County Office of Education

About the San Mateo County Office of Education

The San Mateo County Office of Education supports roughly 84,000 students across 23 districts by delivering countywide services that are more efficient and cost-effective. This includes instructional and technical support to school districts, instruction for students with significant disabilities and those in the juvenile justice system, and the development of the education workforce!

We are a leader in creating environmentally literate and sustainable schools, and play a key role in developing safe, supportive, and welcoming schools across San Mateo County. Learn more about who we are and how we are driven by excellence and equity every day.

View our Organizational Chart

In this Section

Budget and LCAP

Central Office Location and Calendar

Environmental Outdoor Education

School Site Calendars

The San Mateo County Office of Education provides direct instruction through its Court and Community Schools Program, Early Childhood Education and Early Start programs, K-12 Special Education Services, and Related Services.

Mission, Vision, and Goals

The San Mateo County Office of Education began its strategic planning process in 2016, when it developed its current mission and vision of Excellence and Equity in Education. In 2019, it updated its strategic plan to include five core practices and four goals to achieve its mission and vision.

Mission

Vision

Equity Statement

The San Mateo County Office of Education welcomes and embraces individuals from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, disabilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, immigration statuses, and religions. At the San Mateo County Office of Education, equity means providing every learner aged 0-22 with the education and support needed to thrive in school, career, and life, and every staff member with opportunities to grow and further deepen their impact.

To achieve equity, The San Mateo County Office of Education commits to:

Disrupt inequitable practices and replace them with equity-driven, transparent systems
Improve outcomes for historically and currently underserved student groups, honoring their strengths and talents
Continue to educate ourselves so we are better able to confront and dismantle systemic inequities
Center voices of those who have been historically marginalized and underserved

Core Practices

Growth Mindset: believing that everyone can learn, grow, and move the organization forward
Cultural Humility: holding a humble and respectful attitude toward individuals of other cultures that pushes one to challenge their own cultural biases and approach learning about other cultures as a lifelong goal and process
Trauma-Informed: adopting principles and practices that promote safety, empowerment, healing and shared responsibility for all
Sustainability: ensuring SMCOE and schools countywide meet the needs of present and future students through practices that are environmentally, socially, and economically responsible
Accountability: taking personal responsibility to lean in, make goals, measure progress, and serve as both a leader and a positive team member

The Role of the County Office of Education

Use the following links to view:

Flipbook

Downloadable Video

Support and Monitor Local Education Agencies

The San Mateo County Office of Education ensures that school districts meet state and local requirements. It is responsible for reviewing, advising, and approving school districts’ budgets, interim reports, year-end financial statements, and audit reports. It approves local control accountability plans (LCAPs); provides differentiated assistance to districts who qualify; monitors facilities, textbooks, and instructional materials; and coordinates the Tinsley Voluntary Transfer Program.

Instruct Students

The San Mateo County Office of Education provides direct student instruction to special populations of students who need the unique support provided by our Special Education, Court and Community schools, and Youth Services. It runs a highly successful Outdoor Education program in partnership with the YMCA at Camp Jones Gulch, and serves the educational needs of students in foster care.

Offer Instructional and Technical Support

The San Mateo County Office of Education provides instructional support to local education agencies in curriculum and instruction, assessment, instructional technology, program improvement, and preschool and child care quality improvement. The County Office also provides technical assistance to support student performance and accountability, including LCAP development and differentiated assistance.

Develop the Education Workforce

Lead High-Impact County-Wide Initiatives

The San Mateo County Office serves as an advocate for youth and education, raises public awareness of educational issues, and initiates innovative, high-impact programs to benefit San Mateo County students, including The Big Lift, the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities, Environmental Literacy, Career and Technical Education, Zap the Gap, Teach San Mateo, and Visual and Performing Arts.