Connecting on Education
Sharing about Education in Support of San Mateo County Children and Youth
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Welcome to the Connecting on Education website! I am Patricia Love, San Mateo County Board of Education Trustee representing Area 3. This site provides space for me to share information about the work of the Board of Education, my work as Trustee, and other education news. I am often asked, what does the County Board of Education do? I hope this site will answer that question.
I also want to hear from you - what are you thinking about with respect to education? Do you have any questions or concerns? I will share what I am hearing on the site's Discussion page and address questions and comments I receive. I am happy to connect individually as well. Please use this form to share your ideas, questions, or concerns with me.
Finally, I love to post positive education stories and notices about upcoming events. So, please send those along as well.
Next County Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
County Office of Education
Agenda and materials to be posted when available.
October 8: Agenda Preview
Meeting preview to be posted when meeting information is available.
Highlights from Previous Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Meeting agenda and packet. this meeting was not recorded.
This week's meeting was held as a board retreat. We were joined by Dr. Dave Patterson, a trustee of another county board of education, who facilitated the meeting. Given that the board has three new members and has experienced conflict in recent years, this meeting was welcomed by everyone. The session provided the opportunity to air some frustrations and get on the same page about next steps, which included conducting a board self evaluation and begin setting shared goals. Board President Torres did an excellent job summarizing keep points and next steps, and I appreciated his arranging this session. The minutes from the meeting will provide more details.
Board of Education with facilitator Dr. Dave Patterson at its retreat on September 17.
Other Updates
Funding Adequacy Task Force Completes Initial Report
We shared an initial report on our work and recommendations with the Task Force, received input from Capitol Advisors, and discussed our options and next steps at a hybrid meeting on August 25. We're taking the report to our Board in October, though a copy was shared with them at our meeting on September 3. We have begun reaching out to other county boards of education and the legislative delegation to build support and for the work. Trustee David Lee from the Redwood City School District will join our team and help build support at the San Mateo County School Boards Association.
California AI in Education Task Force Holds First Meeting
I attended the first meeting of the state's AI and Education Task Force meeting. I was joined by educators from around the state to begin developing a policy and guidelines for California schools. Many folks were excited about the process and really leaning in to consider how AI might impact our world and how students can be ready. My hope is that AI also allows teachers to find more joy in their work as they have more time for their students and themselves as AI takes over other tasks that are less impactful. I hope that the people in the room are willing to think big and long about this. Here is a page with information about the task force.
Funding Adequacy Task Force's Work Is Moving Ahead
The Funding Adequacy Task Force's work is moving ahead. Here are some highlights. Interns in Senator Becker’s office are doing research on questions that came out of the task force meeting. County Office of Education staff are going to pull together information from the task force meetings, the interns’ research, and other research into a draft report, which we will share with the Task Force and get feedback at a hybrid meeting on August 25. We'll bring a draft to the Board that includes Task Force input for review and discussion at the September 3 Board meeting. We then plan to bring the report to the Board for approval by the retreat on September 17. We work with other county boards of education and the legislative delegation to build support and for the work.
Appointed to California AI in Education Task Force
I was just appointed to the State's AI in Education Task Force. I had applied because I don't think you can overestimate the impact AI will have on our lives, our students, and our education system. When I worked at the County Office of Education, I was a strong proponent of focusing on AI and helping our organization and school districts do the same. I co-chaired our AI committee and gave several presentations to districts on AI, building our shared knowledge and continuing to explore new issues. I hope this task force will be open to new ideas - not just layering on old ones - and impactful. Our students are counting on us.
Support for Schools Is More Important than Ever
I have been in office for six months now. My tenure has overlapped with a period of chaotic policy and program changes and threats coming out of Washington. It has put tremendous pressure on schools. Our school and district leaders have been doing an excellent job creating a safe and supportive place for students to learn amidst all of this commotion. However, they need our support. You can learn more about work underway and ideas for how you can support our schools in this Guest Perspective in The Daily Journal on June 27, 2025.
Advocacy Subcommittee Hosted Third Funding Adequacy Task Force Meeting
On June 23, the task force met to begin developing and considering possible options for addressing funding inadequacies in high-cost counties. We had a good discussion around some of the ideas and the County Office of Education team will help us flesh those out and vet them a bit. For example, we'll want to look at the potential cost of each item, which counties or districts might be affected, and the overall impact on students. The plan is to pull together a report for the taskforce to review at the end of the summer. Read more here.
Court School Graduation
On May 28, I was honored to participate in the graduation of students from the County Office of Education's Court School. The graduates, with the support of the school's education staff, their peers, and their families, have been working hard to put their lives on a track for success and happiness. Three of the participants graduated from community college and are on their way to a four-year degree university program. The high school graduates are also on the the path to higher-level learning and are excited about their futures. What a joyful event.
County Office Releases Report to the Community
This annual report highlights the County Office of Education's progress in implementing its strategic plan, including supporting whole-child student outcomes, building the education workforce, strengthening advocacy and partnerships, and helping every staff member to embody our vision and values.
There is also a lot of great data in the report addressing academic outcomes, college and career readiness, enrollment, funding, demographics, absenteeism, and suspensions.
Congratulations and thank you to the Communications Team for putting out an excellence resources. It is definitely worth a read!
