Annual Report
2021-2022

Lake County Office of Education

Children smiling together with the sunset behind them.

Superintendent's Message

Brock Falkenberg rides his tractor at the Memorial Day Parade to support Lake County Educators
Lake County Office of Education Logo

Superintendent's Message

Thank you, Lake County Educators! In the 2021-2022 school year, you rose to the challenge to serve our students under another year of difficult circumstances. You continue to serve for the betterment of our students and our community. I salute you. You are true heroes.

The Lake County Office of Education (LCOE) is one of 58 county offices of education in California, corresponding to the 58 California counties. Our role is diverse. One of our most important roles is to provide support and assistance to all Lake County educators so that Lake County youth can thrive.

I am proud of our staff at LCOE. As you read through this report, you will become familiar with the services they provide - in early childhood education, K-12th grade support, and adult education - each and every day regardless of any obstacles they may encounter. They put students first with respect, service, duty, and integrity. The success of LCOE depends on the hard work and persistence of our staff.

In the “Reports” section of this report you will find easy-to-read graphs regarding LCOE’s financials, Lake County student demographics, and the role of the County Office of Education versus the role of your local school districts.

Our “Program News and Information” section shares the stories of our LCOECares initiative implemented to help refresh, reset and recharge our weary educators. You’ll learn more about our Lake County Teacher of the Year, the work of our Healthy Start program, information regarding early childhood education, and more.

If you have a desire to teach, the Lake County Office of Education is here to help you realize that goal.  Scroll down to the “Lake County Needs Teachers” section to find out how you can become a teacher through our Teach Lake County credential program. You'll also find out how our hard-working Learning Support Specialists can guide and support you throughout your teaching career.

Thank you for taking this time to learn more about the Lake County Office of Education. As you scroll through our Annual Report, be sure to watch the videos. They are short, easy to understand, and worth your time.

Brock Falkenberg
Lake County Superintendent of Schools

Thank you Lake County Educators

Reports

Financials. Demographics. Roles. Boards. Districts.

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A list of revenue sources on how the Lake County Office of Education receives funding. Total of $15 million.
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A list of expenditures the Lake County Office of Education has. Total of $14.4 million.
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A list of student demographics in Lake County to show the diversity of student population.
A list of student demographics such as those who are foster youth and those with disabilities, with a total number of 9,926 students in Lake County
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Role of A County Office of Education

California has a three-level public education system, including the California Department of Education, county offices of education, and local school districts.

Regulations, funding, and policy decisions are generally established at the state level.

At the same time, the day-to-day delivery of instruction is the responsibility of more than 1,000 local school districts throughout the state.

The 58 county offices of education are the intermediate level of the public education system. County offices provide a support infrastructure for local schools and districts.

County Offices of Education also fulfill state mandates to approve school district budgets and LCAPs, register teacher credentials, complete employee background checks, certify school attendance records and develop countywide programs to serve students with special needs. 

Role of County Superintendent of Schools

Local voters elect the Lake County Superintendent of Schools every four years. He is the chief administrative officer, employer, and developer of programs and services as authorized by state statute or determined by needs or requests.

The County Superintendent also provides educational leadership and administers mandated services. The County Superintendent has direct oversight responsibilities for approving and assuring school district budgets, calling school district elections, and assisting with school district emergencies by providing necessary services.

The County Superintendent is also tasked with developing a three-year Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for the schools operated by the County Office of Education and reviewing and approving the LCAPs for all school districts in Lake County. 

Watch this short video below to learn more about the County Office of Education, as well as the role of the local school boards.

This short video provides an easy-to-understand description of County Offices of Education.

This short video provides an easy-to-understand description of County Offices of Education.

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Role of County Board of Education

The Lake County Board of Education consists of five members. The County Board operates under the authority of the California Constitution, the State Legislature, the California Code, and the State Board of Education.

The trustees are responsible for:

  • Adopting the Annual Lake County Office of Education Local Control and Accountability Plan and budget
  • Adopting policies governing the operation of the County Board
  • Acting as the appeals board for student expulsions, interdistrict transfers, and charter school petitions
  • Evaluating the Lake County Superintendent of Schools and establishing the rate of compensation
  • Serving as the landlord and owner of property

Board of Education Members

Trustee Area 1
Middletown 

Melissa Kinsel, Board of Education member

Melissa Kinsel, Term Expires: 2024 

Melissa Kinsel, Term Expires: 2024 

Board President
Trustee Area 2, Clearlake  

Dr. Mark Cooper, Board of Education President

Dr. Mark Cooper, Term Expires: 2024 

Dr. Mark Cooper, Term Expires: 2024 

Board Vice President
Trustee Area 3, Northshore 

Denise Loustalot, Board of Education Vice President

Denise Loustalot, Term Expires: 2022 

Denise Loustalot, Term Expires: 2022 

Trustee Area 4
Lakeport 

Dr. David Browning, Board of Education member

Dr. David Browning, Term Expires: 2022 

Dr. David Browning, Term Expires: 2022 

Trustee Area 5
Kelseyville

Anna Rose Ravenwoode, Board of Education member

Anna Ravenwoode, Term Expires: 2022 

Anna Ravenwoode, Term Expires: 2022 

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LCOE Facilities

The operations and programs of the Lake County Office of Education are spread across five different locations* in Lake County. They are:

  1. Lakeport Main: 1152 South Main Street, Lakeport
  2. Hance: 1510 Argonaut Road, Lakeport
  3. Kelseyville Main: 4325 Main Street, Kelseyville
  4. Taylor Observatory: 5725 Oak Hills Lane, Kelseyville
  5. Clearlake: 6945 Old Highway 53, Clearlake

* LCOE's Early Connection Preschools are located on eight (8) elementary school campuses throughout Lake County. Family Advocates with Healthy Start also work on individual school campuses throughout Lake County.

