Back-to-School Message from the Superintendent

Dear SJCOE Team,
 
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! The beginning of a new school year is always a time of new beginnings. It’s not just students who look forward to new experiences, new knowledge, and new connections. All of us who work in any role in education can feel the excitement of what is to come in the new year that awaits us. 

That’s because it is more than just a new beginning. It is a continuation of growth and progress. Students will build on existing skills and knowledge, with educators supporting and guiding them to new achievements and milestones. For all of us at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE), whether or not we are working in the classroom, we will continue to build on our prior work and go farther in our support of education in San Joaquin County. 

Taken together all these steps forward – from students in the classroom to those supporting them at every level – continue to make a difference. Education has the power to transform communities, and every step forward in education is a step forward for the children, families, and communities that make up San Joaquin County. Education is what prepares us to reach new heights and to face any challenge.

Learning to read is fundamental to individual success and nothing can help transform our communities more than improving literacy. That is why we will continue to work with our educational partners to promote literacy this year in efforts like the San Joaquin County Early Literacy Community of Practice, which is beginning its third year. 

It is also the fourth year of Building to Serve, our five-year strategic plan. It continues to guide us as we move forward, together, at the SJCOE. The plan is a reflection of our values, which also guides us. That is why it is important to remember our values are rooted in service to each and every student and the entire community. This means providing an inclusive and safe environment for all our students and staff – regardless of disability, gender, gender identity, immigration status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics. Our values will always remain steadfast as we continue to grow and change to meet the needs of our community.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for the work that you have done to bring us this far and all the work you will do to take us ever forward. I am excited for everything we will be able to accomplish together this new year.

Sincerely,

Troy A. Brown, Ed.D.
County Superintendent of Schools
San Joaquin County Office of Education
(209) 468-9107