Meets with local education leaders
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond visited Santa Barbara County on Friday for a meeting with local school, district and county administrators.
Mr. Thurmond and the administrators gathered at an event co-hosted by Association of California School Administrators Region 13 and the Santa Barbara County Education Office.
Assemblywoman Monique Limon, D-Santa Barbara, introduced Mr. Thurmond, who spoke about his game plan for the year. That includes initiatives to address statewide literacy, reducing chronic absenteeism, closing the achievement gap, and providing access to STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and math — and computer science programs. Local education leaders were stoked to have Mr. Thurmond.
“Administrators throughout Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties spent valuable time sharing about local issues affecting out schools,” said Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido. “We appreciate Superintendent Thurmond’s insight and attention to state level matters and how they may impact us locally. We are all focused on priorities and actions that support our schools and help students thrive.”
Ms. Salcido was not the only one to have positive thoughts on the gathering. South County ACSA Chair and Superintendent Demian Barnett — who also serves as the principal of Peabody Charter School — echoed her thoughts.
“I’m grateful Superintendent Thurmond and Assemblymember Limon accepted our invitation to talk with school leaders about the needs of our local students and districts,” said Mr. Barnett. “It was a unique opportunity for us to partner with SBCEO, and to share important information and advocate for the Central Coast.”
The gathering, also attended by state Sen. Hannah Beth Jackson also attended — wrapped up with table groups discussing local issues and Mr. Thurmond’s presentation.