LCOE Programs

Educational Services

  • Adult Education (CNA / MA courses) - Hance
  • AmeriCorps - Hance
  • Bloom / Imagination Library - Hance
  • California State Preschool Program - Hance
  • Career and College Readiness - Lakeport Main
  • Clearlake Creativity School - Clearlake
  • Data Support - Lakeport Main
  • District and School Support - Lakeport Main
  • Grants / Statewide System of Supports - Lakeport Main
  • Hance Community School - Hance
  • Healthy Start - Clearlake
  • Local Planning Council (LPC) / Lake County Quality Counts - Hance
  • LCAP Review - Lakeport Main
  • New Teacher Preparation - Lakeport Main
  • Teach Lake County  - Hance

SELPA

  • District Support - Lakeport Main
  • Workability - Lakeport Main
  • Educationally-Related Mental Health Services (ERHMS) - Lakeport Main

Administration

  • Board of Education  - Lakeport Main
  • Community Engagement- Lakeport Main
  • Facilities and Maintenance - Lakeport Main
  • Fiscal - Kelseyville Main
  • Human Resources - Lakeport Main
  • Information Technology - Lakeport Main

District Information

Program News and Information

Educators participating in an LCOE Cares event - Paint Night at Small Town Ceramics.
Rena Roush, Lake County Teacher of the Year helping students with their assignments.
Two children with face paint, playing at the Children's Festival in April 2022.
Burns Valley Preschool Students preparing for their dental screenings.
Students testing their science experiment they created through a STEAM lesson provided by LCOE's Jennifer Kelly.
Two students using their ipad to control a robot they built through a STEAM lesson provided by LCOE's Jennifer Kelly.
Burns Valley After School program students grouped together.
Latinx COVID outreach team at an event to provide information to the publica about COVID-19.
SELPA List of the top 10 highlights for the 2021-22 school year.
Educators participating in an LCOE Cares event - Paint Night at Small Town Ceramics.
Rena Roush, Lake County Teacher of the Year helping students with their assignments.
Two children with face paint, playing at the Children's Festival in April 2022.
Burns Valley Preschool Students preparing for their dental screenings.
Students testing their science experiment they created through a STEAM lesson provided by LCOE's Jennifer Kelly.
Two students using their ipad to control a robot they built through a STEAM lesson provided by LCOE's Jennifer Kelly.
Burns Valley After School program students grouped together.
Latinx COVID outreach team at an event to provide information to the publica about COVID-19.
SELPA List of the top 10 highlights for the 2021-22 school year.

LCOE Cares for Educators!

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly and Konocti Education Center Principal Ami Barker present LCOE Cares information and water bottle.

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly and Konocti Education Center Principal Ami Barker.

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly and Konocti Education Center Principal Ami Barker.

Refresh | Reset | Recharge

The last few years have been challenging for our education community. Teacher, administrators, and educational staff burnout is at an all-time high.

To show our appreciation to the hard-working Lake County educators through these tough times, LCOE Learning Support Specialist Carly Swatosh-Sherman led the LCOE Cares initiative.

LCOE Cares provided educators the opportunity to de-stress and practice self-care through participation in a variety of calming experiences hosted by local businesses.

We appreciate the collaboration with our LCOE Cares, business partners:

Funding was provided by CalHOPE, Student Support program.

“I beat cancer during COVID and this is the motivation I needed to get back out there and start moving.  It came at a time when I needed it the most.” - Anonymous

“I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the activities LCOE has been offering. It's been so nice going to CrossFit for free the past few months. I especially love getting to hang out with other educators in a fun environment!" - Ms. Catalina Goldstein, Eighth Grade Teacher at Mountain Vista Middle School

“I think the LCOE Cares program was a wonderful thing for both the school staff and the local businesses. Our business is still recovering from the hit that the pandemic gave us, so LCOE Cares was a godsend!” - Jazzercise, Participating business in LCOE Cares

Lake County Office of Education logo

Rena Roush
Lake County Teacher of the Year 2021-2022

Dr. Nicki Thomas and Rena Roush at the Teacher of the Year celebration.

Dr. Nicki Thomas and Rena Roush at the Teacher of the Year celebration.

Dr. Nicki Thomas and Rena Roush at the Teacher of the Year celebration.

Rena Roush, Lead Teacher at the Kelseyville Learning Academy in the Kelseyville Unified School District (KVUSD), is Lake County’s Teacher of the Year.

"She made it a priority to help us realize how much potential each of us has and did an excellent job of guiding us onto the path toward our future careers."
Lilla Ferrell, Former Student

Mrs. Roush has spent her teaching career working in alternative education settings. The Kelseyville Learning Academy (KLA) is a home study and long-term independent study program. Before working at KLA, she worked for 19 years at the Lakeport Alternative school, a home study program offered through Lakeport Unified School District.

