Superintendent Parker Highlights Annual Report

The Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools (TCSOS) Annual Report to the Community was released on April 11, 2022. This year’s annual report reflects just a few of the incredible programs and accomplishments of TCSOS and our partners over the past year.

It has been a challenging two years with our community rising to meet the pandemic’s many obstacles. Despite these challenges, we continued to provide safe and supportive schools while developing much-needed student mental health programs, increasing access to technology, and supporting the development of career technical educational (formerly known as vocational ed) opportunities.

School leaders, teachers, and staff deserve a huge “Thank you!” for providing exceptional educational experiences to all students while ensuring a safe environment. Parents and families deserve special recognition for their perseverance and flexibility in an ever-changing environment.

The collaboration between TCSOS and community partners like Tuolumne County Behavioral Health, County Probation, Workforce Investment Board, Columbia Community College, Adventist Health, Tuolumne County Sheriff and Sonora Police Department, Tuolumne County Collaborative, Center for a Non Violent Community (CNVC), public & private schools, and many others, gives students unique opportunities not found in many counties.

Highlights included in the Annual Report:

Supporting specialists in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

TCSOS was able to secure a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) grant to train and support teachers across Tuolumne County in developing lessons and activities to support students in grades K-8. TCSOS continues to support schools by employing two highly trained local specialists to bring exciting and enriching learning experiences to all students in our county.

Increasing Foster Youth Services

By securing a Foster Youth Services Coordinating Grant, we have expanded Foster Youth services by increasing opportunities for our Transition Age Youth (TAY), those who are nearing adulthood. This includes working with them to secure employment, housing, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and completing paperwork for college applications.

Expanding Adult Education

Adults seeking a diploma, GED, or training can now work with TCSOS to access resources at no cost to them. We can meet with adults in various settings and help them earn their high school diploma or GED, which opens so many doors of opportunity.

Developing innovative mental health support resources

Receiving a $2.5 million competitive grant from the Mental Health Services Oversight Commission was truly a win for Tuolumne County students. The grant provides funding for three additional clinicians, a mental health navigator, and a mental health coordinator to work with families and students in crisis.

Working with local partners to provide training opportunities for youth and adults

TCSOS partners with the Tuolumne County Collaborative and Greater Valley Conservation Corps to bring pre-apprenticeship programs in construction to adults seeking to develop the skills needed to secure high-paying jobs that allow them to stay in the community and raise their families. We also work with Columbia Community College, the Workforce Investment Board, and Adventist Health to develop pathways for our high school graduates to leave high school prepared for careers in the community.

While we are proud of all that has been accomplished, we look forward to expanding and developing more educational options in Tuolumne County. The dedicated staff at TCSOS, our educational partners, and local school districts will continue to ensure access and equity for all of our learners.

To view the entire TCSOS Annual Report to the Community, visit: https://www.tcsos.us/annualreport/