Dear community member,
It is with deep appreciation that we share the Santa Cruz County Office of Education’s 2024-25 Annual Report. This past year, our collective efforts have focused on a singular goal: creating a community where every learner is safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. From launching Project ASCEND to ensure restorative justice for our youth, to standing firmly with our immigrant families, LGBTQIA+ students, and other vulnerable members of our community to ensure our schools remain places of true belonging, our work continues to be rooted in equity and safety.
Inside this year’s report, you will find stories of incredible student impact and educator growth, including:
Student Leadership in Action: Celebrating the Youth Led Leadership Alliance’s landmark year, from environmental advocacy to earning a prestigious CSBA Golden Bell Award.
Empowering Educators: Highlighting our countywide Math Initiative, new professional learning networks, and our ed.PATH program to recruit and support exceptional educators across our TK-12 school community.
A Vision for the Future: A look into our new, five-year Strategic Plan, Building Bridges in Education, and the values that will guide our work through 2029.
None of this progress would be possible without the resilience of our students and the unwavering partnership of our families, school districts, and community-based organizations. Thank you all so much for your partnership and advocacy — this past year more than ever. We invite you to explore the full report to see the impact of our shared commitment to the well-being and success of all learners in Santa Cruz County.
As we head into winter break, this newsletter will be on hiatus until the New Year. Until then, I wish you and your family a restful and rejuvenating holiday season.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools