Butte County Office of Education named 2026 Medium County Office of the Year

September 30, 2026 - 09:18

NAPA, Calif. - The Butte County Office of Education has been named the 2026 Medium County Office of the Year by California County Superintendents. The organization announced the award Tuesday night at its annual awards reception, recognizing BCOE and Butte County Superintendent of Schools Mary Sakuma.

The honor is part of California County Superintendents' Leadership Awards, which recognize work aligned with its priorities and are designed to be competitive in the national awards program of the Association of Educational Service Agencies.

BCOE was selected from 25 eligible county offices in the medium-size category, which includes Class III, Class IV, and Class V offices.

According to the Butte County Office of Education, the award considers a broad range of work, including professional publications, technological innovation, executive leadership, whole-child approaches, support for students with disabilities, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, campaigns, arts education and other exceptional work with statewide significance.

California County Superintendents' annual award recipients are selected by a committee of county superintendents and county office staff following nominations from county offices of education throughout the state.

Officials say this recognition marks the second consecutive year that BCOE has been honored at the annual awards. In 2025, the County Operated Student Programs Committee awarded a STAR Award to Michelle Zevely, BCOE Deputy Superintendent, Student Programs and Educational Support.