Kent Awards Recognizes Excellent Programs
The San Mateo County School Boards Association held its annual Kent Awards celebration on May 2. Ten innovative and replicable programs from districts across the county received this special recognition at an event filled with joy, inspiring student performances, and time to connect and celebrate. Here are some highlights for me - hearing from students about what a music program in their school meant to them and their high school experiences, connecting with school district board members and school leaders and learning more about their programs, and listening to Carlmont's amazing Jazz Choir. I hope that next year we can hear more from students as hearing from them about the impact of these programs was powerful.
County Office of Education Hosts California Green Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony
On April 30, I was thrilled to attend the Green Ribbon Schools Award Ceremony at the County Office of Education. California Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond was there to honor the schools and districts making strides to make their campuses and communities more climate ready and focused on sustainability.
The County Office of Education was selected to host the event since it received the greatest number of points of all of the applicants. It is also the first county office of education to receive the Green Achiever Award, the highest level available.
When I worked at the County Office, the environmental literacy program was part of my team, so I am especially proud of this award. Julie Hilborn, Environmental Literacy Coordinator, led the effort and was supported by many others across the organization. It really was a team effort, with so many in the organization committed to this work, including Superintendent Magee who has made climate-ready schools a priority.
Read more in Ana Mata's article in The Daily Journal and in this media release.
Advocacy Subcommittee Hosts First Funding Adequacy Task Force Meeting
More than 30 school district board members and staff leaders joined the Board and Superintendent's Advocacy Subcommittee on April 21 to learn more about school funding. San Mateo County Office of Education Deputy Superintendent Kevin Bultema provided a detailed overview of the history of school funding, efforts to change it over time, and where we stand today. This review was informative and helped everyone on the call arrive at a shared understanding of how funding works and possible levers for change. Executive Director Ian Bain provided an updated on pending legislation aimed at addressing funding inadequacies. These offer a starting point. The group will reconvene on May 19 to hear from districts impacted by inadequate funding. Read more here.
Visit to Mariposa and Arroyo Schools in San Carlos
On April 15th, I visited the fourth graders at Mariposa School. I attended their history classes where they were busy working on the design of a museum they will create to highlight their learnings about California history. The students were working together to identify their priorities for the museum. Later, two classes merged seamlessly to check in on whether they were with addressing guiding questions they developed for this project. Like at Arroyo School, the teachers were facilitators of learning - not simply transmitters of knowledge and rules. The students responded well as they were engaged in and excited about their learning. Thank you Principal Fox for arranging this visit.
I had the opportunity to visit the fourth graders at Arroyo School on April 14th as they shared their work from their Project Based Learning initiative with others from their grade. All were engaged and excited to share. I heard some creative stories addressing natural disasters that built on their learning over the last several months. Principal Shelton had a wonderful rapport with the students. Another great example of high-quality education in San Mateo County.
Please read my Guest Perspective from The Daily Journal highlighting this visit and the excellent work being done in our schools.
County Boards Governance Workshop
I spent Friday, April 11t in Sacramento learning alongside and connecting with other county board members from across the state. We addressed budget development, board dynamics, legislation, advocacy, and community engagement. I especially appreciated my conversations with two new board members from Santa Clara County and an experienced board member from Sacramento County. I look forward to working with them in the future, especially as we address returning excess property taxes to our counties. I also received some great input on ways to bring on a youth trustee.
County Office of Education School Site Visits
I had the opportunity to visit County Office of Education school sites in March. These visits are so important to our understanding of the work of the County Office of Education. Plus, they give us the chance to connect with students and staff. Read more here.
Additional Reads and News
Support for Schools Is More Important than Ever
Guest Perspective in The Daily Journal
By Patricia Love
June 27, 2025
Spotlight (newsletter of the County Office of Education)
News and Updates from the San Mateo County Office of Education, June 9, 2025
Shares highlights from the Report to the Community.
Learning Comes Alive in San Carlos
Guest Perspective in The Daily Journal
By Patricia Love
April 28, 2025
Recent SMCOE Media Releases
San Mateo County Office of Education Wins Top Honor from California Green Ribbon Schools, April 22, 2025. The California Department of Education named the San Mateo County Office of Education as a 2025 Green Achiever, the highest level California Green Ribbon Schools recognition. The County Office received this prestigious honor for its groundbreaking leadership in environmental literacy and sustainable and climate-ready practices. Read more.
Kris Shouse Wins Administrator of the Year Award for Career Technical Education, April 17, 2025. The San Mateo County Office of Education today announced that Associate Superintendent, Educational Services, Kris Shouse has received an Administrator of the Year Award. Read more.
San Mateo County Superintendent Nancy Magee Will Not Seek Re-Election, April 14, 2025. San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Magee announced she will not run for re-election next year. Read more.
Schools Receive a 2025 California Distinguished Schools Award, April 7, 2025.
Twelve elementary schools from eight school districts in San Mateo County received a 2025 California Distinguished School Award from the California Department of Education. Read more.
Public Events of Interest
Almost Mother's Day Kids' Concert
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Red Morton Park
Music, art, and play for children and families.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Mural, "Blossoms ~ International Friendship"
Thursday, May 15th, 4:00 pm
Sister City Lane, 1225 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos
This collaborative masterpiece symbolizes hope, unity, and the blossoming global friendship between the sister cities of San Carlos and Ōmura, Japan. Exactly what we need more of right now. Open to all.
San Carlos Hometown Days
May 16-18
San Carlos students will be performing and there will be many activities for children and families. Open to all.
Thank you for visiting
Patricia Love, Trustee
San Mateo County Board of Education
The views expressed on this website are those of Patricia Love and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Board of Education as a whole or its individual members.
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