Focus on Education provides news about Ventura County public schools for families and educators. It is published by the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE).

Every Student, Every Day: Ventura County Schools Stand Strong for All Families

A Message from Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

As the 2025–2026 school year gets underway, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to every student and family in Ventura County. This is an exciting time for students to reunite with friends, meet new teachers, and pursue fresh opportunities for growth and learning. But for many families, this year begins not only with hope, but with anxiety and fear.

Our message to all families is simple: We are ready for you. We welcome you. We stand with you. Our staff are trained to protect your children and connect your family to critical resources.

Helping Neighbors in Their Time of Need

As students head back to class, fear, confusion and uncertainty have taken root in neighborhoods across Ventura County. Many families are feeling anxious about daily routines - afraid to go to work, bring their children to school, or even step outside their homes. In some cases, families have been torn apart, with parents separated from their children. Local businesses are feeling the strain, and our shared sense of security feels deeply shaken.

That’s why the Ventura County Office of Education is part of a coalition of local organizations that recently launched the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. Administered by the Ventura County Community Foundation, the fund will provide urgent assistance to affected families. To date, more than $100,000 has been raised to help families with housing, food, and other basic needs. You can learn more about the fund or make a donation at www.vccf.org/neighbors.

Constitution Day at the Reagan Library

Ventura County teachers are invited to attend the 21st Annual Constitution Day Mini-Conference on Saturday, September 6, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. This exciting professional development opportunity is designed for elementary, middle, and high school educators. This year's theme, "Our Nation, Many Voices," celebrates the diverse perspectives that have shaped our nation’s history and civic identity. 

Participants will gain access to interactive teacher workshop sessions, featuring engaging strategies for civics education and valuable insights into fostering informed and active citizenship. The event will also include a Civic Learning Student Panel, providing an inspiring look at student experiences with civic engagement. Participants will receive FREE lesson plans and curricular materials from respected sponsor organizations to support classroom instruction. Click here to register.

Thank You for "Stuffing the Bus" for Kids

The United Way of Ventura County and the Ventura County Office of Education would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2025 Stuff the Bus campaign. This year, the campaign distributed more than 2,300 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in Ventura County who are experiencing homelessness. Much appreciation to all who donated and volunteered their time to help pave the path to academic success for local kids! 

Student Logo Contest is Now Open

Calling all student artists! The Ventura County Office of Education is now accepting entries in the logo design contest for the 2026 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 October 17, and all of the details on how to participate are available here.

Keeping Students Safe on School Buses

Ventura County school bus drivers are receiving essential guidance on how to keep kids safe if an intruder tries to get on board. At a series of training sessions, they’ve been practicing their response to various scenarios so they’re ready to act in the event of an emergency. 

Much gratitude to the Ventura County Schools Self-Funding Authority and Strategos International for providing this vital training, and huge thanks to all the bus drivers who get students safely to school and back every day!

Books & Hooks: New Podcast Episodes

Did you know you can check out a ukulele from your local library? That’s just one of the things you can discover in the latest episode of the VCOE Focus on Education podcast. Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram shares what drew her to library management, and we explore the many ways the library supports education beyond simply checking out books. From access to computers and mobile hotspots to adult literacy programs, you’ll be surprised at how much the library has to offer. 

On another recent episode, we sit down with Kevin Brannon, who graduated from VCOE’s Gateway Community School and went on to found Reel Guppy Outdoors, a non-profit that provides educational fishing programs for local students. Watch or listen to all of our podcast episodes at vcoe.org/podcast.

Visiting Teachers Lead Summer Program

Four guest teachers from the Mexican states of Michoacán, Zacatecas, and Guanajuato were in Ventura County to lead summer educational and cultural enrichment programs. Claudia “Andrea” Leduc Torres, Noé Cambrón Cortes, Juan Carlos Villanueva Garcia, and Teresita Carmen Llovera Vasquez taught summer school classes at Rio Real and Lemonwood elementary schools in Oxnard and at Somis School. Their visit is part of an international program of the California Department of Education and the Mexican Secretary of Public Education.

The guest teachers helped host Family Cultural Nights, where students celebrated Mexican heritage by performing traditional dances and beautiful mariachi music. You can watch a quick video of the festivities here. 

Dr. Ramon Flores Honored for Service

Ventura County Board of Education President, Dr. Ramon Flores, with Pacific Coast Business Times Founder and Editor, Henry Dubroff

Dr. Ramon Flores has served as a trustee on the Ventura County Board of Education for 17 years, but that’s just the start of his dedication to students. Dr. Flores is a Navy engineer who goes the extra mile to mentor students interested in STEM careers. He even runs a boot camp for first-generation college students to help set them up for success.

His good work isn’t going unnoticed. He was recently honored with the Latino Business Award from the Pacific Coast Business Times newspaper. The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula, and Dr. Flores was featured in a profile, which can be viewed here.

National Award for Communications

A unique program that helps local schools communicate with their communities during crisis situations has received national recognition.

The program is a partnership between the Ventura County Schools Self-Funding Authority and the California School Public Relations Association. It gives schools access to professional communications help during emergencies.

Over the summer, the program was honored with a prestigious Mark of Distinction award from the National School Public Relations Association.

Upcoming Events and Workshops

The Ventura County Office of Education and its partners present a wide variety of workshops and events for educators, students, and community members. Some upcoming offerings are below, and you can browse our full calendar of events at vcoe.k12oms.org.

Civic Engagement Professionals Network

Support and strengthen civic learning and student leadership

September 15, 2025

Gold Coast Ethnic Studies Conference

Creating a culture of collaboration in TK-12 ethnic studies

October 4, 2025

Ventura County CABE Conference

Local chapter of the California Association for Bilingual Education

October 10, 2025

Library and Literacy Day

Learning and networking for school library staff

October 15, 2025

Aviation Career Day

For Ventura County high school and middle school students

October 17, 2025