The race for Merced County Superintendent of Schools is down to two candidates. We know both individuals on a personal and professional level, and both are outstanding educators. What separates the two, in our view, is preparation and experience.
Richard Lopez ran for this position in 2018 and received 47% of the county vote. At the time, Richard was a relatively unknown superintendent, and few expected the race to be that close. Through hard work and an effective campaign, he nearly pulled off the upset.
That was almost ten years ago. Since 2018, the Merced River School District has doubled in size, attracting parents and students from neighboring communities. Why? Because students excel. Merced River consistently performs above the county average in nearly every area measured on the California School Dashboard. As one of the 12 feeder districts to Merced Union High School District (MUHSD), Merced River also produces the highest percentage of students entering MUHSD at or above grade level in reading, based on NWEA MAP scores. It is not even close.
The facts are difficult to argue with. Merced River has experienced tremendous growth while producing strong student outcomes. It seems to us that this is the kind of proven leadership we should want at the county level.
Proven success and experience are imperative for someone seeking to serve as County
Superintendent of Schools. In this role, you work alongside superintendents throughout the county, represent our educational community at the state level, and help facilitate and lead initiatives that districts agree are important for students. Credibility in that role comes from demonstrating that you have the skills, experience, and judgment necessary to lead alongside other leaders.
While Richard’s professional experience as a superintendent has been in a TK-8 district, his community service experience extends directly into grades 9-12. He has served MUHSD for 10 years as a board member and understands the needs and challenges of our high school systems. A lesser-known part of Richard’s background is that he also served for 14 years on the Merced River School District board before becoming a superintendent.
Where we believe Richard’s experience stands out most is in one of the areas where Merced County Office of Education provides significant support to local districts: special education. Richard’s personal experience as the parent of a child with special needs, now an adult, has given him a level of empathy and understanding that cannot be learned solely through professional experience. Given the county’s recent challenges in this area, that perspective and experience are particularly valuable.
MCOE provides assistance, support, and oversight to local school districts, but it does not direct those districts. Each school district has its own elected board and superintendent. To make meaningful progress for students across Merced County, the County Superintendent must be able to build relationships and coalitions among independent school systems.
Richard understands both sides of that relationship. He has served successfully as a school board member and as a superintendent. He understands governance, district leadership, and the importance of bringing people together around shared goals.
MCOE is an organization filled with talented and dedicated people. We believe it is time for a change in leadership and vision, and Richard Lopez has demonstrated that he is prepared to lead Merced County’s educational community.
Alan Peterson, superintendent of Merced Union High School District
Julianna Stocking, superintendent of Merced City School District
Dr. Benjamin T. Duran, retired president of Merced College
Dr. RoseMary Parga Duran, retired superintendent Merced City School District
Rosina Hurtado, retired superintendent of Le Grand Elementary School District
Donna Alley, retired superintendent of Le Grand High School District