Solano Co. Education Board Names New School Superintendent

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – The Solano County Board of Education has selected Lisette Estrella-Henderson as the Solano County Office of Education County Superintendent of Schools following the retirement of Jay Speck.

Estrella-Henderson will take the oath of office in January 2017 and complete the remainder of Speck's term, which ends Jan. 7, 2019.

Estrella-Henderson has worked for SCOE for nearly 13 years in a variety of roles including Program Manager of Instructional Support and English Language Learner Programs, Director of District and School Support, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, and her current position as Associate Superintendent of Student Program sand Educational Services.

Prior to her employment with SCOE, she dedicated 20 years to supporting Solano County schools in various capacities with the Dixon Unified School District such as Director of Projects and Intervention, Bilingual Program Coordinator, Bilingual Elementary School Teacher, Primary Language Reading Teacher and Silveyville School Principal, as well as holding leadership positions in the Migrant Child Education Program, serving as a Student Teacher Supervisor for the University of California at Davis, and working as an Instructor-Lecturer at Chapman University.

Estrella-Henderson receives support from a large cross section of the community, including current and former leaders in education, partnering government agencies and community-based entities, the department said.

Board President Dana Dean commented, "During the several months’ process of seeking a new superintendent,Ms. Estrella-Henderson rose to the top for several reasons: her unmatched depth of experience and knowledge regarding education issues in Solano County and throughout the state; her demonstrated commitment to equity in education for all students, especially our most vulnerable children; and the outpouring of respect and support for her that came from all corners of our region. We are truly lucky to have someone so very plainly qualified to step into the role of County Superintendent of Schools.”

"I am honored by the Board’s decision to appoint me as the County Superintendent of Schools upon Jay’s
retirement," stated Ms. Estrella-Henderson. “I am committed to upholding the reputation of the Solano County Office of Education -- leading with courage, vision, and humility -- while serving the communities in our County and always keeping the best interests of students at the forefront of everything we do. I look forward to meeting the challenges of the future; building business, community, and service agency partnerships; and providing support for all of our educators who strive to create an exciting, productive, and safe learning environment where every student can grow and thrive.”

Current Superintendent of Schools Jay Speck noted, "I could not be more pleased with the Board's decision.
Without a doubt, Lisette is the perfect person to carry on the work of our organization, and I am confident that she will take that work to the next level of service and improve SCOE’s commitment to the children of Solano County. Iam thrilled that the Board acted decisively with a unanimous vote of support so we can begin the transition to Lisette's leadership with no disruption to SCOE or the important work we are doing for students."

The Solano County Office of Education provides programs for students in the community who have disabilities and special needs, are incarcerated in the Juvenile Detention Facility, attend court and community school, and are homeless or in foster care. The County Superintendent is also responsible for approval of local school districts’ Local Control and Accountability Plans and budgets. Additionally, SCOE provides regional services to school districts including professional development, college and career readiness, and special events such as the Academic Decathlon, Elementary Spelling Bee, Student Art Faire, and Educator of the Year.

• Also see: Solano Youth Spearhead Holiday Food Drive

--Information and image courtesy of SCOE