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).

Happy Holidays from VCOE!

A Message from Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

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.

Thank you for the meaningful work you do each day to enrich the lives of Ventura County's children. I wish you joyful celebrations, time with loved ones, and a safe and refreshing winter break.

Warmly,

Dr. César Morales

Ventura County Superintendent of Schools



Tour the New VCOE Welding Facility

This week marks the grand opening of the new Welding & Testing Facility at the Ventura County Office of Education’s Career Education Center in Camarillo. As Ventura County’s first and only testing facility accredited by the American Welding Society, the new center will play a key role in strengthening our community’s workforce.

In addition to AWS testing, the facility offers welding education for high school students and anyone in the community who wants to pursue a career in welding. Get all the details about welding classes and testing services at vcoe.org/welding.

You're invited to take a tour of the facility by watching the latest edition of the VCOE Focus on Education podcast.

Civic Engagement Event for Students

Registration is now open for the 2026 VCOE Civic Action Project Expo. This event gives Ventura County middle and high school students the chance to showcase civic action projects and amplify their voice on important community issues. 

The middle school expo is on March 26, and the high school event is on March 27 at the VCOE conference center in Camarillo. Teachers who would like to have their students participate can click here for more information and to sign up. 

Leading During Challenging Times

The new edition of California School Business Magazine takes a close look at the challenges facing educational leaders in our current climate. 

Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, was honored to be interviewed for their feature article, where he shares his philosophy on leading with compassion and keeping students at the heart of every decision.

You can flip through the digital version of the magazine or click here to jump right to the article.

Kudos to Math Legend Vicki Vierra

Local math legend, Vicki Vierra, received this wonderful letter of gratitude from the California Mathematics Council for the exponential impact she has on students and educators.

Vicki is a retired math teacher from the Hueneme Elementary School District who now volunteers with the Ventura County Math Council and serves as a consultant for VCOE, leading training sessions for math educators. 

We are so grateful to have such a compassionate and dedicated educator who is making math exciting, accessible, and fun for Ventura County students! 

Summer Opportunity for Teachers

Aspiring and current teachers are invited to apply for a summer language and cultural experience in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Sonoma State University is offering this 17-day program that includes hands-on practice in Mexican bilingual schools and interactive workshops. 

A limited number of scholarships are available, and the application deadline is February 1. For more information and to sign up, click here. 

Summit on Educational Inequities

Local education leaders are invited to attend a free three-day summit about putting equity into action. This conference is designed to inspire, energize, and equip educators with tools to make real change possible. 

The conference is presented by the 21st Century California School Leadership Academy and takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ventura from February 23-25. 

There’s no fee to attend, and hotel accommodations are included. For more information and to register, click here. 

10th Annual VCOE Hackathon by the Sea

High school students from across Ventura County came together for the 10th Annual Hackathon by the Sea last weekend. These bright-minded students honed their STEM skills to solve technical problems, complete escape rooms, and take part in other fun activities. Part two of the Hackathon where students will present their projects is scheduled for April 16. 

Local Migrant Ed Program is #1 in State

At a time when their services are so badly needed, I’m excited to share that VCOE’s Migrant Education Program (MEP) is number one in the state for student identification and enrollment.

Our program’s numbers are up 14 percent, outpacing all other MEP regions in California and surpassing statewide growth over the past two years. This federally funded program provides migrant students with additional support to help them succeed in school and build their own American dreams.

Migrant Student Leadership Summit

It was a packed house at the 2026 Migrant Education Student Leadership Summit, where students learned to build confidence and develop skills to become leaders in their communities. 

They heard from two inspiring keynote speakers: Dr. Ramon Flores, Ventura County Board of Education President and naval engineer, along with Miguel Rodriguez, Director of Community Relations and Workforce Development at the Port of Hueneme. 

Academic Decathlon Volunteers Needed

The 2026 VCOE Academic Decathlon is coming up on Saturday, January 24, and we are in need of volunteers to make it an impactful event for students. There are spots available to judge student speeches and interviews and to serve as a proctor for the exciting Super Quiz.

If you’re interested in volunteering or know someone who might be, click here for more information.

Ag Education Poster Contest

Ventura County Farm to School is now accepting submissions for its 2026 Agriculture Education Summit poster design contest. The competition is open to all K-12 students in Ventura County.

The submission deadline is Friday, January 16, 2026, and all the details on how to enter are available here. 

Upcoming Events and Workshops

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

Transition to Adult Life

For young adults with disabilities and their parents

January 27, 2026

Walking the Path Together Conference

For families with young children with disabilities (0-5 years old)

January 31, 2026

Supporting Student Success

Social interventions in K-12 education

February 4, 2026

California Teaching Pyramid Symposium

For anyone who has completed a CA Teaching Pyramid module series

February 5-7, 2026

Agency 101

Social services resource fair for families and caregivers

February 12, 2026

Trauma-Responsive Practices for Leaders

To create healthier environments in programs, organizations, and systems that support children and adults

March 16, 2026