Michael's Accomplishments

As county superintendent, Michael has supported, developed, and implemented a number of innovative initiatives:

  • A countywide blueprint for a high quality preschool program which includes a large migrant family population.
  • The Green Careers program, offers high school students education and employment training in a green careers pathway.
  • A partnership between the County Office of Education Regional Occupational Program and the local community college to provide articulated Career Technical Education programs to high school and college students.
  • Initiation of Project IMPACT, an intern certification program in which aspiring local teachers obtain a teaching credential. Project IMPACT is focused on equity, improved teacher quality and the need to close the achievement gap. It provides mentoring and coaching opportunities to teachers in hard-to-staff schools.
  • Michael has been an innovative and ardent advocate for arts in education and has worked with the distinguished artists from Cabrillo College and Shakespeare Santa Cruz to bring their talents into schools
  • Michael has expanded minority participation in the sciences by reaching out to them to participate in the the County Office of Education's Science Fair.
  • Under Michael's leadership, A Real DUI Court in Schools program has been developed that combines a real DUI sentencing hearing with judicial outreach and education models to emphasize to students the consequences of driving under the influence. The Real DUI Court in Schools expands the highly respected County Teen Peer Court program, which provides an alternative to incarceration for first time offender juveniles.
  • Michael has developed and leads the Inside Education program, an innovative community partnership that heightens public awareness through a first hand look at the public education system in Santa Cruz County. Through this partnership, community professional, business, and civic leaders participate in a series of workshops and site visits designed to educate participants about current issues affecting public education. The program also highlights successful programs offered in the schools and addresses the challenges of educating and preparing students for success in the 21st century.
  • Michael has also spearheaded programs that have led to increasing retention and improving novice teacher effectiveness through the New Teacher Project's training and mentoring services.
  • Michael has also promoted and created youth employment programs and expanded educational support programs to homeless and foster youth.
  • Michael has worked with community partners to develop and expand corrective programs focused on truancy, drug and alcohol abuse.
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