County Superintendents

The position of County Superintendent of Schools, established in the California State Constitution in 1879, has evolved to meet the changing needs of the state and its students. The responsibilities of these constitutional officers fall generally into these categories:

  • Educating specific student populations (i.e., special education and disenfranchised youth);
  • Monitoring and oversight of student academic environment;
  • Implementing regional support activities to assist district and school staffs;
  • Monitoring and oversight for district fiscal stability;
  • Providing direct services to small school districts; and
  • Providing academic support and assistance to districts and their schools.

    • *Quick Facts:
  • There are 6.2 million students in California (Source: California Department of Education, Educational Demographics Office (CBEDS, 5/14/07)
  • There are 1,052 districts in California
  • There are 58 County Superintendents in California
  • 53 County Superintendents are elected; 5 are appointed
  • Appointed County Superintendents include: Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Clara
  • There are 7 single district counties in the state: Alpine, Amador, Del Norte, Mariposa, Plumas, San Francisco and Sierra

    • * Updated December 2007

    Background on County Superintendents

    For more information about the roles and responsibilities of county superintendents view the Testimony presented to the Little Hoover Commission by Executive Director Sue Burr on October 25, 2007.

    Directory of County Superintendents

    Resources

    Policy Framework for Career Technical Education