San Joaquin County Office of Education Inaugural Event Spotlights Education
Story and Photos by San Joaquin County Office of Education
The community came together in celebration of local public education at the first annual San Joaquin County State of Education event on May 7, 2025.
The event highlighted initiatives in local schools focused on early literacy, mental health, career preparation and student connection. Community leaders, elected officials and representatives from local agencies joined with the county’s educational community for the event held at Manteca Unified’s Weston Ranch High School. The event was organized by the San Joaquin County Office of Education in partnership with county school districts, “Educators in our county are not just doing the work to get to know the whole student; we are building the programs, lessons and relationships to serve students and help them find success in school and in life,” San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Troy Brown said. “We are recognizing the innovation, passion and dedication found across all 14 school districts and San Joaquin County Office of Education programs.”
Public education in San Joaquin County serves more than 154,000 students, each with a unique personality, background and ability. To reflect the work of schools to reach all students, the State of Education theme was Education for All.
The theme was spelled out in 15 individual letters on the event stage. Student artists and creative staffers at all 14 school districts and the SJCOE had transformed the plain wooden cutouts of letters into works of art before the event. From painted mascots to carved emblems, the letters were an expression of what makes each district unique.
The State of Education event was broken into two parts. In the District expo, school staff and students set up booths and engaged with educational colleagues, elected officials, partners and community leaders. The Main program featured inspiring videos highlighting what has been happening in local schools in four focus areas.
Through their Career Technical Education programs, schools and districts offer hands-on experience to prepare students for jobs that will sustain and inspire them for life. CTE programs do not stay stagnant. They continually evolve, investing in the future of industry and their students.
Learning to read is critical to academic success. Schools in our county have put a renewed emphasis on early literacy by aiming to teach students to become readers by the time they leave third grade, using science-based curriculum instruction and offering training for educators. In 2023, all 14 superintendents joined Dr. Brown in signing a declaration in support of early literacy.
As students returned to the classroom after the peak of the pandemic, educators knew that mental health support was crucial, as many students struggled with anxiety, depression and other issues. It galvanized both coordinated and individual efforts to step up mental health supports in schools, ranging from everyday attention to wellness for students to new resources for students in crisis.
Every student’s story is different. Backgrounds, culture, learning style, identity, endured trauma and overcome challenges all make up each individual. Educators take the time to build relationships to get to know each student and how to best help them learn and grow. Schools and districts implement programs, training and support to ensure all their students succeed. The effort is specific, deliberate and data driven. Students who need more support can find it. And students of all backgrounds see themselves and know they are welcome.
Students played a central role throughout the State of Education event. The jazz band from Stagg High School (Stockton Unified School District) and the choir from Weston Ranch High School gave moving performances. West High School (Tracy Unified School District) JROTC presented the flag and sang the national anthem. Venture Academy Family of Schools culinary students served food, and WorkAbility students from the SJCOE and Manteca Unified manned a coffee cart.
“We were intentional in ensuring the event was student centered,” said Brandie Brunni, director of governmental relations and community partnerships at the SJCOE. “Because in San Joaquin County, education for all means for all students.”
The special State of Education edition of the SJCOE Outlook Magazine includes inspiring stories from schools across San Joaquin County. Videos shown during the event and the archived event livestream are posted on the SJCOE YouTube page.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SJCOE
