive.
Main Contacts
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent of Business and Administrative Services
Director- Communications & Engagement
Confidential Administrative Secretary II
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.