San Mateo County Office of Education Recognized By State As Top School District

REDWOOD CITY, CA — The San Mateo County Office of Education was named "Medium County Office of the Year" by the California County Superintendents for its statewide leadership in behavioral health, environmental literacy, and school safety.

This award specifically called out the leadership of Superintendent Nancy Magee in each of these areas.

“A passionate and highly respected leader, Nancy has dedicated her career to empowering educators and students alike,” said Karen Stapf Walters, Executive Director, California County Superintendents. “Her approach to leadership is grounded in courage and compassion. She has been a steadfast mentor to women across California’s education system, always making time to guide, support, and advocate for the next generation of women leaders.”

The County Office collaborated with school districts and community organizations, including San Mateo County, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Human Services Agency, and local law enforcement, to expand school-based behavioral and mental health services through the "United for Youth" framework.

“Nancy has been at the forefront of efforts to integrate mental health supports in schools, advance digital equity, and reimagine student-centered learning environments,” said Walters. “Through her innovative vision and thoughtful leadership, she has built coalitions and mobilized change in ways that have influenced educational policy and practice statewide.”

The County Office was recognized for developing "Seeds to Solutions," a statewide set of free environmental literacy materials for K–12 educators, created with Ten Strands.

“Nancy’s influence extends far beyond San Mateo County,” said Karen Cowe, Chief Executive Officer of Ten Strands. “She embeds environmental literacy across disciplines–science, health, and social justice–and prepares students to become climate problem solvers. As a leader, she models equity, prioritizes mental health, and supports cradle-to-career resilience.”

The County Office was honored for its leadership in the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities. This multi-agency group addresses youth safety, implements emergency response best practices, and improves behavioral health. The Coalition developed The Big Five emergency response procedures, adopted by all San Mateo County school districts and law enforcement agencies, and expanding statewide with County Office support.

“Superintendent Magee’s unwavering commitment to a culture of safety and disaster preparedness across all educational institutions in San Mateo County has created a model for the region, as well as school systems statewide and beyond,” said Jake Wolf, Assistant Secretary, Emergency Services and Sustainability. “At a time when school emergency management and safety is more important than ever, she has shown leadership that if replicated, could change the world.”