“I am privileged to have witnessed the success of many students, who struggled academically, socially, and emotionally in the "traditional" classroom setting. These students have, grown in self-confidence, learned to apply useful study skills, and effectively implement self-management tools for life,” said Mrs. Roush.

Mrs. Roush facilitates work experience and apprenticeship programs with local businesses and coordinates dual-enrollment courses for her students at the local community colleges, preparing them even more for a successful future.

“Her students maintain high levels of attendance, engagement, and academic achievement. She is a master teacher by all defininitions."
Dr. Nicki Thomas, Assistant Superintendent, KVUSD.

Mrs. Roush is the Lake County nominee to the 2023 California Teacher of the Year program, and will be notified in October if she has been honored as a California Teacher of the Year.

Lake County has had three California Teachers of the Year in the last 17 years. Erica Boomer from Upper Lake Unified School District was named a California Teacher of the Year 2019.  Jennifer Kelly from the Middletown Unified School District received the honor in 2011, and Alan Siegel from Konocti Unified School District received the honor in 2005.

Watch this short video to learn more about Mrs. Roush's independent study program and why she loves to teach.

Mrs. Roush tells the California Teacher of the Year selection committee why she loves to teach.

District Teachers of the Year

Kacy Mitchell, Teacher of the Year for Konocti Unified School District

Kacy Mitchell

Kacy Mitchell

English Language Development (ELD) / Responsive to Intervention (RTI) Teacher | Pomo Elementary School | Konocti Unified School District

Kacy Mitchell instills a love of learning in students through reading and inspires students to want to read on their own through her English Language Development class. She goes above and beyond for the Pomo Elementary School, the students, and the staff.

"She is an inspiration to all students she meets."
April Ellis, Pomo Elementary Principal
Farrah Alameda, Teacher of the Year for Lakeport Unified School District

Farrah Alameda

Farrah Alameda

2nd Grade Teacher | Lakeport Elementary School | Lakeport Unified School District

Farrah Alameda is a relatively new teacher who has grown tremendously. Students and families that she works with appreciate her dedication and compassion. She is constantly researching and implementing new ways to engage with the students in her classroom.

"She is patient and responsive to all of her students."
Talin Tamzarian, Lakeport Elementary Principal
Scott Ferguson, Middletown Unified School District Teacher of the Year

Scott Ferguson

Scott Ferguson

3rd Grade Teacher | Cobb Mountain Elementary School | Middletown Unified School District

Scott Ferguson is a leader. He is data-driven and models best practices with the rest of the teaching staff while holding high expectations for all students. He is fun, caring, and dedicated to his craft.

"He brings energy and excitement to our school."
Aram Osterlye, Cobb Mountain Elementary Principal
Paul Holt, Math / Business Teacher for Upper Lake High School

Paul Holt

Paul Holt

Math / Business Teacher | Upper Lake High School | Upper Lake Unified School District

Paul Holt creates a learning environment that sets up all students for success. He brings out the best in his students and colleagues through a humble approach to the profession, ensuring that all students level up.

"He is a student-centered teacher and a true teammate."
Annie Petrie, Upper Lake High School Principal
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Healthy Start

Children learn best when their basic needs are met. LCOE's Healthy Start program provides services to Lake County's families in need, ensuring that each student has the best opportunities possible.

Children's Oral Health Project

Last year, LCOE's Healthy Start program visited 18 Lake County Schools to conduct 1,637 dental screenings on PK-12th grade students, as part of their Children's Oral Health Project.

Healthy Start has provided dental screenings to Lake County students, preschool to high school, for over 17 years!

Jocelyn Cook from Adventist Health performs a dental screening at Burns Valley Early Connections Preschool.

Adventist Health staff Jocelyn Cook performs a dental screening at Burns Valley Early Connections Preschool.

Adventist Health staff Jocelyn Cook performs a dental screening at Burns Valley Early Connections Preschool.

The Children's Oral Health Project provides dental screenings and oral health education for students and their parents, referrals for dental treatment, transportation, and assistance in obtaining dental insurance.
Community partners that made this possible include:

Healthy Start Youth and Family Services is a statewide initiative placing comprehensive support services for children and families at individual school sites, helping to serve some of the most vulnerable Lake County students. It gives schools an opportunity to restructure systems to better meet the needs of children and families.

Children's Festival Returns to In-Person

Parents and children enjoy the Children's Festival in Library Park in Lakeport.

Parents and children enjoy the Children's Festival in Library Park in Lakeport.

Parents and children enjoy the Children's Festival in Library Park in Lakeport.

After a few years of COVID disruptions, the in-person version of the Children's Festival and Advocacy Walk returned in full swing to Lakeport's Library Park in April 2022.

The Children's Festival and Walk is a fun time for kids and parents alike. Numerous partner agencies set up booths to provide parents with resources. Activities are set up for the kids. And there is an advocacy walk on Lakeport's Main Street to raise awareness for child abuse prevention.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and numerous events take place throughout Lake County to raise awareness about preventing child abuse both inside and outside the home, including the festival and walk.

Established in 1992, the Lake County Children’s Council is administered by LCOE's Healthy Start Director Ana Santana. Its members consist of numerous community partners. The council provides education and training to schools, parent groups, community organizations, and professional groups about the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Donations Help Families in Need

Healthy Start Director Ana Santana and Jennifer Strong, of Strong Financial, among donated toys.

