Roger Rice. Courtesy photo
VENTURA COUNTY — Dr. Roger Rice, Deputy Superintendent for Student Services at the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), was honored today by the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) as its Educational Leader of the Year. Dr. Rice received his award today at the VCLA Journey to Leadership Awards Luncheon, which is the premier event in the county recognizing leaders who have made an exceptional impact in our community.
“I can think of no one more deserving of this honor,” said Stan Mantooth, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. “Dr. Rice has dedicated his career to enhancing educational opportunity for students from all walks of life. His passion and leadership ability have made a real difference for countless people in our community.”
More About Dr. Rice: For the past nine years, Dr. Rice has served as Associate and Deputy Superintendent of Student Services for VCOE. As a part of his duties, Dr. Rice oversees Alternative Education, Career Education, Special Education, Special Populations, Charter Schools and Student Competitions. His recent efforts include serving on the state committee for designing the new accountability system for alternative education schools, restructuring VCOE’s Gateway Community School, helping to facilitate the implementation of two career pathways trust grants and providing ongoing oversight and support to the county’s charter schools. Prior to coming to VCOE, Dr. Rice’s experience included serving as an assistant superintendent, high school principal, dean, classroom teacher, coach and gang and substance abuse intervention resource advisor.
More about the Ventura County Leadership Academy: The Ventura County Leadership Academy connects and cultivates a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through an immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. VCLA’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathway toward impacting our region. VCLA boasts over 500 alumni occupying key roles in a wide range of industries and agencies throughout the County.
About the Ventura County Office of Education: The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org.