Tag: Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE)

Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) — Logo contest, Library Day, Student-Led Candidate Forum, and more

by Community Contributor • September 9, 2026 • Comments Off

Ventura County students are invited to showcase their artistic talents by designing logos for the 2027 Academic Decathlon, Batalla de los Libros, Battle of the Books, Mock Trial, Science Fair, and Civic Action Project.

The winning designs will be featured on event lapel pins, awards, and competition materials. Students can compete for the opportunity to leave their mark on these prestigious events and win a plaque at the competition awards ceremonies. The deadline to submit entries is Friday, October 16, and details on how to enter are available at this link.

Holiday message from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

As we bring this calendar year to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful and restorative holiday season. This year has moved quickly, and I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together. Ventura County schools are making gains in student achievement while offering outstanding programs before, during, and after school.

I’m especially grateful for everyone who strengthens our education community—teachers and staff at our districts and charter schools, families, community partners, and all who support our students inside and outside the classroom. In a year with its share of challenges, Ventura County schools have stepped up to support families facing immigration concerns and disruptions to CalFresh benefits. In difficult moments, I’m so proud that VCOE has remained a source of stability, compassion, and hope.

Westlake, Channel Islands, and Thousand Oaks High Schools Take Top Spots in 2025 Ventura County Academic Decathlon

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2025 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held over the past few weeks. The winners were revealed at a ceremony this evening in Camarillo. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Westlake High School
2nd Place: Channel Islands High School
3rd Place: Thousand Oaks High School

Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) — Ventura County Schools Show Progress in Attendance, Graduation Rate, and Academic Performance

by Community Contributor • November 22, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County Schools are making improvements in attendance, graduation rates, academic performance, and other measures according to new data from the 2024 California School Dashboard released today by the California Department of Education. Highlights for Ventura County include:

GRADUATION RATE: Ventura County’s graduation rate of 89.3% for 2024 has improved by six percentage points since 2021 and is nearly three percentage points better than the statewide rate.
CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM: Ventura County’s chronic absenteeism rate of 18.3% for 2024 marks the third consecutive year of improvement and is more than two percentage points better than the statewide rate.
SUSPENSION RATE: Ventura County’s suspension rate of 3.2% for 2024 is a 0.4% improvement from the prior year and slighter better than the statewide rate.
MATHEMATICS: Ventura County students’ performance in mathematics on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for 2024 improved by 1.2 percentage points over the prior year.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: Ventura County students’ performance in English language arts on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress for 2024 improved by 0.63 percentage points over the prior year.

Ventura County Student Logo Design Contest Winners Announced

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2025 Academic Decathlon, Science Fair, Battle of the Books, and Mock Trial. Approximately 180 entries were submitted by students from throughout Ventura County.

Bilingual report — Ventura County Office of Education — New Podcast Launches, Cell Phone Survey Results, Student Art Competitions, and more…

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2024 • Comments Off

I’m excited to share a new way for you to stay connected to our schools and informed about the critical role they play in our community. The Ventura County Office of Education is launching a new podcast that’s all about public education in Ventura County.

The “Focus on Education” podcast will highlight the many ways my office and our local schools are serving students and expanding educational opportunities. Each month, we’ll introduce you to the education superstars who are making a difference for kids in academics, career preparation, emotional well-being, and beyond.

Community Colleges of Ventura County and VCOE Collaborate to Expand Educational Opportunities

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2024 • Comments Off

Dual Enrollment programs bring college courses to high schools across the county CAMARILLO — Educators from the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) gathered for a pivotal Community of Practice event at…

New Bookmobile to Serve Ventura County Schools

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2024 • Comments Off

The School Mobile Library will offer books for students in multiple formats and languages, STEAM instruction and programs, homework support in alignment with school curricula, and access to technology and online resources. While libraries throughout the state, including the Ventura County Library, operate bookmobiles that serve the general public, this is the first in California to be specifically for students.

Ventura County Students shine in Science Fair, Mock Trial; Equity Conference turnout sets record; and more

by Community Contributor • April 9, 2024 • Comments Off

Nearly 700 students participated in the 69th annual Ventura County Science Fair at the VCOE conference center last month — that’s the highest level of participation in recent memory. The energy in the building was electric as the students presented their work to more than 130 volunteers who served as judges.

Westlake, Channel Islands, and Thousand Oaks High Schools Take Top Spots in 2024 Ventura County Academic Decathlon

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held over the past few weeks. The winners were revealed at a ceremony this evening in Camarillo. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Westlake High School
2nd Place: Channel Islands High School
3rd Place: Thousand Oaks High School

Ventura County Student Logo Design Contest Winners Announced

by Community Contributor • November 16, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the following winners of logo design contests for the 2024 Academic Decathlon, Battle of the Books, and Science Fair. Approximately 130 students from throughout Ventura County submitted 166 entries for the contests.