Healthy Start Director Ana Santana and Jennifer Strong, of Strong Financial, among donated toys.

Healthy Start Director Ana Santana and Jennifer Strong, of Strong Financial, among donated toys.

Partnerships are the best! And our Healthy Start program makes the most of them.

Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, the Healthy Start program received many donations from our community. They were able to pass these along to our Lake County families in need. There were gifts for children at Christmas, food boxes at Thanksgiving, essentials for homeless students, and much more.

 Thank you to the businesses who provided the donations:

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Early Childhood Education

"The first five years have so much to do with how the next 80 turn out."
-Bill Gates

From birth to age five (5), a child’s brain develops more than at any other time in life. Early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life.

What is Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)?

UPK is an umbrella term that includes:

  • California State Preschool Program (CSPP) (LCOE's Early Connections)
  • TK at your local school district
  • Head Start programs
  • Private preschool and daycare
  • Local community-based preschool and daycare programs
  • Early learning services for students with disabilities
  • Expanded learning options to support access to a full day of services

UPK is a commitment by the California Legislature to provide access to high-quality early education to all four-year-old students by 2025-2026.

LCOE's Early Connections State Preschool Program

LCOE's Early Connections is a California State Preschool Program (CSSP) located at 8 elementary schools around the lake.

The preschools are a center-based program that offers part-day programs to three and four-year-old children to eligible families in Lake County.

Our programs provide a core curriculum that is developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for the children we serve. We also provide meals and snacks to children, referrals to services for families, parent education, staff development opportunities, and so much more!

Child Development Director, Megan Handy, who oversees Early Connections reported, "Of the 112 parent survey responses we received, 100% (yes, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!!!) felt as though their child was safe in our programs. That's a HUGE accomplishment as we are providing in-person services during a global pandemic. Way to go, preschool!!!

LCOE's Preschool staff during their beginning of the year training.

LCOE's Preschool staff during their beginning of the year training.

LCOE's Preschool staff during their beginning of the year training.

LCOE's Lake County Quality Counts (LCQC)

LCQC belongs to a state-wide consortium called Quality Counts California that strives to improve the quality of early learning for California children ages 0 through 5 years old with a focus on three areas of program quality:

  1. Child development and readiness for school
  2. Teachers and teaching
  3. Program and environment quality

The goal of Quality Counts California is to ensure that children in California have access to high-quality programs so that they thrive in their early learning settings and succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

LCQC offers professional development throughout each year to childcare and preschool providers. In Spring 2022, Steve Spangler was the keynote speaker. Conference attendees learned age-appropriate science experiments to bring back to their classrooms and students.

Steve Spangler performs an experiment with Angela Cuellar-Marroquin.

Steve Spangler performs an experiment with Angela Cuellar-Marroquin.

Steve Spangler performs an experiment with Angela Cuellar-Marroquin.

LCQC is administered by Angela Cuellar-Marroquin through the Lake County Office of Education.

Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

Over the next few years, the eligibility age of students changes for TK. By 2025, there will be universal TK for all 4-year-olds!

If your child turns five years old between September 2, 2022, and February 2, 2023, they are eligible for TK for this year, Fall 2022.  

Check the chart below to see upcoming eligibility dates, and always check with your local school district for the most up-to-date information. If you don't know what school district you live in, visit our "Districts" page on our website. On the bottom right, there is a link to a GIS map that can help you find out!

This shows the Transitional Kindergarten eligibility dates for the next 5 years.

One important feature of UPK is that parents can choose what sort of classroom or home environment best suits their four-year-old child's needs, whether it be TK, Early Connections Preschool, and any other Lake County childcare and preschool options.

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LCOE STEAM is steaming ahead!

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly teaches a science lesson to Upper Lake Elementary fourth grade class.

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly teaches a science lesson to Upper Lake Elementary fourth grade class.

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly teaches a science lesson to Upper Lake Elementary fourth grade class.

What could be more fun for students than learning by doing hands-on science experiments?!

Learning Support Specialist Jennifer Kelly, LCOE's resident STEAM expert loves to visit local classrooms to offer students fun and engaging hands-on science, robotics, and engineering lessons. 

Jennifer provided STEAM lessons to nearly 2,000 Lake County students last year. That's over 20% of the Lake County student population!

She visited 66 Lake County classrooms and hosted 28 different field trips at the Taylor Observatory. She worked with students from Kindergarten through the 10th grade.

Jennifer Kelly is such an amazing teacher that she was honored as the 2010 Lake County Teacher of the Year and the 2011 California Teacher of the Year!

STEAM education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics as a starting point to guide student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

STEAM projects include the solar system, robotics, Clear Lake topography and water analysis, sound, engineering and so much more!

STEAM Graphic
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LCOE Information Technology

UPS delivers 100 iPads to LCOE's Information Technology Director Kevin Mack.

UPS delivers 100 iPads to LCOE's Information Technology Director Kevin Mack.

UPS delivers 100 iPads to LCOE's Information Technology Director Kevin Mack.

LCOE's IT department, led by Kevin Mack, was awarded an Emergency Connectivity Fund grant from the Broadband for all initiatives. This grant provided Chromebooks and hotspots for direct educational support programs for the Lake County schools.

Nearly 12,000 people rely on the services of LCOE's IT Department.

The LCOE Information Technology (IT) department provides the most up-to-date technology programs and internet connectivity to all Lake County Districts, schools, and students.

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Tackling Absenteeism

LCOE's Attendance Liaison Natasha Mckenney hangs out on campus with Cobb Elementary students.

LCOE's Attendance Liaison Natasha Mckenney hangs out on campus with Cobb Elementary students.

LCOE's Attendance Liaison Natasha Mckenney hangs out on campus with Cobb Elementary students.

With boots on the ground, advocating for students and providing resources to families, the Lake County Office of Education (LCOE) Attendance Liaisons work hard to improve attendance in Lake County schools.

During the 2021-22 school year, LCOE Attendance Liaisons:

  • Reached out to 1,000 K-12 Lake County students struggling with attendance
  • Visited 640 homes of students struggling with attendance
  • Conducted 1,067 follow-ups

LCOE's Attendance Liaisons made a total of 2,067 outreach attempts to help get students back to school.

LCOE Learning Support Specialist, Angie DeMaria, is responsible for the implementation of this program and oversees a staff of seven Attendance Liaisons. An Attendance Liaison is an individual who works directly with students to find solutions to improve their attendance rates. Each Liaison is assigned to a single school district.

LCOE’s Communities for School Success program was implemented in partnership with Lake County school districts to address the high chronic absenteeism rates in Lake County schools. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing two or more days of school, excused or unexcused, a month.  

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Lake County Latinx COVID-19 Outreach

LCOE's Marilu Garcia and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin work the phones as they reach out to the Latinx community to sign them up for COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

LCOE's Marilu Garcia and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin work the phones as they reach out to the Latinx community.

LCOE's Marilu Garcia and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin work the phones as they reach out to the Latinx community.

Build trust | Stop the spread of misinformation |
Conduct outreach | Set up vaccine and COVID-19 testing appointments

Ana Santana, Healthy Start Director, and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin, LCQC / LPC Director, led LCOE's Latinx COVID information outreach efforts. This work was funded through a grant from the Lake County Department of Public Health through their emergency response to COVID-19.

In February 2021, only six percent of the Latinx community was vaccinated. The grant was received in January 2021, and today over 60% of the Latinx community has received a vaccine.

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Lake County SELPA Top 10

Upper Lake USD hosted a training on how to use the Sonday phonics system. LCOE's SELPA staff joined the training.

Upper Lake USD hosted a training on how to use the Sonday phonics system. LCOE's SELPA staff joined the training.

Upper Lake USD hosted a training on how to use the Sonday phonics system. LCOE's SELPA staff joined the training.

We're proud of all SELPA's hard work! Take a peek at their top 10 highlights to see how they ensure all students in Lake County have an opportunity to receive an education.

The Lake County Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) is made up of the six Lake County school districts and the County Office of Education. These Local Education Agencies (LEAs) collaborate to offer a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to every Individual with Exceptional Needs. 

A SELPA is a state-mandated consortium that provides for all the special education service needs of children residing within the regional boundaries. There are approximately 116 SELPA's in California. Each SELPA develops and is governed by a LOCAL PLAN describing how it provides special education services. 

Educators participating in an LCOE Cares event - Paint Night at Small Town Ceramics.
Rena Roush, Lake County Teacher of the Year helping students with their assignments.
Two children with face paint, playing at the Children's Festival in April 2022.
Burns Valley Preschool Students preparing for their dental screenings.
Two students using their ipad to control a robot they built through a STEAM lesson provided by LCOE's Jennifer Kelly.
Burns Valley After School program students grouped together.
Latinx COVID outreach team at an event to provide information to the publica about COVID-19.
The playground structure at the Clearlake Creativity School
Educators participating in an LCOE Cares event - Paint Night at Small Town Ceramics.
Rena Roush, Lake County Teacher of the Year helping students with their assignments.
Two children with face paint, playing at the Children's Festival in April 2022.
Burns Valley Preschool Students preparing for their dental screenings.
Two students using their ipad to control a robot they built through a STEAM lesson provided by LCOE's Jennifer Kelly.
Burns Valley After School program students grouped together.
Latinx COVID outreach team at an event to provide information to the publica about COVID-19.
The playground structure at the Clearlake Creativity School

LCOE Cares for Educators!

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly and Konocti Education Center Principal Ami Barker present LCOE Cares information and water bottle.

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly and Konocti Education Center Principal Ami Barker.

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly and Konocti Education Center Principal Ami Barker.

Refresh | Reset | Recharge

The last few years have been challenging for our education community. Teacher, administrators, and educational staff burnout is at an all-time high.

To show our appreciation to the hard-working Lake County educators through these tough times, LCOE Learning Support Specialist Carly Swatosh-Sherman led the LCOE Cares initiative.

LCOE Cares provided educators the opportunity to de-stress and practice self-care through participation in a variety of calming experiences hosted by local businesses.

We appreciate the collaboration with our LCOE Cares, business partners:

Funding was provided by CalHOPE, Student Support program.