Westlake, Thousand Oaks, and Channel Islands High Schools Take Top Spots in 2023 Ventura County Academic Decathlon

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2023 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Ventura County Academic Decathlon, which was held in person over the past few weeks. The winners were revealed at a ceremony today at Oxnard High School. The three teams with the highest overall scores this year are:

1st Place: Westlake High School
2nd Place: Thousand Oaks High School
3rd Place: Channel Islands High School
This is the third consecutive year that Westlake High School has placed first overall. Complete individual and team results in all of the various categories are available at this link.

Student Artwork Showcased at Santa Paula Agriculture Museum through June 5

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Artwork by students who attend schools and programs operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is now on display in a new exhibition at the Santa Paula Agriculture Museum. VCOE provides special education and alternative learning opportunities to students throughout Ventura County from preschool through high school.

WHAT: Ventura County Office of Education Student Art Gallery

WHERE: Santa Paula Agriculture Museum, 926 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula, CA 93060

WHEN: Through June 5, 2022. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

ADMISSION: FREE

Teacher of the Year for VCOE-Operated Schools is Announced

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Beth Bowers, a dedicated and innovative teacher who has dedicated her career to serving students with disabilities, has been named the 2022 Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Bowers will now be in the running for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is open to all teachers countywide.

COVID-19 Test Kits for Students Arrive in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • January 6, 2022 • Comments Off

The State of California delivered 132,000 COVID-19 test kits to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) in Camarillo yesterday evening and this morning. The at-home kits are intended specifically for K-12 public school students as part of a program announced by Governor Gavin Newsom in December. Each kit contains two COVID-19 tests, and VCOE has received enough kits to provide one to every student in the county at no charge. They’re now being sent to local school districts, which will coordinate distribution to students and families.

High-Tech Learning Lab to Open at VCOE

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2021 • Comments Off

Seventh-grade students from Somis School will be the first to experience a new high-tech learning lab opening at the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) in Camarillo next week. It’s called the LMNOP Lab, which stands for Learning Makes New Opportunities Possible. The lab is outfitted with large interactive displays and all of the tools students will need to complete various technology-oriented projects.

The students will enjoy a full week of interactive learning about computer coding, robotics, electronic music, and website design. Students will have the opportunity to choose their own projects, which they will present to the class at the end of the week. Students will have access to a variety of technology learning tools, including Arduino microcontrollers and LEGO BOOST kits that use motors, sensors and coding to bring models to life.

Teacher of the Year for VCOE-Operated Schools is Announced

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2021 • Comments Off

A veteran teacher who has spent his career working with students with disabilities has been named Teacher of the Year for schools operated by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Shamus Auth has been a special education teacher at VCOE schools for 18 years and currently teaches young adults with disabilities at VCOE’s Dorothy Boswell School in Ventura. Mr. Auth will now be in the running for the Ventura County Teacher of the Year award, which is open to all teachers countywide.

Mr. Auth found out about the honor today when his family, his Principal Aran Burke and Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Dr. César Morales made a surprise visit to his classroom. Also on hand to break the good news were VCOE Associate Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Consuelo Hernandez Williams and VCOE Executive Director of Special Education Holly Minear.

Dr. Cesar Morales Appointed as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Dr. Cesar Morales was appointed this week as the new Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. After conducting a nationwide search, the Ventura County Board of Education made the decision this morning by a unanimous vote. Dr. Morales will fill the vacancy created in February when Stan Mantooth retired from the post.

Dr. Morales currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Since Mr. Mantooth’s departure, Dr. Morales has assumed all duties of the County Superintendent of Schools on an interim basis. He will officially become Ventura County’s next Superintendent of Schools effective April 1 and will be formally sworn in on April 16.

New VCOE Education Building Completed in Camarillo

by Community Contributor • August 27, 2020 • Comments Off

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) on Aug. 24 marked the completion of the new the Mary E. Samples Education Services Center building in Camarillo. The 29,944-square-foot, two-story building at 5250 Adolfo Road was finished just over two years after construction began. The building is the new, permanent home of VCOE’s Triton Academy, which serves students with autism in 3rdthrough 12th grades. It also houses the administrative offices of VCOE’s Special Education Department and has space reserved for what could become a high-tech makerspace lab for middle school students throughout the County.

$4.3 Million Grant to Enhance Career Education in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • May 14, 2019 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Career technical education (CTE) programs for Ventura County middle and high school students will continue thanks to a major new grant awarded to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). In a highly competitive process, VCOE received a…

Dr. Cesar Morales Named New VCOE Associate Superintendent

by Community Contributor • April 5, 2019 • Comments Off

Morales to Join VCOE from Oxnard School District After an extensive search, the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is pleased to announce that Dr. Cesar Morales has been named the new Associate Superintendent of Student Services. Dr. Morales will…