“I beat cancer during COVID and this is the motivation I needed to get back out there and start moving.  It came at a time when I needed it the most.” - Anonymous

“I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the activities LCOE has been offering. It's been so nice going to CrossFit for free the past few months. I especially love getting to hang out with other educators in a fun environment!" - Ms. Catalina Goldstein, Eighth Grade Teacher at Mountain Vista Middle School

“I think the LCOE Cares program was a wonderful thing for both the school staff and the local businesses. Our business is still recovering from the hit that the pandemic gave us, so LCOE Cares was a godsend!” - Jazzercise, Participating business in LCOE Cares

Lake County Office of Education logo

Rena Roush
Lake County Teacher of the Year 2021-2022

Dr. Nicki Thomas and Rena Roush at the Teacher of the Year celebration.

Dr. Nicki Thomas and Rena Roush at the Teacher of the Year celebration.

Dr. Nicki Thomas and Rena Roush at the Teacher of the Year celebration.

Rena Roush, Lead Teacher at the Kelseyville Learning Academy in the Kelseyville Unified School District (KVUSD), is Lake County’s Teacher of the Year.

"She made it a priority to help us realize how much potential each of us has and did an excellent job of guiding us onto the path toward our future careers."
Lilla Ferrell, Former Student

Mrs. Roush has spent her teaching career working in alternative education settings. The Kelseyville Learning Academy (KLA) is a home study and long-term independent study program. Before working at KLA, she worked for 19 years at the Lakeport Alternative school, a home study program offered through Lakeport Unified School District.

“I am privileged to have witnessed the success of many students, who struggled academically, socially, and emotionally in the "traditional" classroom setting. These students have, grown in self-confidence, learned to apply useful study skills, and effectively implement self-management tools for life,” said Mrs. Roush.

Mrs. Roush facilitates work experience and apprenticeship programs with local businesses and coordinates dual-enrollment courses for her students at the local community colleges, preparing them even more for a successful future.

“Her students maintain high levels of attendance, engagement, and academic achievement. She is a master teacher by all defininitions."
Dr. Nicki Thomas, Assistant Superintendent, KVUSD.

Mrs. Roush is the Lake County nominee to the 2023 California Teacher of the Year program, and will be notified in October if she has been honored as a California Teacher of the Year.

Lake County has had three California Teachers of the Year in the last 17 years. Erica Boomer from Upper Lake Unified School District was named a California Teacher of the Year 2019.  Jennifer Kelly from the Middletown Unified School District received the honor in 2011, and Alan Siegel from Konocti Unified School District received the honor in 2005.

Watch this short video to learn more about Mrs. Roush's independent study program and why she loves to teach.

Mrs. Roush tells the California Teacher of the Year selection committee why she loves to teach.

District Teachers of the Year

Kacy Mitchell, Teacher of the Year for Konocti Unified School District

Kacy Mitchell

Kacy Mitchell

English Language Development (ELD) / Responsive to Intervention (RTI) Teacher | Pomo Elementary School | Konocti Unified School District

Kacy Mitchell instills a love of learning in students through reading and inspires students to want to read on their own through her English Language Development class. She goes above and beyond for the Pomo Elementary School, the students, and the staff.

"She is an inspiration to all students she meets."
April Ellis, Pomo Elementary Principal
Farrah Alameda, Teacher of the Year for Lakeport Unified School District

Farrah Alameda

Farrah Alameda

2nd Grade Teacher | Lakeport Elementary School | Lakeport Unified School District

Farrah Alameda is a relatively new teacher who has grown tremendously. Students and families that she works with appreciate her dedication and compassion. She is constantly researching and implementing new ways to engage with the students in her classroom.

"She is patient and responsive to all of her students."
Talin Tamzarian, Lakeport Elementary Principal
Scott Ferguson, Middletown Unified School District Teacher of the Year

Scott Ferguson

Scott Ferguson

3rd Grade Teacher | Cobb Mountain Elementary School | Middletown Unified School District

Scott Ferguson is a leader. He is data-driven and models best practices with the rest of the teaching staff while holding high expectations for all students. He is fun, caring, and dedicated to his craft.

"He brings energy and excitement to our school."
Aram Osterlye, Cobb Mountain Elementary Principal
Paul Holt, Math / Business Teacher for Upper Lake High School

Paul Holt

Paul Holt

Math / Business Teacher | Upper Lake High School | Upper Lake Unified School District

Paul Holt creates a learning environment that sets up all students for success. He brings out the best in his students and colleagues through a humble approach to the profession, ensuring that all students level up.

"He is a student-centered teacher and a true teammate."
Annie Petrie, Upper Lake High School Principal
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Healthy Start

Children learn best when their basic needs are met. LCOE's Healthy Start program provides services to Lake County's families in need, ensuring that each student has the best opportunities possible.

Children's Oral Health Project

Last year, LCOE's Healthy Start program visited 18 Lake County Schools to conduct 1,637 dental screenings on PK-12th grade students, as part of their Children's Oral Health Project.

Healthy Start has provided dental screenings to Lake County students, preschool to high school, for over 17 years!

Jocelyn Cook from Adventist Health performs a dental screening at Burns Valley Early Connections Preschool.

Adventist Health staff Jocelyn Cook performs a dental screening at Burns Valley Early Connections Preschool.

Adventist Health staff Jocelyn Cook performs a dental screening at Burns Valley Early Connections Preschool.

The Children's Oral Health Project provides dental screenings and oral health education for students and their parents, referrals for dental treatment, transportation, and assistance in obtaining dental insurance.
Community partners that made this possible include:

Healthy Start Youth and Family Services is a statewide initiative placing comprehensive support services for children and families at individual school sites, helping to serve some of the most vulnerable Lake County students. It gives schools an opportunity to restructure systems to better meet the needs of children and families.

Children's Festival Returns to In-Person

Parents and children enjoy the Children's Festival in Library Park in Lakeport.

Parents and children enjoy the Children's Festival in Library Park in Lakeport.

Parents and children enjoy the Children's Festival in Library Park in Lakeport.

After a few years of COVID disruptions, the in-person version of the Children's Festival and Advocacy Walk returned in full swing to Lakeport's Library Park in April 2022.

The Children's Festival and Walk is a fun time for kids and parents alike. Numerous partner agencies set up booths to provide parents with resources. Activities are set up for the kids. And there is an advocacy walk on Lakeport's Main Street to raise awareness for child abuse prevention.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and numerous events take place throughout Lake County to raise awareness about preventing child abuse both inside and outside the home, including the festival and walk.

Established in 1992, the Lake County Children’s Council is administered by LCOE's Healthy Start Director Ana Santana. Its members consist of numerous community partners. The council provides education and training to schools, parent groups, community organizations, and professional groups about the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Donations Help Families in Need

Healthy Start Director Ana Santana and Jennifer Strong, of Strong Financial, among donated toys.

Healthy Start Director Ana Santana and Jennifer Strong, of Strong Financial, among donated toys.

Healthy Start Director Ana Santana and Jennifer Strong, of Strong Financial, among donated toys.

Partnerships are the best! And our Healthy Start program makes the most of them.

Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, the Healthy Start program received many donations from our community. They were able to pass these along to our Lake County families in need. There were gifts for children at Christmas, food boxes at Thanksgiving, essentials for homeless students, and much more.

 Thank you to the businesses who provided the donations:

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Early Childhood Education

"The first five years have so much to do with how the next 80 turn out."
-Bill Gates

From birth to age five (5), a child’s brain develops more than at any other time in life. Early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and life.

What is Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)?

UPK is an umbrella term that includes:

  • California State Preschool Program (CSPP) (LCOE's Early Connections)
  • TK at your local school district
  • Head Start programs
  • Private preschool and daycare
  • Local community-based preschool and daycare programs
  • Early learning services for students with disabilities
  • Expanded learning options to support access to a full day of services

UPK is a commitment by the California Legislature to provide access to high-quality early education to all four-year-old students by 2025-2026.

LCOE's Early Connections State Preschool Program

LCOE's Early Connections is a California State Preschool Program (CSSP) located at 8 elementary schools around the lake.

The preschools are a center-based program that offers part-day programs to three and four-year-old children to eligible families in Lake County.

Our programs provide a core curriculum that is developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate for the children we serve. We also provide meals and snacks to children, referrals to services for families, parent education, staff development opportunities, and so much more!

Child Development Director, Megan Handy, who oversees Early Connections reported, "Of the 112 parent survey responses we received, 100% (yes, ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!!!) felt as though their child was safe in our programs. That's a HUGE accomplishment as we are providing in-person services during a global pandemic. Way to go, preschool!!!

LCOE's Preschool staff during their beginning of the year training.

LCOE's Preschool staff during their beginning of the year training.

LCOE's Preschool staff during their beginning of the year training.

LCOE's Lake County Quality Counts (LCQC)

LCQC belongs to a state-wide consortium called Quality Counts California that strives to improve the quality of early learning for California children ages 0 through 5 years old with a focus on three areas of program quality:

  1. Child development and readiness for school
  2. Teachers and teaching
  3. Program and environment quality

The goal of Quality Counts California is to ensure that children in California have access to high-quality programs so that they thrive in their early learning settings and succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

LCQC offers professional development throughout each year to childcare and preschool providers. In Spring 2022, Steve Spangler was the keynote speaker. Conference attendees learned age-appropriate science experiments to bring back to their classrooms and students.

Steve Spangler performs an experiment with Angela Cuellar-Marroquin.

Steve Spangler performs an experiment with Angela Cuellar-Marroquin.

Steve Spangler performs an experiment with Angela Cuellar-Marroquin.

LCQC is administered by Angela Cuellar-Marroquin through the Lake County Office of Education.

Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

Over the next few years, the eligibility age of students changes for TK. By 2025, there will be universal TK for all 4-year-olds!

If your child turns five years old between September 2, 2022, and February 2, 2023, they are eligible for TK for this year, Fall 2022.  

Check the chart below to see upcoming eligibility dates, and always check with your local school district for the most up-to-date information. If you don't know what school district you live in, visit our "Districts" page on our website. On the bottom right, there is a link to a GIS map that can help you find out!

This shows the Transitional Kindergarten eligibility dates for the next 5 years.

One important feature of UPK is that parents have the choice to choose what sort of classroom or home environment best suits their four-year-old child's needs, whether it be TK, Early Connections Preschool, and any other Lake County childcare and preschool options.

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LCOE STEAM is steaming ahead!

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly teaches a science lesson to Upper Lake Elementary fourth grade class.

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly teaches a science lesson to Upper Lake Elementary fourth grade class.

LCOE's Jennifer Kelly teaches a science lesson to Upper Lake Elementary fourth grade class.

What could be more fun for students than learning by doing hands-on science experiments?!

Learning Support Specialist Jennifer Kelly, LCOE's resident STEAM expert loves to visit local classrooms to offer students fun and engaging hands-on science, robotics, and engineering lessons. 

Jennifer provided STEAM lessons to nearly 2,000 Lake County students last year. That's over 20% of the Lake County student population!

She visited 66 Lake County classrooms and hosted 28 different field trips at the Taylor Observatory. She worked with students from Kindergarten through the 10th grade.

Jennifer Kelly is such an amazing teacher that she was honored as the 2010 Lake County Teacher of the Year and the 2011 California Teacher of the Year!

STEAM education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics as a starting point to guide student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

STEAM projects include the solar system, robotics, Clear Lake topography and water analysis, sound, engineering and so much more!

STEAM Graphic
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LCOE Information Technology

UPS delivers 100 iPads to LCOE's Information Technology Director Kevin Mack.

UPS delivers 100 iPads to LCOE's Information Technology Director Kevin Mack.

UPS delivers 100 iPads to LCOE's Information Technology Director Kevin Mack.

LCOE's IT department, led by Kevin Mack, was awarded an Emergency Connectivity Fund grant from the Broadband for all initiatives. This grant provided Chromebooks and hotspots for direct educational support programs for the Lake County schools.

Nearly 12,000 people rely on the services of LCOE's IT Department.

The LCOE Information Technology (IT) department provides the most up-to-date technology programs and internet connectivity to all Lake County Districts, schools, and students.

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Tackling Absenteeism

LCOE's Attendance Liaison Natasha Mckenney hangs out on campus with Cobb Elementary students.

LCOE's Attendance Liaison Natasha Mckenney hangs out on campus with Cobb Elementary students.

LCOE's Attendance Liaison Natasha Mckenney hangs out on campus with Cobb Elementary students.

With boots on the ground, advocating for students and providing resources to families, the Lake County Office of Education (LCOE) Attendance Liaisons work hard to improve attendance in Lake County schools.

During the 2021-22 school year, LCOE Attendance Liaisons:

  • Reached out to 1,000 K-12 Lake County students struggling with attendance
  • Visited 640 homes of students struggling with attendance
  • Conducted 1,067 follow-ups

LCOE's Attendance Liaisons made a total of 2,067 outreach attempts to help get students back to school.

LCOE Learning Support Specialist, Angie DeMaria, is responsible for the implementation of this program and oversees a staff of seven Attendance Liaisons. An Attendance Liaison is an individual who works directly with students to find solutions to improve their attendance rates. Each Liaison is assigned to a single school district.

LCOE’s Communities for School Success program was implemented in partnership with Lake County school districts to address the high chronic absenteeism rates in Lake County schools. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing two or more days of school, excused or unexcused, a month.  

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Lake County Latinx COVID-19 Outreach

LCOE's Marilu Garcia and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin work the phones as they reach out to the Latinx community to sign them up for COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

LCOE's Marilu Garcia and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin work the phones as they reach out to the Latinx community.

LCOE's Marilu Garcia and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin work the phones as they reach out to the Latinx community.

Build trust | Stop the spread of misinformation |
Conduct outreach | Set up vaccine and COVID-19 testing appointments

Ana Santana, Healthy Start Director, and Angela Cuellar-Marroquin, LCQC / LPC Director, led LCOE's Latinx COVID information outreach efforts. This work was funded through a grant from the Lake County Department of Public Health through their emergency response to COVID-19.

In February 2021, only six percent of the Latinx community was vaccinated. The grant was received in January 2021, and today over 60% of the Latinx community has received a vaccine.

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Lake County SELPA Top 10

Upper Lake USD hosted a training on how to use the Sonday phonics system. LCOE's SELPA staff joined the training.

Upper Lake USD hosted a training on how to use the Sonday phonics system. LCOE's SELPA staff joined the training.

Upper Lake USD hosted a training on how to use the Sonday phonics system. LCOE's SELPA staff joined the training.

SELPA List of the top 10 highlights for the 2021-22 school year.

The Lake County Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) is made up of the six Lake County school districts and the County Office of Education. These Local Education Agencies (LEAs) collaborate to offer a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to every Individual with Exceptional Needs. 

A SELPA is a state-mandated consortium that provides for all the special education service needs of children residing within the regional boundaries. There are approximately 116 SELPA's in California. Each SELPA develops and is governed by a LOCAL PLAN describing how it provides special education services. 

Lake County
Needs Teachers

Lake County Needs Teachers!

Lake County Needs Teachers! Invest in our community, invest in our children.

If you have a bachelor's degree, we can help you begin your teaching career. Earn your teaching credential through our local accredited Teach Lake County program, or begin with Substitute Teaching to see if it's the right fit. If you don't yet have your BA, we can help you get into the classroom through our AmeriCorps Program.

LCOE is committed to teacher support. Each year we host a four-day New Teacher Institute to prepare our teachers for their first day in the classroom. We offer several professional development opportunities throughout the year. Our team of Learning Support Specialists are available to come to your classroom to offer coaching, mentoring, and support in the area of need that you identify.

If you are interested in becoming a teacher, we are interested in supporting you.

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Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Lake County Office of Education. If you should have any questions, don't hesitate to email us at communications@lakecoe.org

View our last year's award-winning 2020-21 Year in Review, created by Jill Ruzicka, Zack Jordan, and Barb DeMarco by clicking the link below.